By Amanda McGregor
STAFF WRITER
—
Kahn brings world of experience
When students arrive at Carlton School today, they will be greeted by a new principal, Jean-Marie Kahn.
During her 12-year career in education, Kahn has taught various elementary grades. For the last four years, she was a reading teacher in Billerica, before starting work in Salem over the summer.
Kahn, a California native, attended college in Massachusetts and did her student teaching in New Zealand, where her love of literacy took root.
"It was a life-changing experience," she said. "They're one of the most literate countries in the world. The way they teach literacy and reading drew me in. It really opened my eyes."
Now, one of her primary goals is to support students and their teachers.
"Schools are asked to do more than they were ever asked to do in the past," Kahn said. "If we're going to ask teachers to be all-encompassing professionals, we need to give them professional support. They need to be able to talk together and share ideas."
Kahn has a master's degree from Lesley University, and she is working toward a Ph.D. in leadership in schooling at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. She lives in North Andover with her husband, Jules, a high school teacher in Haverhill, and their two children, ages 4 and 5.
She believes education is a dynamic profession.
"Every day is different," she said. "Kids present us with so many surprising, amazing successes, as well as challenges. ... You have to be constantly thinking on your feet."
Carlton School is a K-5 school on Skerry Street that has enrolled 214 students this year.
Bilingual education is Pou's passion
There is a common thread woven through Nora Pou's career: a commitment to bilingual education.
Pou is the new principal of Nathaniel Bowditch School, which is a K-8 school with a dual-language program.
"I believe in bilingualism not just for second-language learners, but for everyone," she said. "It broadens your horizons, and you get to appreciate people from other cultures."
Pou grew up in Puerto Rico and taught there for a year before coming to the United States, where she earned a master's degree at Boston University. She also holds a certificate of advanced studies in school administration from Harvard.
Over 25 years, she has worked at many schools, including Blackstone School in Boston, Barbieri Elementary School in Framingham and Bennett-Hemenway Elementary School in Natick.
"It's an exciting career that allows you to continue working and growing while also helping," Pou said, "I think education is a means of changing the world in many ways."
Last year, she served as assistant director of the International Charter School in Pawtucket, R.I.
"I feel like Nathaniel Bowditch School is a place that comprises all of my experiences in one place," said Pou, who lives in Wellesley.
Bowditch School, on Willson Street, has enrolled 502 students this year.
