My Background

I grew up in Massachusetts and spent my high school years in Connecticut, going on to attend Western Connecticut State University where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Human Relations in 1996. After college, I attended the University of Bridgeport where I received her Master’s Degree in 1998 in the field of Elementary Education. I hold a Principal’s Certification from Lesley University. I recently left the Framingham Public Schools to assume the interim position at Burbank where I served as the Assistant Director of Talent Growth and Development. Prior to that, I was the Assistant Director of Elementary Education and an Elementary Principal in Framingham for three years. Additional school leadership work includes as Principal at the K-3 Stall Brook Elementary School in Bellingham, MA and as an Assistant Principal from 2012-2017 at the Fred W. Miller School in Holliston, MA. I was an elementary classroom teacher for 13 years from 1999-2012. The most exciting thing to share is that I taught at the Burbank School as a Grade 3 classroom teacher from 2000-2005, in addition to Grade 3 classroom leadership experiences in Holliston, MA, and Arlington, MA.

My Leadership Philosophy

"There is only one child in the world, and that child’s name is ALL children.

This quote accurately represents my philosophy about public education and the role of an educational leader. Schools are a place for ALL children and as such have a great responsibility to nurture, support, and extend learning for ALL students. Inclusive schools comprehend all aspects of the school: all students learning together, multi-level instruction, community support for the whole child, and support for teachers. Inclusive schools strive towards including all learners, all families, all teachers and all of the community.

To be an effective, inclusive school leader I must have a brightly lighted vision and focus for my school (and/or district) that reflects the needs of the population, professional research, and my own beliefs and character. I must be a light that searches everywhere for resources, build upon the collective capacity of staff, keep the goal of student achievement at the forefront of every decision, and take time to recognize the learning points discovered along the way. I am committed to creating a safe and trusting growth mindset culture in schools where all members of the community feel supported and take meaningful risks to learn and develop together. I believe this is what is needed in order for true learning to occur for students.

Brenda Maurao, Principal