Professional Development and Leadership Teams will work to refocus NCEA mission to Lead, Learn and Proclaim for Catholic schools
NCEA announces the appointment of two new assistant directors. Marcella “Mickie” Abatemarco will serve as the Assistant Director of Professional Development and Annette Jones will serve as the Assistant Director of Leadership Development. With the appointment of these new positions, NCEA will continue its commitment to Catholic school education and refocus its mission to lead, learn and proclaim.
“We are delighted to welcome new staff who will bring their gifts to enhance the mission of NCEA to Lead, Learn and Proclaim,” said NCEA President Brother Robert Bimonte. “Working in collaboration with our new teams, Mickie and Annette will provide leadership for Catholic school educators by developing new programs, services and resources for our members.”
As the Assistant Director of Professional Development, Mickie Abatemarco will work with the Professional Development Team to assist with the implementation and oversight of professional development programs and services, as well as develop online tools and resources for preschool, elementary, and secondary teachers who serve Catholic schools.
In acknowledgement of her appointment, Mickie says, “I look forward to supporting teachers in Catholic education as they work to bring the gospel message to those they teach.”
As the Assistant Director of Leadership Development, Annette Jones will work with the Leadership Development Team to assist with the development of programs, services, and resources for the ongoing professional development of current Catholic school leaders, as well as the preparation and development of the next generation of Catholic school leaders.
“NCEA has embraced innovative leadership to enhance the mission of our Catholic schools and parishes. As the Assistant Director of Leadership, I am thrilled to serve in this role and look forward to creating supportive programs and working collaboratively with school leaders, including principals, pastors and presidents, governing bodies, as well as superintendents,” said Annette.
Mickie came to NCEA in October 2012 as the associate executive director for the Religious Education Department. In this role, she was responsible for recruiting and supporting NCEA’s Religious Education Assessment tool, and for conducting assessment workshops to educate members across the country. She also was responsible for managing recruitment for the National Association of Parish Catechetical Directors (NPCD), supporting its members and planning the yearly NPCD Convocation. Prior to her work at NCEA, Mickie brings extensive experience working in Catholic schools and parishes both as a teacher and religious educator.
Annette brings a history of collaborative and visionary leadership that yielded to two National Blue Ribbon Schools. She most recently served as principal at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School in Fishers, Indiana, where she spearheaded innovative strategies to advance curriculum and technology at the school; and prior to that as principal at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Indianapolis, in which her leadership at both schools was recognized with the National Blue Ribbon School Award. In 2010 she was recognized as the District #5 Elementary Principal of the Year by the Indiana Association of School Principals. In 2007 she was a Senator William Fulbright Scholar to Finland; and she has extensive international experience through collaborative partnerships with administrators and educators in Argentina, China, Finland, and Germany.
