Cook Hill School Principal Jan Murphy Is Named Principal of School in New Canaan

Wallingford's loss of an award-winning school administrator teacher is a gain for the New Canaan Public Schools.

Cook Hill School Principal Jan M. Murphy has been named the new principal of New Canaan's West Elementary School, effective July 1.

Murphy will be leaving Wallingford Public Schools where she most recently served as Principal K-2 at the Cook Hill School. Prior to taking a sabbatical leave, Murphy served as Cook Hill School principal from 2008 to 2012. Her sabbatical year was devoted to exploring 21st Century Innovation as part of a team for the Wallingford Public Schools.

Murphy is a graduate of Eastern Connecticut State College where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree. She holds a Masters of Education from the University of Houston, a 6th-year degree from University of Connecticut and 7th-year degree from the University of Bridgeport. Her education includes an emphasis on Mathematics Education and Gifted/Talented Education. 

Murphy’s professional background as an educator includes experience as a STEP Teacher (Gifted/Talented Grades 3-5), Math Specialist (Gifted/Remedial) and Grade 5 teacher. She has been recognized as Wallingford Administrator of the Year 2009, Connecticut State Teacher of the Year Semifinalist 2005-06 and Wallingford Teacher of the Year 2005-06.

In a statement, New Canaan School Superintendent Dr. Mary Kolek said, “We are excited to welcome such an accomplished educational leader as a member of our district. Jan has been consistently characterized as a caring, highly effective, innovative educator and highly collaborative team member and promises to be a strong fit for a leadership team that values such attributes and efforts.”