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Date: 8/16/2021
WEST SPRINGFIELD – Peter Gillen, principal of West Springfield Middle School was recently named to the Board of Directors of New England League of Middle Schools (NELMS).
NELMS offers support for middle school staff and students throughout New England. Gillen said, “NELMS is comprised of over 300 schools and over 15,000 individual members across each of the New England states.” Every year, NELMS hosts a conference – typically in Providence, RI – where many of these individuals come together.
Gillen was nominated for this position by board Chair-Elect Jessica Kennedy. Kennedy is the Westfield Middle School principal.
She said, “I nominated Pete to be on the board because of his excellence as an administrator and his creativity. Our board works collaboratively to help support the most innovative practices for middle level educators. This is Pete’s forte.”
For the past five years, Gillen has had the privilege to be a presenter at the NELMS conference.
Kennedy said, “He [ Gillen] is an exceptional administrator who I had the privilege of getting to know through the last in-person NELMS conference. We engaged in many dialogues surrounding education and best middle-level practices.”
Kennedy described Gillen as creative, innovative and kind. “I was impressed by his compassion for his staff and for his community in general,” she added.
“I am thrilled that he will be joining the board, and I look forward to working with him more closely in collaboration this year,” said Kennedy.
Gillen’s term on the board will begin in September and last four years; expiring in 2024. Alongside him, the board consists of about 15 other representatives across New England.
“I’m really honored and surprised,” said Gillen. “I’m excited and I’m hoping to be helpful.”
With this new duty, Gillen said he is fortunate enough that everything will take place exclusively outside from his job as principal.
In addition to Gillen, he said that other West Springfield Middle School staff have been recognized from NELMS in the past, including former Principal Thomas McNulty and current Vice Principal Nicole Manning.
“The recognition given to our school is special,” said Gillen.
Gillen has served as the West Springfield Middle School principal for seven years. Prior to this, he served as the Vice Principal for six years. Before becoming a part of the administration, Gillen was an English teacher at West Springfield High School and also at Forest Park Middle School in Springfield.
Some of Gillen’s other accomplishments/recognitions include the 2007 Harold W. Grinspoon Excellence in Teaching Award Winner, 2016 Springfield College’s 40 Under 40 Award Winner and 2019 Massachusetts School Administrators Association State Principal of the Year.
Gillen earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Springfield College and his doctoral degree from Taft University.
Currently, Gillen resides in Longmeadow with his wife Lynn and four daughters – Emily, Molly, Meghan and Erin.