Amanda Townley joins Newcastle Public Schools this year with 16 years in public education. She was hired as the Early Childhood Center principal.
She started in 2008 as an 8th-grade science teacher at Graham Junior High, Texas, and later taught at Graham High School. After earning her Master in Education Administration, she became an assistant principal at Graham Junior High and then principal at Crestview Elementary. Since 2022, she has served as the principal at Bill Wallace Early Childhood Center in Chickasha. Townley said, “I am excited to join in on the great things that are happening at Newcastle Early Childhood Center and throughout the district. Newcastle Early Childhood Center is blessed to be the first opportunity that many students have to experience the power of education.
“I cannot wait for the students (and staff) to see what the future can be.”
Townley emphasizes the importance of a supportive learning environment for both educators and students. Her key achievements as a principal includes developing Professional Learning Communities, creating intervention systems for students, providing ongoing professional development for teachers, achieving Marzano High Reliability School certifications, and organizing community engagement events post-COVID 19.
O’Connor hired as NES principal
Bridget O’Connor was recently hired to be the new principal of Newcastle Elementary School.
O’Connor said, “I’ve heard many positive things about the Newcastle community and Newcastle Public Schools, which affirms my belief that this is the right place to fulfill a new calling. I have so much gratitude for the opportunity to nurture and educate the community’s children, aiming to collaborate with students, parents, and staff to create a safe, happy environment where every student can thrive.” O’Connor holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Texas Tech University, and a Master of Education from Texas Woman’s University.
She has teaching certificates in elementary education and art, along with administrative certifications for prekindergarten through twelfth grade in Texas and Oklahoma.
O’Connor has served students in various roles including elementary art teacher, elementary classroom teacher, instructional specialist, assistant principal, and elementary principal. She brings 15 years experience as principal of an elementary school in Texas and four years in Oklahoma.
O’Connor is married with four grown children: Daniel, Scott, Drew and Katey. Her family includes two rescue puppies, Roscoe and Sarge.
She said her life is anchored by faith and family.
