After spending 18 years working with high school students, Mrs. Erica Tamsin is preparing to take on a new role in East Haven Public Schools. She has served as the current English Instructional Leader for Grades 6-12 for the last few years and will become the new assistant principal at Joseph Melillo Middle School. She brings years of leadership and instructional experience to the position.
Mrs. Tamsin’s transition marks an important leadership change for both schools. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of roles, including English teacher, department leader, SAT coordinator, mentor, curriculum developer, school improvement team member, and Instructional Leader. These experiences have allowed her to work closely with students, teachers, families, and administrators while gaining a broad understanding of what helps students succeed.
Although she has spent her entire career at the high school level, her responsibilities as the district’s 6-12 English Instructional Leader gave her opportunities to work in both middle and high school classrooms. Through that experience, she gained a greater appreciation for the role middle school plays in a student’s educational journey. “The more time I spent at JMMS, the more I realized how critical those middle school years are,” Mrs. Tamsin said.
She explained that middle school students are developing the habits, confidence, and skills that will prepare them for high school and beyond. The opportunity to support students during that stage of development inspired her to pursue the assistant principal position.
The transition comes with both challenges and opportunities. One of the biggest changes for Mrs. Tamsin will be stepping away from the classroom after 18 years as an educator. However, she is excited to continue serving East Haven students and families in a broader leadership role.
As assistant principal, Mrs. Tamsin hopes to “create a school environment where students feel connected, supported, challenged, and known.” She also hopes to strengthen the relationship between JMMS and EHHS, helping students experience a smoother transition into high school.
Many students think assistant principals focus only on discipline, but the role includes much more. Assistant principals support students, families, and teachers while helping improve school systems, coordinate interventions, and maintain a positive learning environment.
JMMS Principal Ms. Darcie Doyon believes Mrs. Tamsin is well prepared for the position. Having worked closely with her for over the past two years, Ms. Doyon has seen her leadership skills firsthand. “Mrs. Tamsin comes with a clear commitment to students, exceptional instructional leadership experience, and a strong ability to build positive relationships with staff, students, and families,” Ms. Doyon said.
Mrs. Tamsin credits much of her preparation for the role to her experiences across grades 6-12. Working as an educator and instructional leader helped her develop skills in problem solving, collaboration, curriculum development, and supporting both students and teachers.
As she prepares to leave EHHS, Mrs. Tamsin says she will miss the people who have been such an important part of her career. “The people,” she said when asked what she would miss most. “I will miss the students who challenge us, inspire us, and remind us every day why we do this work.”
While saying goodbye will be difficult, Mrs. Tamsin is excited for the opportunity to continue making a difference in East Haven. Her move to JMMS represents not only a personal career milestone but also an opportunity to help shape the experiences of students during one of the most important stages of their education.
As she begins this new role, Mrs. Tamsin hopes to continue supporting students, building relationships, and helping create opportunities for success throughout the East Haven school community.
