Experienced educator takes Love Creek top spot

Longtime Cape district educator Lisa Morris is moving to a new office across the street.

Beacon Middle School’s assistant principal since 2014, Morris was named Love Creek Elementary principal, replacing the retiring Trish Mumford.

“I’ll be following a great leader who worked hard to establish the school,” she said. “I’m excited to work with the staff and bring my own perspective.”

Morris said a recent visit to Shields Elementary sparked her interest in the elementary school setting.

“They were highly engaged and happy to be there,” she said. “The kids were elated; you could see the love of learning in them.”

Morris says her experience as a middle school teacher and administrator will help students transition from elementary to middle school a little bit easier.

A Cape grad, Morris earned dual certification in elementary education/special education from Delaware State University in 1997. After graduation, she taught special and regular education at Lewes Middle School. 

As a young teacher, Morris learned from Shields Elementary teachers Karen Simpkins, Marvin Morris and Sue Jones, mentors she credits with shaping the educational philosophy and practice that guide her to this day.

Morris moved to Beacon Middle when the new school opened in 2003, teaching seventh-grade language arts and social studies until her promotion to assistant principal. She received her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Delaware State University and her administrative certification at Wilmington University.

She chose to enter administration to provide support to students and teachers, and connect with parents.

“The best teachers don’t forget what it’s like to be a child in the classroom, and the best administrators don’t forget what it’s like to be a classroom teacher,” she said. “I will be wearing my teacher’s hat.”

Morris looks forward to working with fellow Cape grad Wendy Harrington, Love Creek assistant principal.

“She has a strong math background, and mine is in language arts and social studies, so it’s a good balance,” she said.

Morris has three grown children. Her oldest, Marlisa, is a stay-at-home mom raising four children. Paige, who received her master’s in school administration from Wilmington College, is a Colonial School District health and physical education teacher. Son Martin works at the Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth.