Lisa Morris named Cape assistant supervisor of human resources

For the first time in 25 years, Cape Henlopen School District educator Lisa Morris will not be surrounded by children at work.

“I’ve been so busy it hasn’t really hit me yet,” she said. “I will miss the kids. I think in September there may be some tears.”

After four years serving as principal of Love Creek Elementary and four years prior to that as Beacon Middle School assistant principal, Morris has taken on a newly created position with the district.

As assistant supervisor of human resources, Morris will help with the implementation of a state-mandated observation and credentialing program called Delaware Teacher Growth and Support System.

Milton Elementary and the Sussex Consortium will pilot the new program in the 2022-23 school year, Morris said. The new evaluation method will require teachers to be observed four times a year, rather than one, Morris said, which will allow teachers to receive additional feedback on their methods of instruction.

“It’s not meant to be an ‘I got you,’” Morris said. “It’s a way to help teachers dig deeper, grow and improve their teaching practices.”

As enrollment explodes in the district, so does the need to not just hire but to retain quality staff, including long-term substitutes, Morris said. The district no longer has a ‘hiring season,’ she said; it’s a year-round process as student numbers increase throughout each school year.

Morris will also manage teacher certification and credentialing, student teachers and interns, staff evaluations and mentoring of new hires.

All staff members need to know they are seen and supported, Morris said, noting that a student’s bus driver can set the tone for that child’s day.

“We definitely want the best, so to keep the brightest and best, we have to let them know we’re a team and we’re here for them,” she said. “It’s what’s best for our community and the biggest support for our kids.” 

Another focus Morris will undertake is assisting native Spanish speakers with gaining permanent residency in the United States to support the immersion program that continues to grow as students progress through upper grade levels.

A Cape High 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. 

When Beacon Middle opened in 2003, Morris moved to the new school, where she taught seventh-grade language arts and social studies until her promotion to assistant principal in 2014. 

Morris received her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Delaware State University and her administrative certification at Wilmington University.