Änna Harasimowicz, who has more than 20 years of experience in education, has been named the new interim assistant principal for the Marion Central School District.

The appointment of Harasimowicz, who has worked as a special education teacher in the Penn Yan Central School District for the past four years, was unanimously approved by the Marion Central School Board of Education at its Sept. 25 meeting.

“I’m excited to have Anna join the Black Knight learning community,” Dr. Ellen M. Lloyd, Superintendent of Schools, said. “She has extensive experience in small, rural school districts and understands their unique strengths. I appreciate that she is ready to enthusiastically jump in and become part of our team here in Marion.”

“I am ready for that next step and challenge in my career,” Harasimowicz said. “I like so many things about Marion. The class sizes are small, so teachers are able to connect with students and engage in personalized learning. I also really liked the vibe that I got from Marion. Everybody I met is there for the same reason and that is to do what is best for kids.”

Harasimowicz was born in Indiana and moved to Texas when she was young. She credits her kindergarten teacher, “Teacher Terry,” with inspiring her career path. In fact, she held up a poster that said ‘I want to be a teacher’ at her kindergarten graduation.

“I genuinely believe that she made me feel important and I know that she made other students feel that way, too,” Harasimowicz said. “I genuinely believe that every kid should feel that way.”

Harasimowicz received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Montana State University-Billings and earned her Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership from the University of Rochester’s Warner School. She is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

She began her career in education as a special education and first grade teacher in Noorvik, Alaska, which is located north of the Arctic Circle.

Harasimowicz also worked for five years as a special education and resource teacher at a K-8 school in Pray, Mont., which is located 30 miles north of Yellowstone National Park.

She also worked at a private preschool in Montana before moving on to Lockwood, Montana, where she developed and oversaw a behavior classroom.

She and her husband moved to New York four years ago and her desire to become an administrator was sparked after serving as summer school principal in Penn Yan in 2022.

“Being a summer school principal just reinvigorated me and my role in education,” Harasimowicz said. “It showed me a different way to support students and to support teachers. I love being able to support teachers because when teachers feel supported, children feel supported.”

Harasimowicz, who was welcomed by the Board after her appointment was approved, is eager to start her new role.

“I already feel very welcome in Marion,” Harasimowicz said. “I am just excited to help the students and staff make it an excellent year and to continue to learn and grow.”

Harasimowicz enjoys reading and traveling, including exploring all that the Finger Lakes Region has to offer.