Sally Mixsell

Partner

At the heart of Sally’s efforts is a reverence for the miracles of education— miracles made possible by leaders who listen deeply, work purposefully, and care about kids

About Sally

Sally Mixsell (Mike’-sul) always knew she would become a teacher. Her favorite birthday present was the blackboard her parents gave her when she was seven. (Her little sister was not so charmed by the gift as she was relegated to being Sally’s student for hours on end.)

While she never thought she would become a school administrator, Sally was always intrigued by how schools work. This fascination led her to zero in on the topic of leadership: she developed several leadership programs for students; moved into academic administration; headed academic institutes; and eventually, designed and taught in a graduate degree program for independent school leaders. Ultimately, she became the guiding head of her alma mater.

Through it all, Sally has been known for balancing hard work with good fun. She is forthright, embraces change, and thinks through the lens of possibility. After 44 years serving schools, Sally joined EC knowing there was still so much more she wanted to do. At the heart of her efforts is a reverence for the miracles of education— miracles made possible by leaders who listen deeply, work purposefully, and care about kids.

Professional Experience

Educators Collaborative, Partner, 2019-Present, Co-Managing Partner, 2021-2025
Stoneleigh-Burnham School, MA, Head of School, 2008-2018
eduINNOVATIONS, LLC, Founding Partner, Consulting Work: 2005-2008;
Co-Director, Beginning Administrators Institute, 2005-2010
Klingenstein Center, Teachers College, Columbia University, Project Director, 2003-2005
Hamden Hall Country Day School, CT, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, PK-12, 2001-2003; Academic Dean, 7-12, 1991-2000; Ninth Grade Dean, 1989-1992; Co-founder and Coordinator, Peer Leadership Program, 1989-2000; Teacher of French, English and Leadership, 1985-2003
Food for Thought, care packages for boarding school students, Co-founder and Partner, 1980-1983
Sewickley Academy, PA, Teacher of French, 1975-1979
The Gunnery (CT), part-time teacher, 1974-1975 and 1984-1985; Wykeham-Rise School (CT), part-time teacher, 1974-1975, and Rumsey Hall School (CT), part-time teacher, 1979-1985

Education

Wells College, B.A., Comparative French and American Literature, 1973
Princeton Center for Leadership Training, 1988, 1989
Stanley King Counseling Institute, 1994
Teachers College, Columbia University, M.A., Education Administration, with a focus in private school leadership, 2001 [Joseph A. Klingenstein Fellow]

Professional Affiliations

Association of Independent Schools of New England (AISNE), Board member, 2010-2017
Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, Board member, 2009-2018
Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), New England New Teachers Seminar (NENTS – offered jointly with AISNE), Staff member, 2004–2005, and Director, 2006-2010; Beginning Teachers Institute, Staff member,1995-2005; Commission on Professional Development, member, 2001-2008, and Chair, 2004-2008
Klingenstein Advisory Committee, Klingenstein Center, Teachers College, Columbia University, Member, 2001-2005
S. Grant Foundation, New Haven, CT, Board member, 2002-2003
Cristo Rey New York High School, Feasibility Study Committee member, 2001-2002, and Founding Board member, 2002-2007
Stoneleigh-Burnham School, Board member, 1987-1991 and 2001-2006
Friends of Gunn Jr. Library, CT, Board member, 1979-1985; President, 1984-1985
The 1911 Group, Member, 2008-Present

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