the classrooms and served in leadership positions within the Colorado public school system, at international schools, Montessori schools, and most recently as a founder and Executive Director of Embark Education/Great Work Inc., an innovative, progressive, micro middle school in Denver, Colorado.

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Miguel first conceptualized Embark Education six years ago and has since materialized and grown the fully-sustainable,

progressive, micro middle school, garnering national recognition. The Sussex Board was impressed with Miguel’s innovation,

creativity, tenacity, entrepreneurialism, and life-long commitment to youth and to progressive education. Miguel has used his

reputation to bring educators and educational leaders from across the country to Embark twice a year to learn from his team,

inspiring even the most traditional educators in student-led learning, relationship-centered educational environments, and

collaborative leadership. Within his school, Miguel has also spearheaded a successful adult-education program, creating a

true sense of community and commitment to life-long learning. 

 

Miguel demonstrates strong commitment to citizenship, youth, and education as a Board member/council to numerous

non-profit organizations dedicated to progressive education and educational leadership including Lyra Colorado, Luminary

Learning, and The Canopy Project. He has served a fellowship in School Design and Leadership to MoonShot EdVentures,

and has recently been accepted into the prestigious national educational fellowship, Pahara.  

 

Miguel excels at building strong teams, creating a work culture of trust and collaboration, and listens to students, parents,

and staff in a way that lets people know they are truly heard and valued. He has been described as “visionary, strategic,

smart, organized, measured, creative, innovative, grounded” and as someone who “deeply cares about people.” Miguel

leads with passion, driven by the mission and values of the school/organization he serves. This brings us great comfort and

excitement, knowing that he will be an exceptional fit for our close-knit Sussex community and will be fully committed to

the established mission and values of Sussex School as we move forward together.

 

Miguel will relocate to Missoula with his lovely and talented partner, Meg. They are outdoor enthusiasts, with passion for skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, mountain biking, and simply being outside. They are excited for all that Montana has to offer and will be a natural fit within our community!  

 

While transitions such as this can bring about feelings of uncertainty, they are also full of excitement and hope for our future. The Board is working in close partnership with Joellen and Miguel, as well as a team of Sussex staff leadership, to ensure a smooth transition of leadership for our staff, students, and families. The Board of Directors will host a Sussex Community gathering on campus Thursday, May 9 at 5:30pm. This will be an in-person opportunity to meet and welcome Miguel to Sussex School and to celebrate the outstanding contributions of Joellen Shannon, our outgoing Head of School.  We hope you will join us in celebration of these two extraordinary individuals.  

 

Please join the Board of Directors in warmly welcoming our newest member of the Sussex community, Miguel Gonzalez. We are so thrilled that he has accepted the Head of School position at Sussex School and deeply honored to be the next place that Miguel and Meg will call home.  

 

 

Most Warmly,

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Ange Anderson

President, Sussex Board of Directors

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