Alison Epler Named Thornton Creek Elementary Principal

Alison Epler has begun her new post at , succeeding Sharon Irvine, who for a position with Ypsilanti Public Schools.

Epler started as principal of the school Monday.

“I am excited to join the Thornton Creek school family and am looking forward to working with the outstanding team of teachers, staff, students and families,” Epler said in a press release from the district. “Working together we will continue to focus on providing students with a safe and comfortable place to learn and grow that includes a strong connection between school and home."

"I also look forward to extending this team approach beyond the walls of Thornton Creek Elementary School to work collaboratively with the district’s administrative team and the entire Northville community.”

Epler previously worked at Brighton Area Schools for 10 years, most recently as a response to intervention and instructional consultation team facilitator at . She also taught at Hornung for nine years, teaching fourth and first grade.

She has professional experience facilitating data meetings and leading professional development and school improvement initiatives.

Epler also has experience serving as school improvement coordinator, safety patrol supervisor, school improvement target goal coordinator, and on the School Improvement Profile Steering Committee at Hornung. She has also been a member of Brighton's Budget Committee, the Building Safety Committee, the Education YES! Report Card Committee and the Teacher Interview Committee.

“Alison Epler has served as a mentor to new teachers and as acting principal in her building,” said Northville Superintendent Mary Kay Gallagher in the press release. “Her skill set, leadership and focus on the whole child and meeting the needs of all students make Ms. Epler a great fit for Thornton Creek and Northville Public Schools.”

Epler has her bachelor's degree in elementary education with a major in science from Northern Michigan University and her master's in educational leadership from Eastern Michigan University. She is currently pursuing an educational specialists degree from EMU.

She is a member of the Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

The Northville Board of Education unanimously approved Epler's appointment at its Oct. 11 meeting.

Correction: Epler formerly taught fourth and first grade. This was misstated in a previous version of this story.