B.A. Hobart and William Smith Colleges
M.Ed. Lesley University

Anne Norris is in her 27th year at Lesley Ellis School and serves as the Middle School Director. Her educational philosophy is grounded in a simple belief: students learn best when they feel known, respected, and supported, especially during the pre-adolescent years.

Anne believes middle school is a critical time in a young person’s development. It is when students are forming their identities, finding their voices, and beginning to understand their place in a broader community. Schools have a responsibility to meet them with both care and challenge. She believes that struggle is a natural part of learning and that when students are supported through it rather than shielded from it, they develop resilience, confidence, and self-trust.

A central part of Anne’s role is partnering with families as they navigate these years. She values honest communication and steady collaboration, recognizing that middle school can be as complex for parents as it is for students. She also works closely with families through the secondary school transition process, helping each child discern a thoughtful next step, whether to an independent or public high school.

Anne’s work is deeply aligned with the school’s commitment to social justice and anti-bias education. She believes that schools must actively create inclusive environments where students learn to engage across differences, think critically, and understand their responsibility.