Mrs. Elizabeth Bender, Assistant Principal
The start of the 24-25 school year marks my 18th year in education and 8th year as an administrator, where I have had the honor to serve seven of them in the Manheim Central School District. I am excited to enter my third year as the Assistant Principal at MCMS! Prior to this appointment I was proud to serve as the Assistant Principal at Manheim Central High School from August 2017 to November 2021, and I also served as the Assistant Principal at Manheim Township Middle School from November 2021 to October 2022, before returning to Manheim Central Middle School in October 2022. Prior to my journey into administration, I worked as a mathematics teacher at Penn Manor High School beginning in 2004. I earned my bachelor’s degree for Secondary Education in Mathematics, my Supervisory Certificate in Curriculum and Instruction, and my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership all at Millersville University. I currently reside in Ephrata with my husband, Jeff, our two children, Averiana (17) and Aiden (13), and our cavapoo, Charlie.
Early on in my educational journey I read a book titled, Strengthening The Heartbeat, written by Thomas Sergiovanni. Sergiovanni shares that countless studies have concluded that the difference between an ordinary school and an extraordinary school is that at the heart of an extraordinary school is a collaboration of leaders, teachers, parents, community members and students working together. I share this with you as it is important to me that you know my vision as a school leader; It is one of a teamwork atmosphere dedicated to the safety, success and continuous growth of all students. My vision is one of transparent communication, high expectations, holding one another accountable, and fostering relationships within the school and community, including a commitment to serving as an educational leader.
At a leadership conference I attended, we were challenged to describe ourselves with one word and then explain why. My one word is Dedicated; I am dedicated to building relationships, connecting, communicating, empowering learners and staff, leading with transparency and flexibility, celebrating with one another and our learners, and leaning on other’s strengths to collaborate and grow as a team.
I am looking forward to serving the Manheim Central Community during the 24-25 School Year!
Proud to Be a Baron!
Mrs. Elizabeth Bender
Phone: 717-664-1710
Email: bendere@manheimcentral.org