About Ms. Sides

Ms. Kristen Sides was named principal at New Salem Elementary in November 2022. Ms. Sides was most recently the principal at South Stanly Middle School, where she has worked since 2018.

Contact Ms. Sides

• At this time, please contact our interim principal: Mr. Dan Edwards at dan.edwards@ucps.k12.nc.us

About Mrs. Marshall

I am a native of Marshville, NC. I attended New Salem Elementary for Kindergarten, but then moved and attended Marshville Elementary, East Union Middle, and Forest Hills High. I currently live in Monroe with my husband, TJ, and our two daughters, Aria and Chandler. I enjoy going to the beach, reading, watching the Tar Heels, and spending time with friends and family.

Educational Philosophy

School had such a positive influence on my life, so I became an educator in hopes of doing the same for others. I am passionate about helping others become the best version of themselves. I believe that positive relationships, rigor, and high expectations allow students and teachers to optimize their potential and success for themselves, the school, and the community. 

Educational Background

For undergrad, I attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a Teaching Fellow. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in Math, Science, and Technology. For graduate school, I received my Masters in Educational Leadership from High Point University as part of the High Point Leadership Academy (Principal Fellows).

Educational Work History

I taught at Rocky River Elementary in UCPS from 2014-2021 teaching 3rd and 5th grade. I also served as Lighthouse Coordinator for our Leader in Me Program and helped the school achieve Lighthouse Certification in 2019 and re-certification in 2021.

For the 2021-2022 school year, I completed my administrative internship at Forest Hills High School and served as the interim 6th-grade assistant principal for a short period of time at the Health Sciences Academy at Monroe Middle School.

I am excited to join the New Salem family and look forward to a successful year helping our students THRIVE!

Contact Mrs. Marshall

• Email: brittany.marshall@ucps.k12.nc.us