About Mrs. Sides

My name is Kristen Sides and I am honored to join the New Salem community and school family.  I am a proud mom of

 two boys, Maksen (11) and Jett (6), and wife of Dustin, whom I have been happily married to for 13 years. 

I graduated from UNC Charlotte in 2005, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Middle Grades Education with a concentration in Math and Science. I started teaching middle school in Rowan County in 2005.  In 2008, I moved to Stanly County where I served as a middle school teacher, coach, and athletic director until I graduated in 2017, from Gardner-Webb with a Master of Arts in Executive Leadership Studies. From there, I obtained a position as an Assistant Principal and Principal at South Stanly Middle School until 2022.

I have a passion for education and collaborating with families to address the instructional, social, and emotional needs of students.  I look forward to working with the staff, students, and all stakeholders of the New Salem Community, to develop meaningful relationships that are student-centered and focused on the success of all kids.

Contact Ms. Sides

• Email: kristen.sides@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 three daughters, Aria, Chandler, & Scarlett. 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

• Principal: Kristen Sides
• Representative: Natasha Higgins