Natick Public Schools
Message from Natick Public Schools
For Immediate Release
NATICK, MA - Natick Public Schools is very pleased to announce that Dr. Johanna Even has accepted its offer to become Principal of Brown Elementary School for the 2025-26 school year effective July 1, 2025.
Dr. Even is an experienced school leader with expertise in the areas of literacy, multilingual learners, and leadership development. She earned a B.A. in History and Literature, with a focus on Latin America, and an EdM and EdD in Administration, Planning and Social Policy from Harvard Graduate School of Education. Dr. Even is deeply committed to closing opportunity gaps and ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality education.
"The district interview committee was impressed that Dr. Even's core values of integrity, compassion, equity, and excellence drive her approach to leadership. We want to highlight that her commitment to strong systems and structures, along with clear and consistent communication are part of what made her such a strong candidate. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Brown Elementary School and Natick Public Schools communities," said Dr. Melissa Spash, Superintendent of Schools.
Dr. Even's career has included a range of roles in K-12 education, including elementary educator, literacy coach, principal, district office executive director, and leadership coach. In these roles, she has demonstrated her commitment to excellence for all by consistently building the capacity of all faculty to meet the needs of diverse learners. In addition to school and district-level leadership, she also brings experience developing literacy curriculum and designing professional development in the areas of the Science of Reading and Sheltered English Instruction.
Dr. Even also brings a unique perspective on social-emotional learning and trauma-informed instructional practices. As the co-author of the book, Empowering English Learners for Classroom Success, she explored the unique social-emotional needs of English learners. In her current role as the Education Director at Hopewell, she leads a literacy program specifically designed to support youth experiencing foster care--work that is deeply rooted in the intersection of academic learning and social-emotional well-being.
"I look forward to beginning the work of supporting Brown Elementary students in collaboration with staff and families. I greatly enjoyed my time at the school getting to know more about what makes the school such a special place to so many of you. I plan to work hand-in-hand with the dedicated staff and to engage students and families in our continuous improvement that will be ongoing at Brown," said Dr. Even.
We extend our deep gratitude to Interim Principal Dr. Erica Cole Harms for her dedicated leadership of Brown Elementary School during the 2024-2025 school year. She stepped into the role with a strong commitment to students, staff and families and has made a meaningful difference in the school community. Natick High School is pleased to be welcoming Dr. Cole Harms back to her role as Vice Principal of Teaching and Learning at Natick High School.
Dr. Spash and the Interview Committee would also like to thank the Brown Elementary School PTO; our educators and staff; our welcoming students; and our parents and guardians who were welcoming during this principal search process and offered many hours providing feedback that contributed to a thoughtful and inclusive selection process. We look forward to continuing our partnership with all members of the Brown Elementary School community as we support Dr. Even's successful transition and an exciting year ahead.
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