Meet the Principal

My name is Jennifer Marella and I am proud to be the principal of Charles C. McGlinnen Elementary School. I have spent my entire professional career working for Clintondale Community Schools while also spending some time teaching at Wayne State University as the co-director of the Wayne State Writing Project and working as a literacy consultant for the Macomb Intermediate School District. I taught fifth grade for 22 years at Robbie Hall Parker Elementary, which was a tremendous experience allowing me to build relationships with families and our community while having the honor of teaching our kids!

Something unique about me is that I’m not only the principal at McGlinnen Elementary, I’m also a former student and a very proud Clintondale graduate. I spent the last three years of my elementary school career at McGlinnen after Price Drive Elementary was closed. I am the person I am today because of the exceptional education I received from Clintondale Schools and I am grateful for the opportunity to offer the same high standards for learning to our students today. 

As much as I love teaching, I am also a life-long learner. I have a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Wayne State University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Saginaw Valley State University. I enjoy attending workshops to improve my craft and love to read books and articles to enhance my professional knowledge. 

For fun, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I’m an avid reader and love to watch movies. I like walking, hiking, and riding my bike and love to be outside. I currently live in Clinton Township with my dog, Rocco.