The Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.) recently presented the 2026 Assistant Superintendent Leadership Award to Ellen Martin, Ed.D.
Dr. Martin has served as Assistant Superintendent in the Marshfield Public Schools for the past 15 years. She previously served as Director of Teaching, Learning, and Technology in Norwell Public Schools, Assistant Principal in Hanover Public Schools, and a teacher in Weymouth Public Schools. Dr. Martin also has served twice as Interim Superintendent.
Dr. Gabrielle Abrams, Assistant Superintendent for the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District and the 2025 recipient of the award, presented the award at the M.A.S.S. Paul J. Andrews Summer Executive Institute in Mashpee.
She said about Dr. Martin, “Ellen has dedicated 27 years to improving education for students and supporting educators in their professional growth. She has been one of the clearest curriculum leaders in her district and one of the best in the state, working hand-in-hand with teachers, principals, and administrators to bring new initiatives into classrooms and provide the training needed to make them succeed.”
Dr. Patrick Sullivan, Superintendent of the Marshfield Public Schools, said, “Ellen is deeply committed to the students and staff of Marshfield. She drives the curriculum, is centered on data, and works closely with others to create systems that work. All of Ellen’s decisions keep students in the center. She is also deeply empathetic and supportive of staff. Marshfield continues to be fortunate to have Ellen as an instructional leader.”
Dr. Martin has been active in M.A.S.S. for many years, serving on the Professional Development Committee, developing programs to support aspiring assistant superintendents, presenting workshops for colleagues, and participating in the Women’s Educational Leadership Network (WELN). She is also a past president of the Coalition of Administrators of Compensatory Education (CACE), an organization of local Title I and federal education program administrators.
“I want to thank M.A.S.S. for valuing the work of Assistant Superintendents,” said Dr. Martin. “We are often behind the scenes, stepping in anywhere that is needed. Each and every one of my colleagues in this role deserves to be recognized, and I feel both humbled and honored to have received the award this year.”
A resident of Marshfield, Dr. Martin earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Boston in 1998, a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Massachusetts Boston in 2000, a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from Bridgewater State College in 2006, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Northeastern University in 2011.
