Maurine E. Larkin is principal of Monarch Academy Public Charter School.

Prior to joining the Monarch Academy crew, Larkin acted as principal at Odenton Elementary, which serves 350 students from K-5 along with a regional program for 20 students with Intensity V Emotional Disturbance needs.

After receiving her B.S. in elementary education from Towson State University, Larkin spent the next 12 years working as a classroom teacher. During that time, she also received her master’s in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis on science from Loyola College in Baltimore. In 1999, Larkin received her Maryland principal’s certificate, prior to serving as assistant principal at Park Elementary in Brooklyn Park, Md.

In addition to her academic achievements and experience, Larkin has served on the board of directors for Power Teaching in American, a brain-based, innovative teaching strategy that provides classrooms with a highly structured, fun, cooperative learning atmosphere. Her abilities as an educator and leader won her the Maryland ASCD Excellence Award in 2006—an honor bestowed upon principals who have made noteworthy contributions that enhance the growth and development of educators and students.

Ms. Larkin says: “I am thrilled to be the founding principal of the Monarch Academy Public Charter School. The 21st century Expeditionary learning philosophy at Monarch Academy provides students with real-world investigations, requiring critical thinking, problem solving and public presentation of findings and results in a child-centered and positive school climate. This is an exciting new step for education in Anne Arundel County Public Schools!”