Mother Seton School Announces Appointment of New Principal

The Board of Directors of Mother Seton School is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Joseph M. Fanning (pictured right) as the principal of Mother Seton School. Mr. Fanning will be only the second lay principal in school history.

Mr. Fanning began his career in law enforcement before discovering a calling to education. He taught English and Social Studies in Maryland and Florida, where he was a finalist for Teacher of the Year. His leadership experience includes serving as Assistant Principal at Montgomery Blair High School, Consulting Teacher and Pupil Personnel Worker for Montgomery County Public Schools, and, most recently, Staffing Coordinator for MCPS.

Mr. Fanning is excited to get back to his educational roots in Catholic school. “My older siblings and I all attended Catholic schools,” he says. “I not only had an exceptional education, but I also met incredible people. I am most looking forward to working closely with students, families, and staff in a faith-centered setting to make each student’s experience a positive one.”

He will be replacing Dr, Kathleen J. Kilty, who is staying on at Mother Seton School as the school’s first President. She says of his selection that, “(Mr. Fanning’s) breadth of experience, along with his gifts as a leader and mentor, made him an outstanding choice for this role. He also brings a strong Catholic identity and personal commitment to the faith that will enrich our mission at Mother Seton School. I look forward to working with him.”

Mr. Fanning holds a B.A. in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, an MBA from the University of Notre Dame (Indiana), and an M.A. in Teaching from Salisbury University.