The Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) today announced the appointment of Julia Musella as a commissioner.
Musella is the founder, owner and director of Bb International School, based in Pompano Beach, Fla. She is one of five new commissioners.
“We are pleased Julia is joining Middle States as a commissioner,” MSA-CESS President Christian Talbot said. “I look forward to working with her to support schools on their path of continuous growth and improvement.”
In addition to establishing Bb International School nearly 30 years ago, Musella founded Children’s Studio Inc., an early childhood education program based in East Rutherford, N.J. She is also executive director for Piccolo Picasso, an organization that provides educational enrichment and training in project-based learning through the arts with early childhood educators in economically challenged neighborhoods.
Musella also helped start “I Am Ready” a Florida-based nonprofit that serves as an advocate for early learning programs across the state and nationwide and promotes inclusion of the arts as part of the mandatory curriculum.
Musella has extensive experience with Middle States as a volunteer, and also having achieved accreditation for Bb International School.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University and holds professional teaching certificates in early childhood education in New Jersey and in Florida. In 2018, Musella was named Advocate of the Year by the Florida Association for the Education of Young Children.
“I have experienced firsthand how the Middle States accreditation process can improve student outcomes and strengthen schools,” said Musella, who lives in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. “I am excited to join Middle States as a commissioner and look forward to engaging with the accomplished educators who are part of the Middle States network.”
The Middle States Commissions on Elementary Schools and Secondary Schools comprise 38 commissioners serving three-year terms and elected by the Middles States membership. Commissioners meet twice annually to review accreditation recommendations and the organization’s finances, policies and strategic plan.
