Montville - The Board of Education on Tuesday named Amy McCarty Espinoza as the new principal of the Dr. Charles E. Murphy School.

Espinoza has worked as an elementary school teacher in Norwich public schools since 1992 - becoming a literacy coach in 2002 - and was an assistant principal last year at Wequonnoc Elementary School.

She will replace Jeff Newton, who recently accepted a position as director of special services in Westbrook public schools. Newton spent six years as the principal at the K-5 Murphy School.

Espinoza holds two degrees from Central Connecticut State University - a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and a master's of science in reading and language arts. In 2010, she also obtained a sixth-year certificate in supervision and administration from Sacred Heart University.

"I've never worked harder than being a teacher, but you never have such obvious rewards," Espinoza said. "You have a student who comes in and couldn't read and then all of a sudden is blossoming and is confident. It's incredibly motivating."

Superintendent of Schools Pamela Aubin said the pool of applicants for the vacant principal position was the strongest she's seen in recent years. A committee went through 30 applications and interviewed seven candidates before trimming the field to two final candidates.

Assistant Superintendent of Schools Brian Levesque said Espinoza was an attractive candidate because of her work as a literacy coach with other teachers. After spending several years working with students, Espinoza recently conducted one-on-one sessions and various workshops with teachers.

Espinoza also told the Board of Education on Tuesday that the school's reputation was a key part in her decision to apply for the opening. In 2009, Murphy School was one of two finalists for the Connecticut Association of Schools' Elementary School of the Year Award.

Becoming an administrator did not become a goal for Espinoza until she became a literacy coach.

"I got a completely different perspective on how education works," she said. "When you step aside (from the classroom) and you see the goals of the district, things become a little different."

Espinoza is a resident of Lisbon. She said is married with two children.

jeff.johnson@theday.com