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Who I Am

Educator

Moderator Asst Principal Chat

Presenter

Areas of Focus

 

  • Innovative Professional Development

  • Creativity in the Classroom

  • Social Media

  • Educational Technology

  • Digital Learning

  • Flipped Classroom Instruction

  • At-Risk Population Support

  • Community Partnerships

 

Recognition and Awards

 

  • Maryland Assistant Principal of the Year - MASSP/Virco (2014)

 

  • Finalist: Outstanding Secondary School Administrator - Bammy Awards (2015)                     

  • ASCD Emerging Leader Class of 2014    

 

  • Administrator of the Year - Learning Forward Maryland (2015)

  

  • Finalist and Honorable Mention: Digital Innovation in Learning Awards (2014)

 

  • Finalist: Outstanding Technology Leader in Education - MSET (2013)

 

About Me

 

I didn't pick this job; it picked me. This is a mantra that reflects who I am as an educator. I firmly believe that effective educators are born with a passion to help others succeed.

 

I was born in Frederick, Maryland and am a product of the Frederick County Public School system. In 1998 I graduated from Governor Thomas Johnson High School where I was active in the Advanced Placement program and instrumental music. In 2003 I graduated from the University of Maryland - College Park with a Bachelor of Arts in Government & Politics and minors in Economics and American Literature. While in college I was active in the University of Maryland Band program and Kappa Kappa Psi (Honorary Band Fraternity).

 

Upon graduation I worked briefly in the defense industry before beginning my educational career as a Time Out Room Monitor, Assistant Band Director, and Social Studies teacher. In 2004 I moved to Winters Mill High School where I became a full-time Social Studies teacher. While there I founded and coached the award-winning debate program, served as School Improvement Team Chair and CCPS Advanced Placement Committee representative, and worked to integrate Web 2.0 technology into my classroom.

 

In 2011 I was named the Assistant Principal at Liberty High School. In my time at Liberty I led initiatives including flipped classroom instruction, introduction of MOOCs, realignment of teacher leadership teams, elimination of faculty meetings, developing professional learning communities, facilitating FedEx Day, and piloting social media communication with our community. While serving at Liberty High School, I led the initiative to revolutionize our professional learning model to reflect teacher leadership and autonomy.

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In 2016, I was named the Principal of Dover Area High School. In my tenure, I have worked to establish the Resurgence Team, a student-run organization focused on building a stronger school culture. I have worked collaboratively to facilitate the 1:1 program, developing professional learning opportunities focused on hands-on training for effective technology integration. Recently, I have overseen the process for redesigning the bell schedule to incorporate intervention time for all learners.

 

Nationally I have presented on Common Core integration and implementation, innovative professional development, social media in education, design thinking for schools, pipeline leadership development, and innovation in the classroom.

 

On a personal level I am married to Rhonda Wastler, an elementary teacher, with whom I have two daughters, Katelyn and Alexandra. I am an avid ice hockey fan and coach my daughter's Mites team.

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