8th Grade Assistant Principal

Schools/Degrees: 

• W W Samuell High School, Dallas, TX
• West Texas State University, Canyon, TX
• Texas A & M University-Commerce, Bachelors of History
• Lamar University, Masters in Educational Leadership 

Experience:

• 12 years as a Campus Administrator
• 19 years in education

Philosophy of Education: 

Education is a rare treasure that can never be taken away from us. It can open doors and show us pathways that lead to successful and happy lives. Education has led to the development of new technological innovations and new interpretations that have revolutionized our world. The American educational system is currently tasked with a tremendous responsibility to educate the leaders, thinkers, and innovators for a rapidly changing world of tomorrow, but we can not succeed alone. Support and partnerships with the communities and families we serve is paramount. The old adage that it takes a village to raise a child is just as true today. By working together, we can empower growth so that we can make an impact on the future and the communities we live and serve in. Education does not exist solely within the walls of the classroom or only the responsibility of certified educators. Each of us have a duty to share our life experiences, wisdom  and the knowledge we have gained along the way with students.Learning is not just Monday through Friday in a classroom, it also happens on Saturday mornings at breakfast, on family game nights and outings, and at Sunday family dinners. I truly believe that we are educating students today for careers that technology has not yet invented and that we all have a vested interest in seeing us succeed. 

I am committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment where all students have the right to learn and for teachers to provide a rigorous curriculum for all. An environment where collaboration and thought bring forward creative problem solving and the only bad question was the one not asked. An environment where stakeholders are valued, respected and committed to a partnership, where all students have equal access to learning and post-secondary choice. I also believe in the words of Thomas Jefferson who said the role of education is, "to give every citizen the information he (or she) needs ... to understand (their) duties to (their) neighbors and country... to know (their) rights... and to secure that which shall preserve his (or her) freedom."

Finally, I believe that we live in a world that needs more love. We live in a time of world history where our news is dominated by hate in the world. The Beatles said it best, "All you need is Love!" If we can commit to the notion of putting forth more love in the world for our fellow man and model this for our students, love will conquer all. The message of the Golden rule is simple, yet somewhere along the way the message was lost. If we can remind ourselves and our children of this, we will all find more happiness in our lives. 

Family:

My wife, Tracey, and I met in high school and we have a daughter named Madison who is a biology teacher and softball coach. We love to travel and take care of our miniature donkeys.