About Me
Reviewing NJSLA data at an Instructional Leadership Team meeting.
Posing for a photo with second graders following the morning announcements.
It is my belief that a strong and positive school culture is essential for student success. School should be fun and engaging for every child, as well as for the staff.
Who Am I?
As a passionate educator and dedicated leader, I am committed to fostering dynamic and innovative educational environments that inspire both students and staff to reach their full potential. My career reflects a relentless focus on creativity, innovation, and the development of strong relationships within educational communities. I believe in continuous growth as a leader and in cultivating a culture of optimism, positivity, and bold thinking to meet the challenges of education today.
Over my career, I have served as a museum director, high school teacher, department chair, high school vice-principal, adjunct professor, elementary school principal, and assistant superintendent. These roles have equipped me with over two decades of experience in working with diverse stakeholders - including students, parents, educators, and community partners - to drive organizational success and create meaningful, lasting connections. My leadership philosophy centers on stepping outside comfort zones, embracing challenges, and nurturing a collaborative culture that promotes excellence at every level. Students, staff, and families should alays be treated with respect, compassion, and genuine care.
I am deeply committed to lifelong learning and firmly believe that every student deserves a high-quality education. Preparing students for a rapidly evolving future requires not only the development of social-emotional skills and technological literacy but also fostering bold, innovative thinking. As a leader, I prioritize equipping schools with the tools and resources needed to integrate emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, into the curriculum. It is essential that schools understand and harness the transformative potential of these innovations to prepare students for the future that awaits them.
At the heart of my leadership style is a belief that relationships come first. I embrace servant leadership, empowering others to excel while providing unwavering support to ensure success. I am driven to lead a school community that values collaboration, innovation, and student-centered decision-making. Together, we can create an environment where every stakeholder feels valued and inspired to contribute to the shared mission of educational excellence.
I am ready to bring my experience, energy, and vision to foster an educational community that is forward-thinking, inclusive, and ready to meet the demands of a dynamic future.
Digital Presence
I created the School No. 10 YouTube Channel in 2019, prior to the start of the pandemic, and continued to add to it, doing morning anouncements everyday during the pandemic. Our videos provided students and staff with both consistency, relevant updates, and social-emotional support.
In the News...
A spotlight article published by TAPinto:
Coverage from Channel 7 News regarding our SELebration Day (Social Emotional Learning Day) on 12/10/21.
Channel 7 News interview with reporter and Eyewitness News co-anchor, Michelle Charlesworth, regarding relevant legislation in New Jersey on school safety.
In 2021, my school was designated a PTA National School of Excellence.
Achievements in Instruction
During my first year as principal, I hit the ground running integrating Instructional Leadership Teams and working on schoolwide systems to improve student academic performance. As a result, that year on the NJSLA, 53% of students met or exceeded expectations in ELA, surpassing the district average of 35% and approaching the state average of 57%. Furthermore, on the Math NJSLA, 56% of students met or exceeded expectations, significantly higher than the district average of 28% and surpassing the state average of 51%.
Since I took over as principal, my school consistently performed at or above district averages for multiple subgroups in both ELA and mathematics.
Participation rates consistently approached or achieved 100% across all student groups over the years, even during challenging pandemic years (e.g., 100% in 2020-21 and 2022-23)
Hispanic students consistently performed above district averages in both ELA and mathematics between the years 2018-2024.
Despite the pandemic's impact, my school demonstrated steady recovery in performance, maintaining engagement and showing gradual improvements in proficiency rates across most subgroups by 2022-23.
In regard to chronic absenteeism, I maintained a low rate of 4%, better than the state target of 10%, indicating strong student engagement and consistent attendance.
My school's Instructional Leadership Team analyzing relevant school data during internal instructional rounds.
Building collective efficacy is essential for school improvement.
Achievements in Technology
As an instructional leader, particularly in the area of technology, I worked to ensure each classroom teacher had access to a MacBook Air, Apple TV, and interactive board. As Linden is a district that utilizes Apple products, I made sure to leverage this partnership for the success of students and staff. Additionally, each staff member had a pair of AirPods, and along with every student in grades 1-5, each teacher also had a Logitech Crayon to use with their iPad. I also purchased several Oculus headsets, to integrate virtual reality experiences into various classrooms. And most importantly, every staff member received ongoing professional development in instructional technology and its integration, particularly in various AI models, including ChatGPT. I also utilize technology as an adjunct professor of history at Middlesex College. Continuing to teach has also allowed me to lead from not only experience, but also from current professional practice.
I am fully proficient in Google Workspace for Education, including the utilization of Add-Ons to further enrich the learning experience for students, as well as productivity for staff.
I was designated in April 2023 as an Apple Distinguished Educator, 1 of only 4 selected that year from the state of New Jersey.
In my second year of the principalship, in 2019, due to our team efforts, my school was designated an Apple Distinguished School. It was again awarded this designation in 2022.
I am not only an Apple teacher, I am also an Apple Learning Coach. I am the only principal in the state of New Jersey to have earned this designation.
Recent Presentations
On March 12, 2024, I co-presented with my technology teacher at the annual New Jersey NJECC Technology Conference.
Recent presentation topic at the NJPSA/FEA/NJASCD Fall Conference
On January 16, 2025, I presented at the Future of Education Technology (FETC) National Conference on "Engaging Early Learners with Creativity."
On December 9, 2024, I co-presented with Apple at the 2nd annual New Jersey AI Summit at Northern Valley.
The Teach-Lead-Innovate Podcast
In November 2023, in a desire to further expand my own knowledge base, as well as provide value to educators, thought-leaders, and creatives everywhere, I launched the Teach-Lead-Innovate Podcast. The show is on every major podcast platform.
Volunteer Leadership
In addition to my work as an educator, I also serve as a Captain in the Civil Air Patrol, the auxiliary of the United States Air Force.
I serve as the Assistant Deputy Commander of Cadets, working as the squadron's primary Aeropsace Education Officer, and Squadron Historian.
My experience in the Civil Air Patrol has allowed me to become more focused and disciplined, further instruct and lead young people, as well as give back to my local community, state, and nation.
My Interests
First and foremost, I am a family man. I enjoy spending time with my family, which includes my wife and children. I have four daughters who I adore. To them, I am "Daddy." To me, they are my everything.
I am an avid techie! I love all things technology, and work to master every new resource available. I have become extrememly adept at Microsoft and Google tools, such as Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms. Additionally, I am proficient in Final Cut Pro, iMovie, ChatGPT, all major social media applications, and am currently learning how to utilize the Adobe Suite of digital tools.
I also used to weigh well over 300 pounds. I decided to change the trajectory of my life, and began eating healthy and since I could not walk or stand more than a few minutes consecutively, I began riding my bike. I am now down over 60 pounds, and regularly cycle long distances. I am healthier, completely mobile, and dedicated to bringing my best self every single day. I truly believe in the power of maintaining a positive mindset and attitude.
