About Me
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Who Am I?
I am an education leader with a deep understanding of K-12 systems and a strong commitment to helping schools adopt innovative, technology-driven solutions that elevate teaching and learning. Throughout my career, I have partnered with educators, administrators, and community stakeholders to identify needs, build trust, and support the effective integration of tools that empower both students and teachers. My work is grounded in curiosity, collaboration, and a belief that meaningful innovation begins with listening.
Over more than two decades, I have served in a range of roles including museum director, classroom teacher, department chair, vice principal, adjunct professor, elementary school principal, and assistant superintendent. These experiences have given me a comprehensive view of how decisions are made across K-12 organizations and how to engage stakeholders at every level. I have worked closely with diverse teams to guide complex initiatives, align resources to instructional priorities, and create sustainable approaches to organizational growth and improvement.
I am particularly passionate about the thoughtful adoption of technology in education. Preparing students for a rapidly evolving world requires more than access to devices - it requires a clear vision, professional learning, and tools that support creativity, critical thinking, and future-ready skills. As an Apple Distinguished Educator and Apple Learning Coach, I have supported schools and districts in understanding and leveraging emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, in ways that are practical, responsible, and instructionally meaningful.
At the core of my approach is a belief that relationships drive results. I lead with integrity, empathy, and a service-oriented mindset, working to establish credibility and trust with educators and leaders alike. I am motivated by opportunities to collaborate, solve problems, and help organizations reimagine what is possible for students. My goal is to serve as a trusted partner to K-12 institutions as they navigate change and build learning environments that are innovative, inclusive, and future-focused.
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.
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 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, as well as on YouTube.
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 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.
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