It takes a lot of hard work and team effort to keep a school running smoothly. At the helm of that effort are our school directors. October is National Principals’ Month, so today we are highlighting a few of our school leaders and thanking them for their work.
We asked them to tell us about themselves and why they got into education. Here is what they had to say:
Elin Curry: School Director for Byers Campus
Q: Why did you get into education?
A: I have always loved people. I was a natural sciences major, and my first career was as an ecologist/field biologist. While I love hiking/camping/conservation, I wasn’t feeling like I was making a positive impact on the world to my highest potential. I saw (and still see) education as a pathway to empowering EVERYONE to make a positive impact on the world and wanted to be sure that was the case for more people.
Q: What do you love about DSST?
A: I love that we hold all people to a high bar for rigor – ALL. Our deep belief in the capacity of every person within our organization to learn and grow is something that keeps me challenged and inspired. And that belief produces incredible outcomes for our students!
Q: What is one fun fact about you?
A: I was once charged by a herd of buffalo. I obviously survived, but it was touch and go for a minute there.
Rebecca Bloch: School Director for AST Middle School
Q: Why did you get into education?
A: I got into education because I love teaching and working with young people. I believe deeply that education is a great equalizer and wanted to pursue a job where I could both make a difference and have fun every day!
Q: What do you love about DSST?
A: The people! I love the intellect, passion and drive that the people at DSST possess in spades. I feel lucky every day to do my work alongside such a dedicated and talented group of educators.
Q: What is one fun fact about you?
A: I have a black belt in Tae Kwon Do!
John Clark: School Director for Montview Middle School
Q: Why did you get into education?
A: From an early age, I have always loved working with children who were younger than me. I always sought out volunteer opportunities that allowed me to work with children. One of those experiences led me to Dublin, Ireland, in the summer of 2006, where I supported an inner-city youth organization. The amount of belly laughs I get working with kids and the day-to-day joy of working with “clients” who don’t take themselves too seriously makes me enjoy the work I get to do each day.
Q: What do you love about DSST?
A: DSST’s authentic commitment to community is something that has stuck with me from my first days working at DSST Montview in 2011. At the time, my father was dying of Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and when I needed to rush home to be with him during his final days, I had the complete support of my team at Montview even though I was a new employee. Members from every level of the organization sent me notes of support. Time and time again I have seen how DSST takes care of each member of this community and I see it as my purpose to pay that forward.
Q: What is one fun fact about you?
A: I absolutely love and adore pop music. I have no qualms belting out one hit wonders, boy bands, or anything else others might be too ashamed to admit their adoration for. If you want a good time, take me out for karaoke.
Thanks to all our other school directors for their hard work!
Graham Wynings: School Director for College View Middle School
Bill Knous: School Director for College View High School
Grant Erwin: School Director for Cole High School
Misha Hudak: School Director for Cole Middle School
Rebecca Meyer: School Director for Montview High School
Nico de Vries: School Director for Noel Middle School
Travonda Favorite: School Director for Elevate High School
Corrie Napier: School Director for Green Valley Ranch High School
Caroline Gaudiani: School Director for Green Valley Ranch Middle School
Jennifer Trainer: School Director for Conservatory Green Middle School
Meghan Janci: School Director for Conservatory Green High School