WINSLOW — St. John Regional Catholic School has named Valerie Wheeler as principal, effective immediately. Wheeler, who is currently a fourth-grade teacher at the school, will serve as a teaching principal, remaining as a teacher while performing the administrative duties of principal, according to a news release from the school.
“Mrs. Wheeler is well experienced in this role, having previously served the school community as a teaching principal for four years. We have developed a work strategy which will allow for her to continue her role as teacher while ensuring the needed time for her administrative responsibilities,”said Jim King, superintendent of Maine Catholic Schools, in the release.”
“In my position, I see my role as one which teaches, encourages, praises, guides and inspires the children and the families of our community. Over the years, I have seen firsthand the positive influence of a Catholic education on students’ lives and how it truly is a blessing that lasts a lifetime,” said Wheeler in the release.
Wheeler earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Maine at Farmington in 1986 before joining the St. John faculty later that year. Since the 1986-87 school year, she has served as a fourth-grade teacher, but has extensive experience balancing the roles of teacher and administrator. From 2000 to 2006, she was assistant principal at the school and was a teaching principal from 2006 to 2010.
Throughout her career, Wheeler has displayed a proven aptitude towards engaging students on a daily basis while successfully performing additional duties when asked. Her collaborative nature and understanding of the school’s mission make her a perfect fit for the new teaching principal position.
“During her previous tenure as a teaching principal, the school experienced steady and substantial growth. We are excited to have her back leading the school. It’s a real blessing for the community,” King said in the release.
For more information, contact Dave Guthro, communications director for the Diocese of Portland, at 321-7810 or dave.guthro@portlanddiocese.org.
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