Matthew LucasSchool Administrator

Current Occupation: Assistant PrincipalExperience: 20+ years (6 in leadership

positions)Credentials: Michigan School Administrator

certified (k-12), Professional Teaching certified (k-12)

Education: Special Education Supervision Certificate, Masters in Educational Leadership, BA in Special Education

Strengths: Communication and public speaking, community networking, fire and safety drills, restorative practices and alternatives to suspension, building security, technology liaison

Contact information:Matthew.lucas1@comcast.net

Professional Summary:

I am a life long learner with 20+ years of experience as a teacher/leader, mentor, supervisor, data coach and Assistant Principal.

Fellow administrators, staff, students, and parents know that I am a good communicator who makes sound decisions based on data and facts.

Career HighlightsDemonstrated skill in supervising and evaluating teachers, behavior specialists, program

assistants, and substitute teachers.Demonstrated skill in establishing rapport and maintaining standards of student conduct.

Assisting with school improvement and initiating change where needed to create a high-

quality teaching/learning climate and culture. Led Science and Social Studies departments to 10% increase in student engagement.Co-developer of Avondale Schools’ program: SKILL (Successful Keys for Independent Learning and Living) Managed “The Beehive”, Avondale High School’s school store while supervising special

needs students in the day-to-day operationsAdult leader of Circle of Friends ClubMAMSE Team Teacher of the Year 2005/2006

Leadership PreparationSpecial Education Supervision

During my teaching career in Avondale, I enrolled in Saginaw Valley State University’s Certificate program for Special Education Supervision and received “full approval” status.

Leadership PreparationSchool Administrator Internship

As a teacher in Avondale I participated in Oakland Schools Aspiring Principals Leadership Academy in 2008.

I completed an internship with Rochester Schools’ Denise Bereznoff and earned my State of Michigan Administrators Certificate.

Leadership PreparationMasters in Educational Leadership

As a teacher in Avondale I earned my degree from Concordia University in Ann Arbor.

My Masters thesis/action research project focused on the importance of students tracking their own work completion.

Demonstrated Leadership General Responsibilities

As Assistant Principal I take the lead in arrival and dismissal duties, cafeteria supervision, discipline, school improvement, technology requests, discipline and safety drills.

Demonstrated Leadership Climate and Culture

During my career I have played an integral part in building a strong and accepting culture and climate.

This is manifested in my work with Avondale Youth Assistance as well as my efforts in The Avondale Beehive, Circle of Friends Club and Beacon Day Treatment Point Store, Staff Appreciation events, bus driver in-services and breakfast celebrations, and year end carnival.

Demonstrated Leadership Climate and Culture

I also take the lead in boosting morale with staff by volunteering my time and energy in providing gifts, recognition, and meals.

Demonstrated Leadership Instructional Leadership

As an Assistant Principal, I coached Science and Social Studies departments at Beacon Day Treatment in their goal of increasing student engagement by 10%.

Demonstrated Leadership Instructional Leadership

As an Assistant Principal, I coached the Science department in their investigations and use of Project Based Learning.

I coached Electives Teachers in their investigation and use of Culturally Relevant Instruction.

I coached the Social Studies department in their investigation and use of Total Participation Techniques.

Demonstrated Leadership Communication

As an Assistant Principal, I help to restore trust between staff, students, and parents by successfully facilitating re-entry meetings after disciplinary action or suspension.

These meetings have a restorative value to them; it is a chance for everyone to have a fresh start and end on a positive note.

Demonstrated Leadership Educational Technology

• Highly proficient using MiStar• Highly proficient using Google Tools• Highly proficient using Pearson Inform• Highly proficient using Microsoft Office

Demonstrated Leadership The Hiring Process

It is important to screen and interview new talent. Therefore, I assist in the screening, interviewing and hiring of new teachers, behavior specialists, social workers, program assistants, and day-to-day substitute teachers at Beacon Day Treatment

Demonstrated Leadership Student Growth

During my tenure as a teacher I taught English, Math, Employability Skills, Personal Adjustment, and School Store Management.

I am most proud of students who learned how to conduct themselves at job interviews. Historically, nearly 2/3 of the students who took Employability Skills actually used their resume drafted during that class to earn a job.

Demonstrated Leadership Trusted leader among leaders

“…has demonstrated leadership across the system in special education and multiple grade levels.”

-Dr. George Heitsch

Farmington Schools Superintendent

(formerly of Avondale)

“He is highly organized, student focused, teacher driven and has great communications skills.”

-Michelle Imbrunone

Goodrich Schools Superintendent

(former Principal of Avondale High School)

“Matthew demonstrates the ability to create an environment of acceptance and support while holding people to high expectations.”

-Karen Olex

Deputy Superintendent Avondale Schools

Demonstrated Leadership Well rounded/keeping sharp and healthy

Olympic Weightlifting, biking, running and family time helps me to stay healthy, well rounded and focused on my professional responsibilities