Set for success

School leadership was not something James Wheatley, assistant principal at Sussex Central High School and University of Delaware alumnus, planned to pursue. But as he moved through his teaching career as a math specialist in Indian River School District, he wanted to do more to help his students and fellow colleagues reach their full potential.

"As a teacher, I saw how leadership at the building level could create meaningful and sustainable change," Wheatley said. "I recognized that in order to break down barriers and implement innovative ideas at scale, I needed to be in a position where I could influence systems, not just individual classrooms."

With those goals in mind, Wheatley pursued two programs in UD's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD): its online master's in teacher leadership program for practicing educators and its Principal Preparation Program, an 18-month professional program for aspiring principals.

Now in his first year as assistant principal at Sussex Central High, Wheatley is using those skills to enact meaningful change. Recognizing that chronic tardiness and absenteeism continues to be a significant barrier to education in Delaware, Wheatley worked to create a schoolwide tardy tracker, identifying over 500 students with four or more tardies.

"While this initiative increased minor student referrals, it ultimately helps us keep our students learning in the classroom," Wheatley said. "It helped reduce major infractions, such as in-school suspensions, by over 30%, which has been great to see."

"From day one, Jimmy has demonstrated an incredible work ethic, a high level of organization and a willingness to find ways to improve systems and processes through the thoughtful use of technology," said David J. Carter, principal at Sussex Central High. "He is a quick learner and a great facilitator, who reflects on his work and is always looking for ways to grow and better support our students and staff."