Darin Byrd

Vision Statement As an educational leader I will provide services for all students, including a challenging and rigorous curriculum that will prepare each student to be successful as they make the transition to post high school experiences. I will strive to involve all stakeholders in my decision making that goes along with running an effective school. I will always direct the decisions I make to be ethically and morally responsible. I will always strive to be a positive change agent, keeping the school’s curricula current and related to state and federal guidelines. I will strive to provide a safe environment for all students.

Assumptions about the current position and district As the new principal at Galax Middle School I will assume the responsibilities of directing the school toward meeting the state and federal guidelines for meeting AYP. I understand that there are only a few criteria that fell short of these expectations. While striving to meet these requirements, I will not forget to maintain the standards previously met. I will work diligently with the elementary and high school to make the transition for all students smooth and effective so that each student sees success.

Staff Development Activities Performed Taught Focus Groups on SPED Accommodations to GMS and GHS staff Presented a model lesson to GHS Faculty on how to use Bloom’s and Marzano’s strategies in the classroom Mentored Teachers 2 years Provided Bully Training for GMS Staff

Professional Information I have taught Special Education for 11 years in both an inclusion setting and resource setting at Galax High School and Galax Middle School. While teaching the resource classes, I was responsible for the following disciplines: 5 th, 6 th, and 7 th grade English and Math; Algebra 1; Algebra 2; Geometry; US History; Government; Earth Science; and Biology. I have served as the inclusion teacher / Algebra 1 teacher, while teaching the inclusion class for a total of 5 years. Over the past two years I have continued to serve as the inclusion/general ed. teacher and have also taught the 7 th graders who met the requirements to take Algebra early.

Professional Information Served as Co-Assistant Principal for Galax High School while I was completing my intern practicum Completed 120 hours of administrative service at each of the elementary, middle and high school levels Maintained the attendance and house program at the middle school Developed the form currently used to evaluate paraprofessionals at GCPS Worked on the committee to design a division wide handbook Served on the SACS committee to determine what GHS has done to provide opportunities for its students Served on the Bully Prevention Committee

Professional Information Aided in the development of the current gifted entrance program at the elementary level. Aided in the development of the master schedule at the elementary school.

Personal Information Coached the following sports: JV and Varsity Baseball; JV and Varsity Football; 8 th Grade and JV Softball; and Varsity Wrestling Started the first wrestling team at GHS Devised the wrestling schedule for the youth and varsity wrestling teams Formed a youth wrestling program working with a variety of community members. (at Carroll Co & Galax) Formed a Wrestling Boosters with booster government, by– laws, and tax exempt status Certified in CPR and First Aid Have been married for 15 years with one beautiful daughter