FORT BENNING, Ga., (Sept. 3, 2014) -- For his first year as principal of Stowers Elementary School, Todd Kreider said his goal is to tackle any challenges while creating a fun environment where every student can receive the best education possible.
He came to Fort Benning from Fort Knox, Kentucky, due to downsizing of the installation. With 24 years in education experience in several states, including eight years as a school administrator, Kreider said his goal is to embrace the school's new designation as a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math school this year. With the implementation of a STEM-focused instructor, students and teachers will receive more curriculums and strategies that will incorporate STEM principles in every instructional day, he said.
"STEM teaching is a hands-on approach to science, mathematics and literature," Kreider said. "It's an instructional process that is very appealing to most children and engages them in higher-order thinking and problem-solving activities. So far this year, our students have been very excited about the STEM classroom and we look forward to continuing the full integration of STEM processes into all of our classrooms."
Krieder said another goal is to allow parents to have more interaction with students and staff throughout the school year.
"We have many great parents already volunteering in the school," Kreider said. "We can always use more help. So we're working with our PTO to promote more parent involvement in the building."
As a former military child, Kreider said he believes a principal needs to have a grasp of the "big picture," yet able to focus on the needs of students as individuals. This includes having a clear sense of purpose and vision for the school, while maintaining a sense of humor, curiosity and flexibility.
"In North Carolina, I worked in the public schools near Camp Lejeune, so I have spent the past 12 years working with military students," Kreider said. "I know they need stability, support and understanding because they have a tough job as a military child. It's our job to make sure we give them the skills to be successful at the next school they attend as well as successful in life."
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