On Monday, May 8, 2023, the Wauwatosa School District Board of Education approved Superintendent Dr. Demond Means’ recommendation to appoint Mr. Ted Martin as principal of McKinley Elementary School.
Mr. Ted Martin has more than three years of experience in elementary school administration, having served as the assistant principal of Lincoln Trail Elementary in Mahomet, Illinois, where he led a team of more than 70 staff members and served nearly 800 students. Mr. Martin served as a classroom teacher in Channahon, Illinois for more than 10 years before launching his career as an administrator. He has proven success in using data to drive decision making and leveraging restorative practices to support students. His experience in leadership and collaboration to create school improvement goals, in addition to his innate ability to connect with children, will serve him well in his role as Principal of McKinley Elementary School. In 2019, Mr. Martin received the Joliet Region Great Teacher Award, after being nominated by families and students in the community. Mr. Martin received his Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Northern Illinois University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Saint Francis.
“McKinley Elementary School has a long history of student achievement, and I am committed to not only continuing this trend but motivating students to grow and surpass the standard,” Martin stated. “As educators, it is our responsibility to model a growth mindset and help students understand that with effort, persistence, and a variety of perspectives, there’s no obstacle they cannot overcome. I look forward to doing this alongside the talented educators at McKinley Elementary School. It feels good to be a Mountain Lion!”
The District followed a robust screening and interview process to ensure stakeholder voice was reflected in the final decision. As part of the hiring process, initial input was gathered from families and staff via listening sessions. The District used this information to develop interview questions, which were then used to assess applicants and identify the top candidates for each position. These final candidates participated in interviews with District staff, families and students. After narrowing down the candidate pool, Superintendent Dr. Demond Means and members of the Wauwatosa Board of Education conducted final interviews.
Mr. Martin’s contract will be effective July 1, 2023.