Here is information about Dan and his career path:


Leader, Author, Consultant, Speaker

Administrator with strengths in innovative and transformational leadership involving instructional programs, curriculum design processes and implementation, school operations, teaching/professional staff evaluation, staff development, student assessment, team building, and school improvement processes.

Author of respected book on teacher professional growth and evaluation, adult learning, and principal leadership, as well as author/editor of international teacher magazine and principal/teacher blog.

Consultant to schools in the area of visionary leadership, curriculum design and processes, educational philosophy, and faith development methods.

Over 70+ presentations to audiences in the United States and Canada on a wide range of topics - see Presentations Available.


Career Progression

CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS INTERNATIONAL – Grand Rapids, Michigan
(Christian Schools International serves approximately 400+ schools in North America.)

Vice President of Learning Services, Director of Instructional Improvement and Consultant, 2007 - 2010
Responsible for writing, speaking, staff development, curriculum development and school improvement services to 400 member schools. Developed and teach online courses and two day staff development workshops.  Co-created the Measuring the Mission school improvement document/process. Established online Member Community Center for member schools.

HOLLAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS – Holland, Michigan
(Holland Christian is the largest parent controlled, Christian school system under one board in the United States.)

Director of Curriculum and Instruction, 2001 - 2007
Responsible for curriculum development and review, instructional program, staff development, teacher evaluation, school improvement, special education services, and technology services for six schools. Led restructuring of system leadership structures, curriculum articulation, assessment development, and mission statement articulation committee. Created Faith Enhancing Practices model and staff development modules that have been presented internationally.

Principal, South Side Christian, 1993 – 2002

Developed innovative teacher evaluation process that was adopted by school system. Nominated in January 2001 for Christian Schools International Distinguished Principal Award.

 
HINSDALE COMMUNITY CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT 181 – Hinsdale, Illinois
(Hinsdale is a western suburb of Chicago and its school system is considered to be one of the top 100 districts in the country.)

Principal, The Lane Elementary School, 1991 – 1993
Inspired faculty to integrate the curriculum, improve assessment, and improve the parent reporting system.

 
WHEATON-WARRENVILLE COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT 200 – Wheaton, Illinois
(Wheaton is a western suburb of Chicago and has a highly respected school system.)

Assistant Principal, Wheaton-Warrenville Middle School, 1989 – 1991
Provided discipline for the largest middle school in Illinois – 1100 students, including five self-contained behavior disordered and special needs classrooms. Created and implemented a district wide “at risk” program for students. Presented model at 1991 IASCD Middle Level Conference.

 
TIMOTHY CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS – Elmhurst, Illinois
(Timothy is a parent controlled, Christian school of about 1400 students located in the western suburbs of Chicago.)

Teacher, Timothy Christian Elementary School, 1985 - 1989
Taught in a fourth grade classroom. Chaired reading committee and spearheaded a major revision of the language arts program. Developed innovative learning center system to challenge and enrich student learning.

 
ELIM CHRISTIAN SCHOOL – Palos Heights, Illinois
(Elim is a nationally known residential and day school for students with multiple handicaps and learning needs located in the southwest suburbs of Chicago.)

Teacher, Elim Christian School, 1984 - 1985
Taught in a self-contained junior high classroom for the orthopedically disabled. Pioneered the use of computer assisted communication device with student.

BELOIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS – Beloit, Wisconsin
(Beloit Schools serve an ethnically diverse, low socioeconomic population in an urban setting.)

Teacher, Royce Elementary, 1983 - 1984
Taught in a fourth grade classroom and supervised teacher assistant.

Teacher, Royce Elementary, 1981 – 1983
Taught in a fifth and sixth grade self-contained classroom for behavior disordered and emotionally impaired students and supervised teacher assistant.


Education

NATIONAL-LOUIS UNIVERSITY – Evanston, Illinois – 1985 – 1988, M.Ed. in Educational Leadership

WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY - Kalamazoo, Michigan – 1978 – 1981
    Honors: Graduated magna cum laude, B.S. in Special Education


Professional Activities

Speaker

• Over 70+ presentations since 1997 to national and international audiences.
• Topics have included teacher evaluation and professional growth, leadership development, curriculum design, educational philosophy, and faith development (see Presentations Available link on this site.)

Author/Editor

• Author/Editor of Nurturing Faith blog (http:nurturingfaith.wordpress.com), currently ranked 47th in the world by Word Press in the Growing Blogs category.
• Editor, Christian School Teacher online magazine.
• Author of Evaluating Teachers for Professional Growth: Creating a Culture of Motivation and Learning, published by Corwin Press, 2000.

Leader

• President of Midwest Christian Educator’s Association, 2006 Midwest regional professional organization for 3,000 + teachers and administrator
• Board Member, 2005-2009, Kuyers Institute for Christian Teaching and Learning – Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan
• School improvement site team chair, NCA and CSI accreditation
• Harvard Change Leadership, 2007

Community Involvement

• Classis Holland Leadership Development Team, 2006- present
• Board member, Turning Pointe School of Dance, 2001- 2005
• Elder and Education Committee chair, 14th Street Christian Reformed Church
• Summit on Racism Education Task Force, 2000 - 2002