By Gary Weckselblatt
Pennsylvania's elementary principal of the year works in Trumbauersville and is part of the Quakertown Community School District.
Adam Schmucker, principal of Trumbauersville Elementary School, has been named Pennsylvania's National Distinguished Principal by the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
"You exemplify the commitment to excellence that shapes the educational experiences of children in Pennsylvania's elementary schools," Dr. Beth A. Haldeman, PA Principals Association President and 2018 NDP Selection Committee Chair, wrote to Schmucker in a letter notifying him of the award. "Everyone we spoke to revealed the dedication you have to your school, your students, your staff, and your community. That dedication is one of the many things that set you apart."
NAESP's NDP program honors outstanding elementary and middle-level principals who ensure that America's children acquire a sound foundation for lifelong learning and achievement.
Schmucker, who has been Trumbauersville's principal for three years, said, "No principal can or should do anything in isolation. This is a recognition of our entire Trumbauersville school community. It speaks to the overarching support of the district, the foundation established by the teachers, and the work and support of our community members and families."
QCSD Superintendent Dr. Bill Harner, who recommended Schmucker for recognition in the program, called him a "wonderful role model and mentor for other principals," and described him as a "principal's principal. … I couldn't be more proud of this tremendous accomplishment."
In addition to his work with QCSD, Schmucker is part of the National Institute for School Leadership, where he facilities induction classes and coaches other Pennsylvania principals.
Amy Morton, NISL's Pennsylvania coordinator, said of the NDP recognition, "This is a well deserved and prestigious award for Adam. He is a shining example in Pennsylvania.
"Adam's commitment to serving students and his generosity in collaborating on behalf of developing the capacity of other leaders is a fantastic asset, not just for the principals that he serves as a coach, but also for their students."
In March, NAESP's selection committee visited Trumbauersville and "was very impressed with the work you have done to improve student achievement," according to Haldeman. "It is evident that you have a vision of what successful schools should be and have instilled the philosophies of what exemplary principals do within your organization by empowering your staff to create an environment where students can excel."
For the 2018-19 school year Schmucker will represent Pennsylvania in the NDP, and continue his work across the state and the nation in support of elementary schools and their students.
Schmucker, 43, grew up in Dallastown, PA, and earned his bachelor's degree at East Stroudsburg University and his master's degree at the University of Colorado-Boulder. He has worked in both elementary and middle schools and has taught fourth through eighth grade.
While in Colorado, he also supported ESL and bilingual education. He minored in Spanish in college, and used it every day in Colorado with students and parents. He traveled twice to Mexico to study in university language programs and volunteer in schools. He still uses his Spanish to help support students and families as needed in QCSD. He joined the school district in 2008 as Assistant Principal at Strayer, and moved to Neidig in 2011 before leading Trumbauersville.
Gary Weckselblatt, QCSD Director of Communications, writes about the people and the programs that impact the Quakertown Community School District. He can be reached at 215-529-2028 or [email protected].