About Justin Schwenk
Justin is a veteran educator, classroom teacher, school leader, and Scoutmaster. Over the course of 20+ years, Justin has taught in diverse school settings to a diverse group of students. As a school leader, Justin concentrates on systems and procedures that create effective and efficient student learning and experience.
Philosophy
What Matters
Teaching and Learning
Student Experience
Intentionality
High Expectations
Inclusive Community
Preparing Students for the 21st Century
Schools exist for a number of reasons. Among the most important is preparing students for their future. Justin's approach is to embrace and support Project Based, Inquiry, Engineering and Design, and UDL models of hands on opportunities for students to explore and participate in their education.
First Impressions Start Here
Engaging students in an authentic and immersive educational experience is one of the most influential indicators of success in a school and growth of a school culture. Justin's vision of a successful school is one where we create an environment where students want to come to school.
Avoiding Being "Accidently" Good At Your Job
Justin had a colleague many years ago whose Doctoral research was about being "Accidently" good at your job. It is a philosophy that he has embraced. Good schools are intentional in what we ask students to do and how we ask educators to grow. Justin's vision is to ensure that teachers and students explicitly know, understand, and be able to communicate what is expected and why we are learning and growing.
Rigor, Responsibility, and Intrinsic Motivation
High School is a foundational moment in students lives. Preparing students for what comes next (What is your "E"--Employment, Enrollment, Enlistment) requires that teachers are held to the high expectation that they create rigorous learning environments. Similarly, students are held to the high standard of participating authentically. Justin has a belief that ALL students can succeed at high levels when we hold them and ourselves to that level.
School is a place for ALL
Every student deserves a learning environment where they can feel safe, supported, and welcome. Justin works to create a school community and culture where all students have resources and outlets to find the best for them. Furthermore, successful schools are places where community values are expectations that we work to achieve everyday
Initiatives and Projects
Testimonials
Duke Lines
Principal, Whiteland High School
"Justin's ability to teach and lead with compassion and professionalism while prioritizing the well-being of all students has been a cornerstone of his success."
Rachel Tonte
Alternative Education Coordinator, Whiteland High School
"[Justin's] ability to organize, lead diverse teams, and produce tangible results speaks to his capacity to manage complex administrative responsibilities."
Mike Potts,
Social Studies Teacher, Bedford North Lawrence High School
"I have always admired his intuitiveness towards identifying problems and ability to generate practical solutions to them."
