Once a science teacher and athletic director for Lebanon Junior High School, Dalton is returning as the school’s principal. He replaces Jason Enix, who accepted a position as assistant superintendent for Beavercreek City Schools, in the suburbs of Dayton.
Dalton said, “I look forward to working with the amazing staff of the junior high and getting to know the students who walk through our hallways each day. I look forward to continuing to develop a community of learners who respect each other and respect the differences that we bring into our school each day.”
The Today’s Pulse found out more about Lebanon’s newest administrator.
Q: What has been your educational journey?
A: I graduated from Middletown High School in 1992. I did my undergraduate work at the University of Dayton, graduating in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. I was certified to teach biology, chemistry and general science.
In 2011, I finished my master’s degree and principal license classes at the University of Dayton. During the 2015-16 school year, I completed my superintendent’s license at Miami University.
I have been in education for 20 years. I spent my first 15 years at Lebanon Junior High as a science teacher and athletic director. The past five years have been spent at Little Miami High School as an assistant and associate principal.
Q: Why did you become an educator?
A: I have always had a strong desire to help other people. I have a passion for helping others learn, and I always loved my science classes. Put all of these things together, and I determined that teaching was the career for me. I became an administrator, because I believe that I can have a greater impact on the students and staff in that role.
Q: How does it feel to be returning to Lebanon?
A: I feel blessed to have the opportunity to return to Lebanon. I have had five great years at Little Miami, and it was a difficult decision to leave Little Miami High School; however, Lebanon has always had a special place in my heart, and I had to seize this opportunity to return.
Q: What are your goals as the new Lebanon Junior High School principal?
A: My primary goal is to make Lebanon Junior High a place where students want to be, and a place they look forward to coming every day. When their two years with us are over, I want them to be sad they are leaving but glad they had the experience of being part of our school.
Academically, I want all of our students to be successful, because our staff finds a way to meet the learning needs of each student. Overall, my goal is for Lebanon Junior High School to be a model school that other schools want to visit and learn from, because, over time, we have proven to have a formula for success for all of our students.
Q: What do you enjoy most about the profession?
A: I enjoy watching students grow into mature young adults and seeing the "aha" moments that occur when they are learning something they have struggled with in the past. I also enjoy the fact that no two days are the same, and I have new opportunities to impact the lives of my students each day.
Q: What is the biggest challenge facing educators today?
A: There are many challenges that educators face today. There are many unfunded mandates that put strains on our education system. Ohio's current funding model is challenging for school districts. Teachers are challenged to cover more material, without additional time, to higher numbers of students each year.
Q: What is your philosophy of education?
A: My philosophy of education is rooted in the belief that all students can learn and experience success if we meet them where they are when they enter our school and allow them to learn and grow at different paces.
Q: What are some of your hobbies?
A: I enjoy traveling, taking cruises, going out to eat and relaxing at home. I also have three dogs with whom I enjoy spending time.
Q: What is something people may not know about you?
A: I am the ultimate bargain shopper. I am always looking for a deal and using coupons to save money and get the best deal.
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