Get to Know Aviara Oak's Middle School Assistant Principal Michael Ecker

(AOMS) Assistant Principal Michael Ecker has served in his position since July 2011. Prior to that, he honed his education skills teaching English in San Dieguito Union High School District. A journalism major in college, Michael says he realized after a few years in that field, “My most joyous jobs involved working with kids. I’d taught swimming, served as a lifeguard, taught the junior lifeguard program and umpired.”

With that realization, Michael changed the course of his life. He began subbing, earned his teaching credential and eventually ended up at Earl Warren Middle School in Solana Beach, where he met his wife, Ashley.  

What’s your secret of success?

As corny as it may sound, being kind to others and letting people know when I think they have accomplished something wonderful has opened many doors. It also doesn’t hurt to surround ourselves with incredibly talented people like the staff members we have at AOMS. I believe that we should continue working toward being more efficient in education. I’ve implemented innovative tools that help us do this, including an online essay feedback program that helps students improve their essays before they submit them to their teacher. Good writing is re-writing.

As a kid, did you ever end up in the principal’s office?

In elementary school, I went up on the roof to retrieve a ball. I come from a family of educators and I KNEW I was going to get in trouble for that one. I did.

What’s your favorite food?

Fresh fish. I love to catch fish and I love to eat fish!

What books do you enjoy?

I’m an avid reader. In fact, I named my dog Kincaid after a character in a book by David James Duncan, entitled The Brothers K. Having a Kindle makes reading very convenient.

What do you like to do when you’re not working? I absolutely LOVE hanging out with my son, Finley, who just turned six months old. Having a child helps me understand how our AOMS parents feel.

Tell us something people may not know about you. As the sports writer for the Montgomery County Sentinel in Maryland, I once got to talk with Cal Ripken Jr. at Camden Yard. As a journalist in Washington D.C., I’d interview senators and congressmen, craft the stories and give them to the staff writers, who would rework the pieces and put their bylines on them. Teaching is far more rewarding! 

–Press Release by Carlsbad Unified School District