Teaching is in New PMS Assistant Principal's DNA

Name: Eric Mapes

Age: 40

Occupation: Assistant Principal

What got you interested in teaching?

I was born and raised in Albany, in a family of education professionals, I grew up with values I bring to my new workplace: service, hard work, and dedication to helping others.

I knew I wanted to work in schools from an early age, and almost as soon as I earned my BA in Business Administration from California State University, Chico, I enrolled at St. Mary’s University for a teaching credential. Now I’m nearly finished earning a Masters in Education Administration at Mills College.

What was your most recent teaching assignment?

I’ve taught for 13 years … and the last four were at Albany Middle School. My additional credential to teach science and math defined my teaching assignments there and in Silver Spring, MD, and in nearby San Lorenzo.

How does your family like your new job?

We’re all excited!

I met my wife of 16 years, Dena Kram, while at Chico, and we moved to the Washington, D.C. area so she could pursue her degree in international studies. While there, I taught science and math to struggling students, algebra to students in the magnet program, and had the additional task of improving the eighth grade team in my subjects. We ended up staying there eight years, returning with two children and two cats, and a strong desire to be near family.

Family is the most important thing. We now live back in Albany, where my children attend elementary school. Dena works for Pearson Publishing, in sales.

How do you compare Albany and Piedmont schools?

I consider Piedmont and Albany school districts to be similar, with high standards, students who are high achievers, a community committed to educational excellence, and amazing parent support. Both communities are small towns, where everybody knows each other—for better or worse!

It’s rewarding to see the lights go on, to see a new spark in students. ... I love my new job, but I’ll miss being in the classroom. I keep referring to my office as “my room.” But, I’ll be back in [the classroom] in a different role, doing assessments and other tasks that will enable me to still have relationships with the students.

Most people think middle school is challenging …

Middle schoolers are the best! One year, I had broken my femur skiing, a sport I’ve since sworn off of, and I had to teach for a time in a wheel chair and then on crutches. My students were compassionate and concerned about my welfare.