Ankeny Social Studies Teacher Named New Assistant Principal at Ankeny High School

Ankeny social studies teacher Derrick Joel recently was named one of several new assistant principals at .

Joel, who has been with the district since 2009, will take over the position being vacated by Matthew Blackmore, who recently for the . Joel will start his new position July 1.

“I look forward to beginning a career in leadership and learning from a highly regarded team in Ankeny that places student achievement as the highest priority,” Joel said in a release issued by the district.

Joel has a bachelor’s degree in social sciences from Doane College and a master’s degree in education administration from Iowa State University.

Prior to joining the Ankeny school district, Joel was a social studies teacher for two years at Tri-County High School in DeWitt, Neb. He also was the chairperson of the social studies department in DeWitt, chairman of the National Honor Society, coordinator of the Red Cross Blood Drive and director of the school’s Washington, D.C. trip.

Joel also coached boys basketball and track, as well as football, during his time in DeWitt.

Jeff Hawkins, incoming principal of Ankeny High School, said Joel will be a good fit for the AHS administrative team.

“His experience as a teacher leader who has continually looked for ways to improve instruction, along with his strong work ethic, are reasons he will be very successful here," Hawkins said.