Chester Names New Dean of Students

The final piece of the puzzle is in place as Brad Currie has been hired as the new Dean of Students and Supervisor of Instruction replacing Michele Stanton.

Stanton begins this where she , who announced his resignation for the.

"I am very pleased to announce that Mr. Brad Currie has been selected as the new Dean of Students/Supervisor of Instruction for Black River Middle School and the by an Advisory Search Committee of teachers, parents, administrators, and Chester Board of Education Members," said Superintendent Christina Vanwoert.

Currie comes to Chester from his post as vice principal at Readington Middle School in Whitehouse Station. Prior to becoming an administrator Brad was a middle school social studies and computer education teacher for the Hanover Township School District.

According to Vanwoert, Currie's areas of expertise (which include social
media and technology integration) was one of the reasons for his appointment.

"Among Mr. Currie’s many areas of expertise is his work fostering technology use among students and teachers," Vanwoert said. "Specifically in the area of social media."

Currie is the co-host of a weekly morning show on Twitter called #Satchat featuring a discussion of educational topics followed by many educators around the country and regularly blogs about his experiences in education. According to Vanwoert, Currie's commitment to help expand his staff's Professional Learning Networks and with his students to initiate Student Led Conferences and Personalized Learning Plans. 

Currie's recent honors include an invitation to a roundtable discussion on the state of education at the Governor’s Mansion and a commendation from Governor Christie on a character education program he started called Pay It Forward. 

"We have no doubt that he will be a tremendous asset to the staff, students, and parents of Chester," Vanwoert said.  

For his part, Currie is thrilled to be taking on the new challenge.

"I am extremely excited about joining such a wonderful, caring and innovative staff," Currie said on his website. "I am humbled to be working alongside of educators and various other school stakeholders who are committed to excellence and daring children to succeed each and every day."

While his official start day with Chester isn't until Oct. 8, Currie plans weekly visits to Black River "in order to acclimate to the new surroundings."