Sioux City, IA -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/11/2012 -- Dr.Rich McGrath (http://www.drrichmcgrath.com) is an expert in all phases of education, particularly versed in school-wide reform of inner city schools; with experience leading a school of students with over 90% poverty and over 60% English Language Learners.
Dr. McGrath has served as principal since 2004. Before his career as a principal, he was a reading consultant for Northwest Area Education Agency for five years; a classroom teacher for fifteen years for Sioux City Community Schools, Iowa and Aurora Public Schools, Colorado.
According to Katie Boyle a school psychologist, “Dr. Richard McGrath is the essence of what it means to be an instructional leader. In his experience as a classroom teacher, reading consultant, and administrator he has shown a passion for learning and student achievement that is unsurpassed. For example, as an administrator, I have seen him work tirelessly to collaborate with his classroom teachers to ensure that every student has access to a rigorous, research- based curriculum and effective instruction. Dr. McGrath is a data based decision maker in every sense of the word and makes no decisions about instruction or curriculum without collaborating with staff to carefully analyze student data. Dr. McGrath’s history of strong leadership in a very diverse school with a high poverty rate and a majority of students who are English Language Learners have proven his capabilities to lead and impact positive change. His experience in leading a dual language school in which Spanish is taught for half the day at every grade level is exemplary. Dr. McGrath sets high expectations for teachers and students, and they respond very positively to his leadership.”
A graduate of University of Denver, Colorado, Dr. McGrath studied education under Ellin Oliver Keene, noted education author. Dr. McGrath received his Master’s in School Administration from University of Northern Iowa and then earned his doctorate from The University of South Dakota in Curriculum and Instruction.
Boyle went on to say, “Dr. McGrath has a reputation for excellence, as evidenced by the numerous awards and recognition he has received as being one of the most effective principals in Iowa. Dr. McGrath’s knowledge and skills are second to none and would be a tremendous asset to any district or school looking to positively impact student achievement.”
School Administrators of Iowa recognized Dr. Richard McGrath as one of the leading elementary school principals in Iowa in 2011. Dr. McGrath’s passion is to ensure that all children are reading at grade level or better. McGrath has served as principal in a diverse school district in Iowa for nearly a decade. His blogs are updated regularly and thousands of followers are watching and tweeting this academic thought leader. Sign up for Twitter to follow Dr. Rich McGrath @drrichmcgrath. Insights, news, and best-practices can be followed daily.