Springdale Public Schools has named Dr. Michael Shepherd as the principal for Don Tyson School of Innovation.
"I am honored to be joining a team of educators at DTSOI that are recognized as some of the best educators in our profession," Shepherd said. "I have loved my time and all of the people at Lakeside. Now, I look forward to learning and growing together at DTSOI as we continue to make it the top choice school in Northwest Arkansas."
Shepherd has worked as an educator for 31 years. Most recently, as principal at Lakeside Junior High School, where he served since it was founded in 2013. Prior to Lakeside, Shepherd was assistant principal at Har-Ber High School for six years and assistant principal at Central Junior High School for one year. He likewise taught high school social studies for a combined 11 years at Har-Ber, Springdale, Marion and Walnut Ridge high schools.
He earned a doctorate in educational leadership from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, a master's in political science from the University of Memphis and a Bachelor of Arts in social studies education from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He attended Pine Bluff High School.
"As a parent of two Springdale School District graduates, and as a 22-year employee of Springdale Schools, I'm committed to continuing the great work that we, in Springdale, have been doing for a long time," Shepherd said. "We know that how we do education in our state and our nation is changing and we have to change along with it, so I am excited to be part of the innovative DTSOI team that is leading the way in shaping the path of education for the future."
Shepherd was recognized as the National Assistant Principal of the Year, the Arkansas Assistant Principal of the Year, the National U.S. History Teacher of the Year and the Arkansas Social Studies Teacher of the Year. He is also a National Board-Certified Teacher, a graduate of the Springdale Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Springdale and a Phase 3 graduate of the Arkansas Master Principal Institute.
"Dr. Michael Shepherd is a proven leader whose impact has been felt across our district at Springdale High School, Har-Ber High School and Lakeside Junior High. As a former National Assistant Principal of the Year finishing his 31st year in education, he brings both a wealth of wisdom and a highly decorated visionary mindset to the Don Tyson School of Innovation," said Superintendent Dr. Jared Cleveland. "DTSOI is a recognized pacesetter in public education, and I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Shepherd for accepting the challenge to lead it. I have no doubt he will take the school into a whole new stratosphere of learning and leadership."
Shepherd is married to his wife, Lara, and has two sons, both graduates of the Springdale School District. Braden, 24, is a Har-Ber graduate and is currently a graduate student in music education at Arkansas State University. William, 22, is DTSOI graduate and a junior psychology major at the University of Arkansas.