New Beginnings

As the new principal of Damar Charter Academy, I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with enthusiastic staff members and special children in an intensive environment, which pushes both adults and students alike to maximize their potentials in the teaching/learning environment. I have two Master’s degrees from Ball State University: Special Education (MA) and Administration & Supervision (MAE), and hold instructional licensing in all grades Special Education Mild Interventions and 5-12 Mathematics, as well as administrative licensing for all schools Building Level Administrator and all schools Director of Exceptional Needs. My plans are to complete my doctoral program in special education by May, 2013.

I have a plethora of teaching experience at the secondary, high school level in Indiana public schools including: Interpersonal Relationships, resource, Basic Skills Development mathematics, Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry, and ECA remediation. I have also acted as the sole on-site special educator for a high school alternative school program, servicing secondary students with intellectual or behavioral challenges, and at-risk general education students.

I have a 13-year-old son who will be entering high school in the 2013-14 school year. I also serve as a member of the Indiana Army National Guard, 178th Financial Management Sustainment Detachment, stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison.

Educating and developing opportunities for the youth of our community on all levels is one of the most important jobs we have as citizens. Damar Charter Academy provides a unique opportunity to accelerate some of our children who face the greatest obstacles and struggles in the learning environment. Damar Charter Academy offers year-round educational, behavioral, and developmental support services for students facing the greatest challenges to learning potential.

I am so excited to become a part of Damar Charter Academy and be given the opportunity to accelerate outcomes and serve the needs of children with developmental, intellectual, and behavioral challenges in kindergarten through grade 12. Among my excitement is change for all, as we prepare to relocate a large portion of our school to a new location within the next few months. This will allow more resources for all within a centralized area, greater administrative presence in the classrooms, and much larger classrooms for teaching and learning to occur.

It is refreshing to find a resource during these difficult times in education, which can provide the most effective possible services essentially free of charge to Indiana families who are in greatest need of help.

I look forward to serving our children, families, and community through the growth and development of our most special youth, and welcome the challenges of becoming principal of Damar Charter Academy.

Leta M. Echelbarger
Principal