Teacher every student dreams of is welcomed as Principal Bayshore Courier News Posted:02/10/10
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Middletown (Monmouth County, NJ) - Ten years ago, if someone told Dr. Anthony Shallop that in the future he would become the principal of a major New Jersey high school, he would have been shocked. Then he was comfortably ensconced in academia where he researched the complexities of DNA nucleotides and published nearly 20 research articles at Rutgers University.
However, throughout his graduate, doctorial and research work, he discovered a great affinity and natural talent for one aspect of his university responsibilities, teaching. In 2003, he took a professional risk and left the collegiate world to become a science teacher at Middletown High School South (HSS). Soon after, he assumed leadership and administrative responsibilities. His first love, however, remains teaching and summoning all his creativity to connect with the students in the classroom. Dr. Shallop is known as the kind of teacher every student dreams of having and who inspired some to seek careers in science who may never have taken that path.
High school senior and top science student Bryan Pinamonti comments, "As a teacher, he taught the class to learn for themselves and to try hard on their own. He tried to make the class more of a discussion than a lecture. He helped us have the success we had. And he got a lot of kids interested in science. "
After several years serving as the HSS science department coordinator, curriculum writer, eighth grade orientation as well as Middle States coordinator, Dr. Anthony Shallop assumes the reins of Principal of Middletown High School South. He succeeds Interim Principal George Hart who held that post for one year.
Superintendent Karen Bilbao states, "It is a very exciting time for our high schools as the district prepares to implement many sweeping changes to align its curriculum and delivery with the priorities of the national High School Redesign initiatives. This mirrors what the district has already done in its elementary and middle schools in implementing a more authentic, student-centered and project- based program to engage our students. Dr. Shallop's talents and skills are tailor- made for this challenge."
Principal Shallop hopes to create more opportunities for students to learn and develop. As a science teacher, his students participated in many competitions and performed very well, often achieving top placement. He hopes to facilitate this high level of achievement throughout the curriculum.
He comments, "I have been working closely with George Hart over the past year and I know what we need to do going forward. We need to improve the delivery and rigor of the curriculum. We need to increase the engagement in the classroom by making this a more innovative place, and support our staff in the process."
Among the major changes that will help accomplish this include the district initiatives to create a freshmen academy. Students entering high school are initially better supported in smaller learning communities by sharing the same cadre of teachers who will conference together. The student schedule will also be reworked to maximize quality instructional time and project learning opportunities. Key to the improved curriculum delivery is staff training, which Dr. Shallop recognizes as a priority.
Dr. Shallop and his High School North counterpart, Dr. Patricia Cartier, have been preparing for the new initiatives for some time and, along with Interim HSS Principal George Hart, have been working as a team to plan and implement these changes. Both Dr. Cartier and Dr. Shallop attended a Harvard University Program over the summer on High School Redesign. In addition, Dr. Shallop visited several model schools in the Washington D.C. area and brought back some very interesting ideas to both high schools. One such initiative is the Professional Learning Communities (implemented this year) where high school teachers are given a 90 minute period every month for teacher training and conferencing time while students engage in valuable programs.
He states, "The schools I visited were among the top performing schools in the country, and I recognized that they didn't have anything more than we have. In fact, our facilities are superior. If we implemented similar, successful programs, there is no reason that we cannot also be a top, nationally rated high school."
Another idea Dr. Shallop brought to the district is an incentive program where a progressive raffle is held throughout the year for all students at both high schools to win a donated car. Monthly raffles create excitement by offering other prizes. The students obtain the raffle tickets from staff members by exhibiting all types of exemplary behavior. Using proven scientific design, naturally, the raffle is constructed to engage all students at every grade level up to the end of the year.
Dr. Shallop also supported the staff's request to reintroduce an old HSS tradition of students and staff participating in activities outside the classroom such as canoeing, hiking and skiing. Dates for four ski trips have already been set. He hopes this will develop a good rapport among the student body and staff and lead to mentoring opportunities.
This year, students at High School South have also seen some rule changes, giving them more responsibility and privileges. Student-friendly hallway pass rules have been enacted. Halloween costume privileges for the senior class were reinstated, and for the first time in many years, the student council is holding their own student elections. Regarding the latter, essays are required to ensure that students are serious candidates.
One of the most important things Dr. Shallop hopes to bring to High School South is something it has lacked for many years, continuity in leadership.
He states, "I am prepared to be here for the next ten years. I am lucky in that I believe I enjoy strong support from the students and staff. I would like to continue to create an environment where the staff is happy to come to work in the morning and students enjoy their school as well as excel academically."
