Jeffrey Adam is still trying to find his way around Loudoun County, but is anxious to call it home.
Several months ago, Adam moved from Austin, Texas, to serve as one of Park View High's assistant principals.
"I’m getting used to the big area," Adam said. "It hasn’t been too difficult relocating."
Adam has a background in education. He worked as an assistant principal in Austin. Before that, he taught eighth-grade language arts in Round Rock, Texas. He has a bachelor degree in English and history from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, said Public Schools spokesperson Wayde Byard.
Adam got his first taste of administrative work in Round Rock, when a principal there promoted him to English Department chairperson. Adam said he likes "seeing the big picture and working with more people." He talked with his then principal and assistant principal and decided to return to school.
While teaching English in Round Hill, he attended University of Texas. One year later, he received his master’s degree in educational administration.
"It snuck up on me and I liked it," Adam said. "It is my calling. It’s where I need to be."
For Adam, the best part of the job is making a difference. He hopes to inspire students, lead by example and give them tools to make good choices for their future.
"It’s a natural progression. This is a learning place," Adam said. "I really want to be a good role model. My door’s always open."
At the June 27 School Board meeting, board members welcomed Adam to Loudoun County Public Schools.
Board member J. Warren Geurin (Sterling) said he thinks Adam’s experience and youth will compliment the school well.
"In taking over for Mr. John Marple, Jeff Adam will bring the same level of energy and commitment that the Park View community has seen in the past year," he said in an e-mail.
ONE OF THE things that attracted the 30 year old to Park View High School is its population.
"I was born and raised in Austin, Texas," he said. "Texas is a diverse state. That’s one of the things I liked about Park View, all of the different people."
He hasn’t had a chance to meet the students, but is anxious to interact with them in the fall.
Park View High School principal Virginia Minshew said Adam is a good match for the position.
"When hiring an administrator, we try to match a person's strengths to our needs," she said. "His strengths are a good match to the Park View community."
One reason Adam is a good match for Minshew, she said, is his ability to work in a collaborative environment.
As one of the school’s assistant principals, Adam is expected to do a lot of things. He will supervise instruction, help teachers discover teaching tools and resources, help struggling students and discipline them.
"My goal is to continue the tradition of excellence," Adam said. "I want to get involved and make sure the school is a safe place for everyone. I want to come in and be a part of it."
While students are on summer vacation, Adam keeps busy researching school policies, looking up Virginia Standards of Learning test scores and moving into his new office.
"I’m going to try and be visible in the hallways, make connections and build relationships because we’re all in this together," Adam said. "It’s all about respect."
Adam’s teaching philosophy is a simple one.
"Respect everyone, no matter what age," Adam said. "Everybody deserves respect."
OUTSIDE OF his Park View office, Adam is busy settling in to his new home in Jefferson, Md. On the weekends, Adam said he enjoys spending time with his wife, Brandy, and two daughters, 4-year-old Kayleigh and 1-year-old Ashlynd.
"We are thrilled he’s here," Minshew said. "I know he’ll bring a wealth of experiences to our school community."
"My advice to Mr. Adam is listen and learn from Dr. Minshew and her administrative staff," Geurin said. "Dr. Minshew is a true instructional leader and I know she will teach him well."