Dr. Dwayne Priester named Middle School Principal

After an extensive statewide and national search, Mid-Pacific Institute is proud to announce the hiring of Dr. Dwayne "Dee" Priester as its new middle school principal.

"We are very fortunate to have found in Dr. Priester someone whose educational philosophy and beliefs so closely mirror the educational mission of MPI," said president Joe C. Rice. "The number one message I received from his references was that students and teachers love him. Now, that's a fabulous endorsement!"

Dee is currently the Assistant Headmaster at Hawaii Preparatory Academy in Kamuela, Hawaii. Prior to this he served as Principal of Fremont Junior High School in Mesa, Arizona. Other experiences include college teaching at Northern Arizona University, history and social studies teacher in public schools, assistant principal, and team leader at Carson Junior High in Arizona. Dee has his B.A. in History from the University of North Carolina, and M.A. in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Florida.

"It is with great anticipation, pride, and integrity, that I assume my position as the principal of the Middle School at Mid-Pacific Institute," Priester said. "As an educational leader, I believe that providing a wide array of learning opportunities for all students, faculty, and staff in a school climate that is intentionally inviting and filled with enthusiasm is essential. Teaching and learning should be a dynamic and interactive process that provides a defined set of learning expectations for all students. I believe in providing avenues of exploration in safe, stimulating learning environments within a community that is both stable and supportive. In addition to enthusiasm for learning, it is important to be careful to extend respect and compassion to our students, and to honor their dignity especially during those times they may deem challenging."

"Personal and professional growth are significant components to creating and sustaining a highly effective learning organization. I am fully committed to working with the faculty and staff at Mid-Pacific Institute to continue to create learning environments that foster effective instruction and nurturing, while encouraging all students to explore and construct meaning based on prior experience to create new knowledge. My hope and expectation is that our students will always highlight their time spent at Mid-Pacific Institute as one of the most enlightening, exciting, and memorable experiences of their lives."

Dee is married to Clara Priester from Oahu. Both Clara and Dee will be joining our Ohana in early July.

Posted on June 28, 2007 12:22 PM | Permalink