Washington welcomes our next STEM Instructional Coach, Mr. Derek Pike!
Mr. Pike first taught at Triple C, a Christian school in the Cayman Islands for 2 years. He then transitioned back to the states where he taught for 2 years in Pendleton, Indiana before finally coming to Warsaw. Mr. Pike has been at Washington for the past 19 years now; 5 years as P.E. teacher and 14 years in 2nd grade. He is originally from Anderson, Indiana where he received his Bachelor's from Anderson University and his Master’s from Ball State University.
When Washington became a STEM school in 2013, Mr. Pike was a teacher leader that helped develop Project Based Learning units for 2nd grade. As Mr. Pike shares, "I love the way the STEM programs have innovated Washington!" An example of his innovation is on display each year as Mr. Pike leads a school-wide effort of collecting cicada shells that he uses with his students to teach 2nd grade math concepts with manipulatives and strategies.
As Mr. Pike explored the STEM Instructional Coach opportunity, he explains his focus for the position by saying, "I believe the technology that students get to experience makes all the lessons and skills come to life which makes a lasting impression on the student body. The main reason I wanted to seek out the STEM Instructional Coach position was to be able to serve the whole school by continuing to move STEM forward, keep up with new student technologies, help teachers learn new curriculum, and serve new teachers as they adapt to their first year of teaching."
Mr. Pike and his wife, Kendra, have three children, Adrianna, Hayden and Ethan. Washington STEM Academy is incredibly blessed to have Mr. Pike step into his new role as he continues to impact students and staff with his servant leadership and strong positive coaching!