Derek Douglas, from Vancouver, Canada, joined the school staff this year as the assistant principal. While this may not be news, Douglas has been getting to know the school and letting the community get to know him.

Douglas has taught in several different places over the years. From places as far as the Dominican Republic, to Eaton Academy in Birmingham Michigan, to closer places like Parker Middle School and Highlander Way in Howell. As a result of being in so many diverse places, Douglas has  taken up many languages. He’s learned bits of German, Spanish, Arabic and French. 

He’s bounced between teaching and administrating and says that if he could teach any class, he would fuse ELA and Social Studies class. 

“If you’re in Social Studies talking about speeches, or in ELA talking about writing or interpreting stories, all those things are interconnected,” Douglas said.

Outside of school, Douglas also has interests in nature and building and enjoys taking care of the trails by his cottage and taking care of the forest. 

Douglas also has a daughter, Adelaide, or Addie, who is three and a half years old and likes to keep his home life and work life separate. 

“The biggest thing that guides wherever I am and whatever I’m doing, I try and do it the best that I possibly can, and give it my all,” Douglas said. “So whether it’s playing with my daughter, am I thinking about work at that time? Am I thinking about what I’m going to make for dinner? No, my goal is to just be there and be present.”