MRH Middle School Principal Wins National Award

The National School Boards Association announced on Monday that Maplewood Richmond Heights Middle School Principal Robert Dillon is a "20 to Watch" educator for the 2012-2013 school year.

The honor identifies leaders who will be helping shape the world of education technology for the next 20 years, notes a press release from the association.

The National School Boards Association (MSBA) website described each contribution of the winners in the March 4 press release.

Robert Dillon, “story-teller-in-chief,” provides a constant flow of information to parents and community members about the positive work of students in his school’s 7-year-old 1:1 program...

Read the full description of Dillon on the MSBA site.

Dillon said the honor is a testament to MRH Middle School teachers' dedication to use technology to teach at a deep level.

"The teachers develop the programs that allow the kids to get into things they’re passionate about," Dillon said. "They develop the programs, and I say let's go for it!"

Dillon said what sets him apart is the time he's spent collaborating with educators across the country.

This year, five or six schools have toured MRH Middle School to observe how technology is used. He said he recently met online with principals nationwide to help develop best practices for principals in Baltimore.

"The teachers realize they need to educate the kids in their classroom and throughout the whole country, and I lead by example," Dillon said.

The 20 educators identified range from classroom teachers and technology directors to superintendents and the executive director of international technology organization. Submissions were reviewed by a national panel of educators comprised of previous "20 to Watch" recipients, the release states.

Dillon will be recognized at the 2013 CoSN Conference in San Diego,  March 11-13. 

Read more about Robert Dillon and MRH Middle School:

• MRH Middle School Principal Robert Dillon Named an 'Emerging Leader'
• MRH Middle School Principal Designated Green Classroom Professional
• MRH Eighth-Graders Learn About Marine Ecology and History in Alabama Trip