Michael Wakefield

Background

About Michael Wakefield

I define myself as an experienced educator who has participated in the academic arena for over thirty-seven years. My beginning was determined by working with children, teens and adults with handicapping conditions in a therapeutic camping program. This early discovery was fueled with many opportunities that allowed me to serve the schools and community in which I lived. From Sunday school teacher to scouting, I realized that teaching and mentoring others is what I was meant to do. A surprise season in my life came with an opportunity to move my family and myself to Japan. Even though our world was turned upside down, many remarkable opportunities also developed. The highlight of Japan was sponsoring the only Christian orphanage in Japan, “Kobo-en.” Having been recognized as a leader and mentor to the school and community, I was transferred to Sicily to assist a failing early childhood program. After fixing the program and making it one of the most successful programs in Europe, I was again transferred to re-create the same program and to take on additional responsibilities. After living abroad for twelve years, it was time to return home to the United States. At this time I had the opportunity to begin a new adventure as the Dean of Students at a Jewish Day School. As usual, my skills and talents were recognized, and my plate quickly filled with other duties as assigned. If I were to give credit to any one individual it would be to the professor who provided sound teaching and recognized my talents and abilities; that person would be Madeline Hunter. Additionally, I have been mentored by some of the most outstanding professionals in the business and have taken their methods to heart. In closing, I feel that it should be known that my rewards come not from the great evaluations that I have had over the years, but from the students, parents and peers under my charge. It is both my faith and ultimate belief in people that form the core of my existence. Specialties: Mentoring staff and students, facilities management, data collection and triangulation, budgets, curriculum development, world wide experience in three countries; Japan, Italy and Germany.