ANDRE HAUSER NAMED 2008 HIGH SCHOOL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR

Andre Hauser, Assistant Principal, Coginchaug Regional High School, Durham

Andre Hauser began his career in education in 1995, working as a high school English teacher in Bethel, CT, and Palmer, MA, before joining the staff of Enrico Fermi High School in Enfield, CT. In 2003, after three years as an English teacher and department chair at Fermi, he became assistant principal of Coginchaug Regional High School in Durham, the position he now holds.

Nominated for the High School Assistant Principal of the Year Award by his principal, Dr. Steve Wysowski, Andre was chosen by the selection committee for his
purposeful leadership and uncompromising dedication to his students and school community.

A gifted instructional leader, Andre keeps careful watch for new research and best practices to present to and share with his staff. His commitment to continued professional growth has set a powerful example for his teachers and has had a positive influence on instruction. Says Superintendent Susan Vicaro, "Andre is remarkably skilled in coaching teachers and staff to improve their instruction, behavior management and interpersonal skills so as to better interact with students and help them improve their learning." Adds Dr. Wysowski, "Andre's strength is his understanding of the dynamics of classroom teaching. He has improved education at Coginchaug by undertaking insightful work with staff members who have needed help."

Andre leads by example, always exhibiting the characteristics of respect, responsibility, honesty, kindness and courage that comprise the “Core Ethical Values” established by Regional School District #13. He is credited with building a cohesive school community which is responsive to the educational needs of all of its students. Since joining the Coginchaug staff, he has introduced several programs designed to create a nurturing, safe community where each member feels valued. Under Andre's leadership, CRHS staff have been introduced to
the Capturing Kids Hearts program which builds positive, affirming relationships between teachers and students.

Highly visible and engaged, Andre is a constant presence in the cafeteria, in the corridors, and in the classrooms. The Reverend Dr. Elven Riggles, Jr., a leader in the Durham community and a former CRHS parent, calls Andre a "vital part of the character and complexion that makes our school district a marvel of education and a comfortable home for students and their families," says Rev. Riggles.

A self-described "data nerd," Hauser developed a data management system for student discipline that has led to a significant decrease in CRHS's expulsion/suspension rate. Furthermore, he worked with staff to compile, study and analyze data on at-risks students as a means to monitor their academic progress and, ultimately, help them feel more "connected" to the school.

Andre has been a prominent instructor and leader not only at the high school, but within the district as a whole. In addition to serving on the district's Strategic Plan 5-Year Renewal Committee, he recently oversaw the revision of the district's Crisis Response Manual which outlines emergency policies and procedures that will be implemented in all six of the district's schools.

Andre has been selected by CAS to represent Connecticut in the National Assistant Principal of the Year Program sponsored jointly by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and Virco, Inc. Andre, along with assistant principals from each of the other fifty states, as well as the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity associations, will compete for the national honor. The national winner receives a $5,000 award from Virco.