Chad Alward has been named director of the Daviess County Public Schools Virtual Academy.
He will oversee the Virtual Academy program for kindergarten through grade 8 and coordinate with high school virtual learning programs.
Alward brings a strong background in the areas of academic instruction, educational leadership and technology to his new role. He has served as assistant principal at Daviess County High School for seven years, working closely with faculty to provide instructional technology support.
Alward said his main responsibilities as Virtual Academy director will be focused on supports for students, teachers and families. “My goal is to provide supports for the teachers and students while doing everything I can to help the team develop effective online instruction with high quality lessons through a blended use of technology and traditional strategies,” he said. “I am looking forward to leading a team of great educators to develop an online learning environment that blends technology and traditional instructional strategies to provide the best educational opportunities for our students and teachers. I am also committed to ensuring that students stay connected to their current school culture while broadening their mindset and skillset in a digital environment.”
Alward said the Virtual Academy experience offers tremendous potential. “This is an opportunity for all of us to be a part of setting the standard of what an online school can look like and achieve,” he said. “Students have an opportunity to be part of something very exciting during a challenging time. We will provide a high-quality education in an online environment. The DCPS Virtual Academy will challenge our students in new and innovative ways while providing social and emotional supports in a new and exciting way.”
Students enrolled in the Virtual Academy will be encouraged and challenged to contribute to the success of the program. “Our online school setting will rely on student engagement and constant feedback,” Alward said. “We want our Virtual Academy to be a place where students are not afraid to ask questions and let us know what is working for them and what is not. Students need to be willing to take chances and communicate with their fellow students and our teachers. We want students to solve problems and create solutions. Students will be active in their education and create, not merely consume, content.”
This is also an exciting opportunity for Virtual Academy educators, Alward said. “Teachers in the Virtual Academy will have the curriculum, communication and administrative supports to reach each of our students. We will have a large focus on building relationships with our families to ensure both student and teacher success is intentional, using high quality curriculum and instructional supports. Students, parents, teachers and I will all work together to learn new skills to be successful online and beyond.”
Alward has an associate of arts degree from Owensboro Community College, a bachelor’s degree in music education from Western Kentucky University and a master’s degree in music education from Murray State University. He earned his Rank I in education leadership from WKU. In addition to his most recent role as assistant principal at DCHS, Alward’s career has included teaching at the elementary and high school levels, overseeing instructional technology for the Ohio County Public Schools district and serving as principal at Deer Park Elementary School. He is a member of the U.S. Army Reserve, serving as commander of the 100th Army Band at Fort Knox.
DCPS assistant superintendent for teaching and learning Jana Beth Francis said, “We are fortunate to have someone like Chad in our district. He has the leadership experience to work with the virtual teachers on creating a high-quality learning environment for students in the Virtual Academy, as well as the technology ‘know how’ to navigate the challenges that we know will come with our first Virtual Academy. Most importantly, Chad Alward has the aptitude needed to build a warm and caring community in the virtual world. I’m thrilled to have Chad on our team.”
DCPS families are currently in the process of selecting whether their children will begin the 2020-21 school year through either In-Person Instruction (A-B Schedule) or Virtual Academy options. Superintendent Matt Robbins said both programs are committed to student success. “We remain focused on our Kids First mission of providing meaningful learning experiences for all students,” he said. “Chad Alward is the right person with the right skills at the right time to lead the Virtual Academy.”
