Page 12 - JOHN DIPAULA POY APPLICATION 2021

Dr. John DiPaula gives back to the profession through original research and publication. He has published both his dissertation (Addressing the Hispanic Dropout Crisis: Predicting the Educational Persistence of Mexican-Descent Students Using Demographic and Process Variable) and another article in Principal Leadership (“Expecting the Best”). Currently, he is working on another article for submission.
Dr. DiPaula is strategic in his own professional development. Every year he attends either the NASSP National Conference, MASSP State Conference, or ASCD Conference on Educational Leadership and he is a member of these professional organizations. His work has been presented at both local and national conferences. He also reads professional journals, books, and research studies, and listens to podcasts to expand his knowledge in the field of public education, school leadership, and teaching and learning.
When the pandemic hit in March of 2020, Dr. DiPaula rolled up his sleeves and learned as much as he could about virtual learning. More importantly, he planned with and relied on his virtual learning experts in the building to take the lead on the professional development of our staff. Throughout the past year, Hammond staff have had the opportunity for choice in their ongoing, differentiated professional learning on a variety of topics. This professional learning has been mostly led by teachers and staff. Further, every faculty meeting feature a teacher sharing a glimpse into their virtual classroom and best practices. Moreover, Monday’s staff newsletters always recognize quality, creative, and engaging instruction. Hammond celebrates building community and sharing our ideas and resources.
Prior to being appointed at Hammond High School, Dr. DiPaula taught for the Johns Hopkins University School of Education for 10 years and hopes to one day return after retirement. He is equally excited about teaching, researching, publishing, and speaking at professional conferences.