When I think about my educational experiences and the path that led me to my current position, there are many miles that comprise my journey. I was an Air Force child, so I spent my elementary years in Texas and Turkey! As a 6th grader, I moved to England and stayed there until I was in 11th grade. I returned to the United States and graduated high school in Camden, Delaware. I decided to enter the military after high school and went directly to boot camp for the Air Force. After 6 years on active duty, I joined the Delaware Air National Guard and pursued my goal of completing college through Wilmington University. I spent the next two and a half years working full-time as a “shadow” for a student with epilepsy during the day, attending college at night, and spending weekends doing military training. I was called up in support of Operation Noble Eagle during my senior year of college and completed my bachelor’s degree in Middle Level Education while living in a tent in a Saudi Arabian desert! After graduating from Wilmington University in 2005, I accepted a special education teaching assignment and have been a multi-disciplinary certified educator for 16 years. I obtained my master’s degree in Educational Administration in 2012 from the University of Phoenix, and I am excited to help students achieve their dreams through guidance, experience, and support as an Assistant Principal at Alice Drive Middle School.
Thomas “Craig” Swearingen, M.Ed.