Vince Edwards
2 MIN. READ
MAY 2021 — A Muncie laboratory school leader, Vince Edwards ’11, will take the helm at Fortville Elementary School starting this summer.
Mt. Vernon’s school board earlier this week approved the hiring of Edwards as the school’s new principal. He’ll succeed Stacy Muffler, who will start as the district’s assistant director of curriculum and instruction on July 1.
Edwards has been elementary principal and K-12 assistant principal at Burris Laboratory School in Muncie since 2014. With an enrollment of about 670 students, the school provides a clinical setting for preparing future teachers through Ball State University’s Teachers College.
“I am both humbled and honored to be selected as your next principal and am thrilled to join the FES and Mt. Vernon family,” Edwards said in a news release. “I love working with students, staff, and parents to create a community centered on student learning with an emphasis on the whole child. As a servant leader, I look forward to contributing my experience and expertise to build on the excellence of Fortville Elementary and will work hard each day to make a difference in the lives of others.”
At Burris Laboratory School, Edwards oversaw assessments as corporation test coordinator with Project Lead the Way, a program that teaches in-demand skills by exploring real-world challenges and providing pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. He also led an initiative to restructure schedules allowing for greater acceleration options for high-ability middle school students.
Edwards is expected to achieve his doctorate of education from Ball State University in June 2021. He earned his education specialist degree from Ball State in 2017 and master’s degree in educational leadership from Anderson University in 2011. He began his education career as a math teacher in 2002 after getting his bachelor’s degree from Bob Jones University in South Carolina.
Mt. Vernon chose Edwards for his experience leading classroom technology improvements and for providing professional development, as well as his transparency and administrative experience, according to the release. The release also highlighted his understanding of educational systems and structures along with creating a team-building culture through positive relationships and staff support.
“He has an innate intent to connect theory into practice and build staff capacity to implement a high level of learning for all students,” according to the release. “He excels in his interpersonal relationship skills, which are complemented by his humble demeanor.”
Jack Parker, Mt. Vernon superintendent, led the collaborative hiring process that involved teachers, principals, and parents.
“Mr. Edwards’ experience in staff collaboration, leading high levels of learning, and the ability to relate to elementary students and staff, made him the best candidate to take an excellent elementary school and continue its path of future success,” Parker said in the release. “His references proved he holds himself to high standards and has a strong integrity and drive to do what is best for students.”
Article published by the Greenfield Daily Reporter.
Anderson University educates students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized for excellence in business, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, music, nursing, psychology, and teacher education programs. Established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God, the university remains committed to its Christ-centered mission.