District 91 Board of Education members approved the hiring of a new director of innovative instruction at the regular meeting on July 12.
The board approved a one-year contract with James Edler for $110,577, starting on July 16. He succeeds Shannon Roedel, who served less than a year in the post, and previously worked as principal of Grant White Elementary School. The director of Innovative Instruction provides professional development on innovative teaching strategies, integration of instructional technology, and assessment practices.
“I’m looking for the district to focus on issues of equity and addressing disparities in achievement for our students and focus certainly on math as a content area of focus,” he said.
Edler comes to Forest Park from Milwaukee Public Schools, where he served as an educator effectiveness implementation manager for more than seven years, according to his LinkedIn profile. In that role, he oversaw professional growth and development for educators and worked as an elementary and middle school teacher before that. He has also worked as a consultant for The Danielson Group, an agency that seeks to partner educators and policy leaders to promote professional development for teachers and specific education policy.
Edler holds a master’s in education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He said he looked to move to Forest Park because his fiancé is from the area, and he’s eager to start the new position.
“We are very excited to welcome James into the District 91 community!” said the District 91 release announcing Edler’s hire.
Nona Tepper
This article has been updated to reflect that Roedel previously served as principal of Grant White Elementary School.
