Following in the footsteps of his father, who spent 40 years in education, Glenn Gualtieri has also dedicated his life to the field.
“I’ve always admired the profession and valued the profession, and had a fondness for children,” Gualtieri said, who was named assistant principal at Sashabaw Middle School by Clarkston Community Schools Board of Education Aug. 11.
He replaces Dan Ferguson, who transferred to Clarkston High School. Mike Stefanski, who Ferguson replaced, is now at Clarkston Middle School, filling Ginny Farmer’s old role as assistant principal.
Gualtieri has been in the Clarkston district for nine years, teaching physical education and mathematics at Clarkston Elementary as well as one year of physical education at Clarkston Middle School. Gualtieri has also coached basketball, football and golf.
“I found leadership was kind of like my niche,” he said. “Being a leader has always been an ambition of mine. I had leaders in my youth that had a lasting impression on me. I’d like to pass on the same ideals I learned to others.”
Gualtieri, who graduated from Western Michigan University in 1994 and obtained a master’s degree in administration from Michigan State University in 1998, said, “These are interesting times in Clarkston.”
He very much wanted to be a part of the administration team during the grade reconfiguration slated to go into effect by the 2005-06 school year. The change will see the approximately 1,400 students of Sashabaw Middle School and Clarkston Middle School combined be housed at the Sashabaw site, which is currently being added on to.
“It’s going to be different for a lot of people. I want to makes sure the transition to the 6/7 building is smooth. I want to prepare the students and staff for this transformation.”
Though Gualtieri lives in Oxford, he says he has found a home here in Clarkston.
His wife Kerri also teaches in the district — fifth grade at Independence Elementary. The couple have two daughters Corrin, 3 1/2, and Kate, seven months.
When Kerri first began in the district she spent three years teaching at Sashabaw Middle, so there are a lot of familiar faces for Gualtieri, who said he has felt welcomed by all.
“I feel good about being here,” he said. “I feel honored to be selected. It’s a privilege to be thought of as having the abilities for this position.”