Derek Wheaton
Derek Wheaton has been an educator for 34 years. His experience includes 14 years as a former teacher in both inner city and urban elementary schools, and 18 years as a practicing principal of a large K-2 center in southwest Michigan. Derek graduated from Michigan State University with a BS degree in Early Childhood and Teaching and received his Masters in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University. He was named MEMSPA's 2011 Outstanding Practicing Principal and honored by the NAESP as a National Distinguished Principal Class of 2012. Derek recently “retired” or dis-engaged from a full-time career as a building principal. He leads Derek Wheaton Consulting, LLC and provides professional learning for schools and district leaders, coaching and mentoring for new and beginning principals as his part-time legacy work. Derek is a Nationally Certified Principal Mentor & Coach via the NAESP Principal Mentor Certification Program.