Handschuch Sees New Position as 'Learning Experience'

James Handschuch never thought of himself as Teacher of the Year but in 2000, he earned that title at .

Now, 12 years later, Handschuch sits behind a desk in his very own office at that same school.

With just one week under his belt, the added a personal touch to the office space boasting a University of Tennessee chair, photos and accents.

The former principal said a bigger school will bring greater challenges but he’s up for it.

“I’ve never run away from a challenge,” he said.

The first days on the job have been “a little overwhelming” as Handschuch gets up to speed on the workings of the high school but with 28 years of experience as an educator — a teacher and administrator — he is looking forward to assisting the staff and students, he said.

Handschuch grew up in Toms River, graduating from Toms River High School South. He proceeded to earn a bachelor's degree in Science and Science Education. Throughout those 28 years, Handchuch also served as a track coach, Island Beach State Park lifeguard captain and sold Christmas trees at Seaside Farm.

He began his career teaching eighth grade science for 10 years in Brick but with a persistent desire to teach at the high school level, Handschuch moved on to Lacey Township High School for nine years where he taught everything from general science to physics; then at the Brackman Middle School in Barnegat for a year and Barnegat High School for another.

“I think I brought to the classroom my love for the job,” he said, describing himself as serious but fun. Since becoming an administrator, Handschuch says he misses the interaction with the students.

He was encouraged by colleagues to move into administration and playing a leadership role as lifeguard captain, he said it was more “palatable” for him to do so.

Handschuch became the first vice principal of Barnegat High School, which opened in 2004.

“I really learned a lot because it was a brand new school,” he said, adding that he did everything from ordering school necessities to helping the teachers get settled in.

He moved on to be vice principal at the Brackman Middle School for three years before receiving a call from Lacey Middle School Vice Principal Jason King, recommending he apply for the principal’s position at Lacey Middle School.

“He and I were a great team over there,” he said. “It was a great opportunity. I always liked Lacey and I was definitely ready for it.”

As principal of Lacey Middle School, one of his accomplishments was developing a new schedule with double periods for both math and language arts. In the upcoming year, teachers will also have duty periods; teams to collaborate with on assessments, lessons and students; and professional learning communities.

“It’s golden,” he said.

Handschuch sees himself as an innovator but says he needs to learn “what’s happening and what needs to happen” at the high school prior to taking any major action.

Currently, the district is looking into virtual schools, which would provide online courses for students who are seeking credits for additional classes or those who need remediation, he said.

The district is also getting wireless internet and is exploring the possibility of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) — a program that would allow students to utilize their Nooks, iPads, Kindles and iPhone’s for educational purposes in school. Policies would need to be developed, he said.

“It’s educating ourselves to be 21st century educators,” he said. “Students are connected to that world. We have to connect our world to that.”

The district is also researching the feasibility of purchasing new gadgets to “get technology in every students hands,” he said.

Handschuch also played a role in curriculum development prior to entering his position as principal of the high school. Curriculums will all be online and easier to comprehend, he said.

“It needed to be cleaned up and more organized,” he said. “We’re modifying existing curriculums…General curriculum is not about the textbook.”

In the future, rather than teaching by the textbooks, the textbooks will be supportive of the district’s curriculums, he said.

Handschuch intends on learning all he can about the high school, he said, which is something he both looks forward to but believes could be a challenge with the many programs and activities that are offered.

“It’s going to be as much of a learning experience for me as for the students and staff,” he said. “It’s really neat to be a part of watching the students and community grow.” 

He’ll also need to learn about the staff and layout of the building as well as define past practices and establish future practices, he said.

“I want Lacey Township High School to be the best high school in Ocean County and beyond,” he said. “I want the students to excel academically but also in programs that benefit their futures…People from the outside should be envious of what we’re doing.”

“If a community values education, then education has a great value. And Lacey does,” he said.

Handschuch’s start date was Sunday, July 1. As principal of the Lacey Middle School, he made $111,019 for the 2011-12 school year. His salary as high school principal has yet to be determined, Business Administrator James Savage said.

Handschuch’s salary will be voted on at the July 16 Board of Education meeting, President Jack Martenak said, adding that the board expects him to “excel” as a high school principal. A recommendation for a new middle school principal will also be made then.