After an extensive search and evaluation of multiple candidates, we are pleased to announce the selection of our principal – Mrs. Stephanie Kooiker. The search committee believes Mrs. Kooiker is the highest qualified and best candidate to guide our Ivywood students and staff.
Mrs. Kooiker began her career in education in 2007. She worked for the School Board of Highlands County in Florida for 10 years and spent the last two years teaching at Livingston Classical Academy. She has experience teaching kindergarten, pre-first, first grade, third grade and special education. She has also served as a special education department head.
She was awarded the 2016 MES teacher of the year and was recognized by the Florida Commissioner of Education in both 2016 and 2017 for her outstanding performance and leadership.
Mrs. Kooiker has been trained in classical education practices by Hillsdale College. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Ferris State University. She is also a Barney Charter School Initiative (BCSI) trainer.
We are thrilled to have her as part of the Ivywood family and excited for her leadership as we open our doors this fall.
If you can’t find Mrs. Kooiker at Ivywood, she is probably busy with her husband or one of her three children, Jillian (17), James (9) and Julia (7).