Don Hardin is a Newark, New Jersey native who brings a wealth of knowledge and 12 years of experience in producing a track record of results in student success. Don’s passion for education was sparked by two of his former teachers: His Mother, Marguerie Hardin and Aunt, Jeronia McClish. After obtaining his B.A. in English Literature (Dean’s List) from his beloved HBCU (Central State University, in Wilberforce Ohio) and he completed his Master of Education (M.Ed.) focused on Secondary Education/ International Baccalaureate program from DePaul University, in Chicago Illnois. He began his career teaching English in Washington, D.C., and Chicago at both the middle and high school levels in various roles: English teacher, homebound instructor, afterschool +activities coordinator, grade team lead, and Humanities Department Chair. Over the past five years at Achievement First, Don has made a significant impact across three schools, serving as a dedicated and dynamic leader. His leadership journey includes three years as an Academic and Culture Dean at University Prep High School, where he worked to maintain a 2.7% suspension rate and pushed for cultural relevant pedagogy so scholars could connect their instruction to college and career pathways. He later returned to middle school leadership as Dean of Science and History at Linden Middle School. While there, he led the science department to 50% student growth percentile for MAP testing and 65% of students across grades 5-8 scored proficient on the History interim Assessment. Prior to receiving board approval, he stepped into the role of Interim Principal at CHMS, where he began to create instrumental structural changes that would improve fostering a stronger school community and driving remarkable growth in literacy, as evidenced by impressive results on both internal interim assessments and the nationally recognized STAR exam. As a Network, we look forward to the continued growth and success of our scholars, school, and family partnership at Crown Heights Middle School under Don’s leadership.
