"I am deeply honored and so very excited to have the opportunity to join the team at the Don Tyson School of Innovation," said Tapee. "The faculty and staff at DTSOI have been building something truly great together since the school’s founding, and I cannot wait to join in the adventure. I look forward to learning alongside the faculty and staff as we strive to deliver personalized and accelerated learning to each and every one of our students."
Tapee is transitioning from instructional facilitator at Central Junior High School, where he served for 1 year. He has 9 years of experience in education at Springdale Public Schools. For the first 8 years of his career, he taught at Hellstern Middle School, teaching 6th-grade math, and co-founded and coached the Herobotics competitive robotics teams.
"Congratulations to Michael Tapee on being named Assistant Principal of the Don Tyson School of Innovation! His dedication and innovative spirit will undoubtedly be a tremendous asset to the school's students, staff, and community." - Superintendent Dr. Jared Cleveland.
"I am very humbled by this opportunity to lead in our amazing school district. I am who I am today as a leader because of the incredible peers and mentors I have had surrounding me at both Hellstern and Central," Tapee said. "I have had the opportunity to learn from so many people, and for that, I am thankful. I am also grateful to Dr. Cleveland, Dr. Smith, Mrs. Tisher, Mrs. Fink, the school board, and the entire district team for giving me this opportunity."
Tapee said he is looking forward to joining the DTSOI staff and is ready to bring his training and experience in the PLC process to enhance outcomes and engagement for all students.
"I am passionate about putting students at the center of everything we do, all the while clearing the way for teachers to do what they do best: change the lives of our students," Tapee said.
Tapee holds a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Mathematics - University of Arkansas; Master of Arts in Teaching (focus on Secondary Mathematics) - University of Arkansas; Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership - Arkansas State.
"We're thrilled to have Michael Tapee step into a leadership role as our new Assistant Principal! His strong instructional background will certainly help us grow and expand teaching and learning. Mr. Tapee is committed to building a positive culture and promoting collaboration, and we're excited for the impact he'll make." — Amy Harrison, Principal, Don Tyson School of Innovation
Tapee said that in his free time, he loves to cook and bake, hike, play board games, read, and spend time with his church community.