Derek Lambert

Age: 27

Occupation: Assistant Principal at Pocahontas County High School

Education: Received undergraduate degree in secondary science education in 2006 from the University of Maine and a master’s degree in educational leadership in 2010 from West Virginia University. Currently enrolled at the University of Phoenix, earning a doctorate degree in educational leadership and technology.

Pets: A four-year-old Weimaraner named Booth.

Hobbies: Skiing, swimming, hunting and volunteers as a 4-H leader and served on the Franklin rescue squad as an EMT.

Favorite Book: “Leading with the Heart” by Coach Mike Krzyzewski.

Educational Influence: John Dewey. He believed the function of a school is to promote and nurture social change. Dewey also believed the purpose of education should not revolve around the acquisition of a pre-determined set of skills, but rather the realization of one’s full potential and the ability to use those skills for the greater good. As educators, we should be training students to have the full and ready use of all of their abilities.

When you come from a family of educators, as did Derek Lambert, it’s easy to see how his course was charted.

“From the time I can remember, I have always wanted to be a teacher,” he said. “My grandfather was an English teacher, my mother is a physical education teacher and my sister is an elementary school teacher.”

Lambert began his teaching career in an unconventional setting – a juvenile correctional facility in Martinsburg. After a year there, he returned to college to obtain a master’s degree. Then, he returned to Franklin.

“I got a biology and physical science teaching job at Pendleton County High School,” he said. “I taught there for two years and was the assistant soccer coach, head of the science department, on the leadership team and faculty senate president.”

Although he was busy with his job and committees at PCHS, Lambert found time to teach other skills.

“In my free time I teach skiing lessons and swimming lessons,” he said. “I have always enjoyed sharing my skills and knowledge with others, so teaching was a natural fit for me.”

Lambert is ready to bring his educating skills to Pocahontas County and enter a field he hasn’t conquered yet – administration.

“I am very excited to be coming to PCHS as the assistant principal,” he said. “I look forward to helping the teachers develop and grow professionally, and ensure each student has the opportunity to succeed in school and society.”