Mr. Swope's Bio

Educational Experience

I earned my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Shippensburg University in May 2004. Since earning my teaching certificate, I have completed my Master’s in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment from Walden University in July 2007 and earned my Principal Certification through Shippensburg University in May 2010. I completed the four NISL courses offered through the PIL program in May 2013. In July 2018, I obtained my Superintendent's Letter of Eligibility from Shippensburg University.  

I was hired by the Tuscarora School District to teach seventh grade English in July 2004 at their middle school. After my first year of teaching I was given the opportunity to transfer to fourth grade. I spent five years teaching fourth grade at Montgomery Elementary, and also served as fourth grade department chair. As a fourth grade teacher, I was responsible for teaching all content area subjects. In July 2010, I accepted the Elementary Principal position at Forbes Road School District. During my time at Forbes Road, I was responsible for discipline, attendance, curriculum, teacher evaluations, federal programs, as well as grant writing. Due to declining student enrollment and state funding cuts, my position with Forbes Road was furloughed June 2013, as it was decided to run the district with one principal instead of two. In July 2013, I accepted the position as Head Teacher at Marion Elementary where I also served as fourth and fifth grade math teacher in addition to the duties of head teacher. Most recently in July 2014, I accpeted the position as Regional Principal of Grandview and Lurgan Elementary Schools.  

One of the duties that I feel is important to the success of a school is a Principal that builds relationships and communication with faculty, students, parents and the community.

Family and Personal Interests

I was born and raised in Fulton County by my parents, Karl and Sue. I have two younger sisters, Karla and Kelsi who both work in the banking industry. For the majority of my childhood my mother was a stay at home mom, and is now a stay at home grandma who helps take care of her five grandsons. My dad has been a truck driver and currently works for ABF in Carlisle. My oldest sister graduated from HBC and is the branch manager for BB&T Bank in McConnellsburg. My youngest sister also graduated from Shippensburg University majoring in Business Administration. Since her graduation she's been employed by F&M Bank also in McConnellsburg. 

I married my wife, Janna, in 2008. She is a graduate of UPJ, and has spent the last eight years working for the Department of Welfare in Bedford County. In 2011, we began the process of adopting our oldest son, Tommy who is now nine years old. Most recently, we were blessed with the addition of our youngest son, Gavin in June 2013. 

In 2005, I bought the family farm from my grandparents. This is the property where I now live with my wife and two sons. For the first five years that we owned the farm it was used primarily for raising registered paint horses and making hay. In 2011, I sold the last of the paint horses and began the process of transitioning to beef cattle. Currently we have approximately forty head of cattle. In September 2015, we purchased several boer goats and began the process of breeding and raising goats. We also use the goats to help keep our pasture fields cleaned up of the vegetation that the cattle won't eat.  

The farm work is done using our collection of antique Farmall tractors that have been restored in recent years. Our collection of Farmalls include: Super A, BN, Super C, H, M, Super M, 340, 350, 560, 686, and an 806. The Farmall H was purchased new by my maternal great-grandfather and has been on our family farm every since. The most recent additions to our tractor collection include a Farmall M and Farmall 560 that belonged to my paternal grandfather.

During free time I like spending time with my family for picnics and other family outings. I also enjoy spending time doing farm chores and working with the animals. When I have the time I enjoy reading books by my favorite author John Grisham. My favorite childhood author was Gary Paulsen with his books that focused on adventures. Another one of my all time favorite children's book is "Holes."

I believe that the successful education of a student involves the cooperation of teachers, parents, administration, and students. In order for students to achieve their highest potential they need to be provided with support in all areas of their lives. This philosophy is based on my more than ten years of experience in education and getting to see the results of many students' achievement. Students that are provided with the necessary support and services at school as well as at home demonstrate a much higher level of achievement. I believe this process is enhanced through effective communication between all individuals involved in the child's education. If all individuals communicate and work cooperatively for the student's educational interests they show a much higher level of achievement on average.

I look forward to working with you and your student this year to make sure they achieve their highest level of achievement!!