By: Ana Pichardo—
Meet Chris Walker, New Central High School Principal
Originally from Middletown, Indiana, Chris earned his bachelor of science degree from Ball State University and his master’s degree from Butler University.
Currently in his fourteenth year as an educator, Chris Walker brings administrative experience with him as he embraces his role of building principal. His previous administrative roles include athletic director and associate principal.
When asked what he likes most about his new role, Chris states, “Working with the students. They are truly inspiring.” While pursuing his own career, Chris credits his former teachers for inspiring him to go into the field of education. Working with young people each day so they may reach their dreams is what Chris considers to be the best job in the world.
With students in the forefront, a goal Chris has for the year is to establish a culture of learning in a student centered atmosphere.
Aside from playing golf in his spare time, Chris enjoys spending time with his family. Married for fifteen years, Chris and his wife Katie, have three children attending the Muncie Community Schools this year. Tyler is a current 8th grader at Northside Middle School, Tate is a 5th grader at West View Elementary, and their youngest, Grace is a 3rd grader at East Washington Academy.
Meet Jennifer Roberts, New Mitchell Elementary School Principal
Jennifer Roberts is a native of Muncie, Indiana. An alumnus of Ball State University, where she earned her masters of art degree in school administration and supervision, Jennifer has worked in the field of education for sixteen years. Her love of learning coupled by her fondness for children is what inspired her to become an educator.
Before coming to MCS, she held the role of classroom teacher, reading recovery teacher, reading interventionist, consulting teacher, and more recently an elementary school principal. In the few weeks that Jennifer has spent at Mitchell Elementary School, it is evident to her how proud the students, staff, and families are of their school.
One goal she has for the year is to get to know her students on a more personal level by supporting her staff. According to Jennifer, “when you truly know the people you are helping and they trust that you are there to support them, success is bound to occur.” Jennifer recognizes the importance of being in supportive environment. She credits her mother for having the biggest impact on her life by providing her with a quality education and fantastic childhood.
Jennifer is married to Keith a talented musician and educator. Together they are the proud parents of three children; Ethan, a senior at Indiana University, thirteen year old Avery, and Amelia, a fourth grader.
Meet Eric Ambler, New Storer Elementary School Principal
During his eighteen years as an educator, Eric Ambler has been awarded Teacher of the Year twice along with the prestigious Indiana University Armstrong Teacher Award. Originally from Huntington, Indiana, after completing his post-secondary education at Ball State University and IU Bloomington, Eric decided to make Muncie his permanent home.
Before becoming an educator, Eric worked as a Program Manager for Summer Advantage USA. Being drawn to the creative side of teaching by engaging students in learning and thinking outside of the box is what inspired Eric to become an educator. “I’ve always enjoyed finding ways to motivate and captivate kids that are not easily engaged.”
Eric is just as equally enthusiastic about working with his staff. As a first year principal, one of his goals for the year is to deliver high-quality staff development opportunities. He views this as a method improving instruction to ultimately reach more students.
While acclimatizing to his new role as building principal, Eric has discovered what he likes most is the energy that the students bring to the building, staff, and him.
When asked what words of wisdom he would offer his students Eric responded, “Be a positive person and surround yourself with positive people.”
Eric is happily married to his wonderful wife Sarah, whom he credits with making the biggest impact on his life. Together they have three daughters; Emma, Addison, and Isabelle.
Meet Kyle Hall, New Central High School Assistant Principal
Kyle Hall was born in Anderson, Indiana, and has worked in the field of education for the last sixteen years. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degree from Ball State University. Before becoming the new assistant principal at Central High School, Kyle was athletic director at Yorktown High School.
When asked what inspired him to pursue a career in the field of education, Kyle stated, “I was inspired to pursue a career in education by the many influential educators that positively impacted my life. I wanted to attempt to make a positive impact in this world.” Kyle has had the opportunity to accomplish that during his earlier role of teacher, coach, and assistant athletic director.
Since he started at Central, Kyle has enjoyed getting to know the staff and students. Helping at least one student learn to self-advocate and improve their current situation is one of Kyle’s goals for this school year. Kyle conveys his words of wisdom to students; “Treat others as you want to be treated. Try to positively impact those around you!”
A self-proclaimed sports enthusiast, Kyle has earned several coaching accomplishments. However his humble nature would not permit him to share the specifics of his accolades. Acknowledgement goes to his family for making the biggest impact on his life by guiding him spiritually.
As middle-school sweethearts, Kyle and his wife Krista have been happily married for the last sixteen years. Last August, they became the proud parents of a baby boy.
The Muncie Community Schools (MCS) serve approximately 6000 students from Muncie and the surrounding area. MCS provides a range of diverse opportunities for children as well as adult basic education. For more information about MCS events, programs or services, please contact Ana Pichardo, Director of Communications at 765-747-5210 or apichardo@muncie.k12.in.us. Follow MCS on Twitter at @MuncieSchools and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MCS1Official.
