Joe Erpelding

Experience

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  Poway Unified School District

  Aug 1997 - Aug 2003

  Teacher

  Wrote and received $110,000 in grant funding for technology and wireless learningResearched assessment best practices as a member of PUSD’s Assessment Team Supported staff development through Understanding By Design as a District Team LeaderTeam member for connecting district’s MAPS assessment to PUSD academic standards Presented technology integration at the National School Boards Association conference in Atlanta Created a live news broadcast team to empower student learning and deepen school spiritPresented at the National Multiage conference in San Diego Provided technology and curriculum integration leadership as a District Mentor Teacher Show less

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  San Diego Unified School District

  Aug 2003 - Jan 2008

  Dailard ElementaryPromoted professional reading groups designed to improve understanding of ELLSupported teacher’s integration of technology into the curriculum through professional developmentCreated time for staff collaboration to allow team to become effective users of assessment dataOrganized monthly student monitoring and articulation meetings to facilitate next-steps need for continuous improvementEffectively engaged parents in the learning culture through family math and reading nights and homework clubs to ensure shared accountability for results Show less Dana Middle SchoolLewis Middle SchoolCollaborated with principal, staff and community on a budget reduction plan of $230,000 that least impacted student learningReported budget data to the School Site Council and Governing Board and ensured that spending was in-line with the budget calendar and the spending plan for the schoolCoordinated with San Diego State students to provide AVID and after school tutoringOrganize weekly advisory/assembly meetings to support student connectedness to schoolEstablished a Civility Commission to redesign discipline proceduresBrought together art, band, digital media, and drama teachers to create a Learning Street Fair Show less

  • K-5 Principal

    Jan 2005 - Jan 2008

  • Vice Principal (Middle School)

    Aug 2003 - Aug 2005
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  Poway Unified School District

  Aug 2008 - Nov 2020

  Design39Campus, a TK-8 Public School, was charged with "changing the way we do school" with learning experiences designed with the individual learner in mind.Developed systems for “Proof of Learning” to “change the way we do school” for 1400 studentsRecognized by Edutopia as one of four promising public schools in the nationCreated competencies in writing, math and wellnessManaged site budgets, categorical resources and 1.2 million in development fundsEmbedded design thinking across the curriculumCurated essential questions for interdisciplinary methodology of instruction Supported daily tours for national/international educators on systems thinking and change theoryEngaged educators in onsite twice annual 39x 3-Day professional development conferencesAdopted as Education Reimagined reference model for learner-centered designDeveloped ‘Superpowers’ to foster learning and build a community culture of excellenceDesigned our Culture Cards for operational strategy for all things Design39Promoted Life Ready, Thought Leaders who Elevate Humanity Show less Tierra Bonita Elementary - Became the first Apple Distinguished School in San Diego County for leadership and innovation.Collaborated for two years with PUSD Cabinet, staff and parents to become the first 1:1 school-wide program in the districtIntegrated the SAMR model into our culture and selected as an Apple Distinguished SchoolCoordinated Apple Distinguished School tours Regularly presented educational technology integration to fellow principals (K-12)Created educational technology videos and shared with peersCo-Taught a 4th grade math class side-by-side with the RSP teacher for two yearsEstablished a Professional Learning Community by coordinating a culture of writingOriginated a Dad’s group (PAWs) to invest in our adult males for on campus experiencesStructured our ELL program so all students in need of intervention received supportProvided transparency by coordinating site tours for parents to view our instructional programsSupported team teaching to promote mainstreaming of students with IEPs Show less

  • Principal

    Jan 2016 - Nov 2020

  • K-5 Principal

    Aug 2008 - Dec 2015
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  Thrively

  Nov 2020 - Oct 2023

  Senior Vice President, Education

  As Senior Vice President of Education at Thrively, I lead cross-functional teams in the development and enhancement of online content, courses, and curriculum, applying best practices in instructional design. I provide K-12 and community-based school expertise for innovative products and created the Well-Being Index and Hope Index in partnership with leading researchers, demonstrating my whole-child expertise.In addition to my instructional design skills, I support the sales team by identifying customer needs and connecting them to our success matrix. I utilize Salesforce to move top-of-funnel opportunities to closure, providing insight into sales management and systems analysis.I also oversee project management, ensuring pedagogical depth and standard alignment throughout the product. I collaborate with team members on project timelines and use needs assessments to design content, with evaluation methods for success tracking. As part of my role, I support marketing with customer acquisition initiatives and coordinate with the team to produce both internal and client-facing content campaigns for all programs, based on the organization's vision, mission, and strategic objectives.In product development, I work closely with the Head of Product to ensure product alignment with the overarching mission and goals of Thrively. I created micro-credentialing courses with digital badging and conduct training and coaching on best practices for online design with both internal and external partners.My superpowers include an entrepreneurial skillset with the ability to take an idea from concept to reality with rapid building and design thinking methods. I am skilled in understanding, diagnosing, and planning for business issues, processes, structure, outcomes, and profitability. My strong interpersonal skills enable me to successfully communicate with a wide range of stakeholders, making me a valuable asset to any team. Show less

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  Design Forward Alliance

  Dec 2020 - now

  Board Member

  Engaging in human-centered design as a tool to help advance San Diego as a premier city for business, education, and enjoyment.

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  World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024

  Mar 2022 - now

  Design-to-Action Network Lead: Education

  Passionate about driving transformative change in education through human-centered design, collaboration, and action. Currently leading the Design-to-Action Network Lead (Education) for World Design Capital San Diego/Tijuana 2024.🌟 Key Initiative:Spearheading the development of an action plan to accelerate project progress and support Action Groups, using human-centered design principles as the foundation.Facilitating cross-border collaboration between Tijuana and San Diego to ensure diverse perspectives and ideas shape our educational initiatives.Successfully identifying and supporting impactful education projects aligned with WDC 2024 Focus Areas, emphasizing sustainability and innovation.Providing quarterly progress reports to WDC 2024, showcasing the tangible outcomes achieved through our human-centered approach during WDC 2024 programming.🚀 Deliverables:Identify and encourage project submissions via the WDC 2024 Portal, prioritizing human-centered solutions that address real needs.Collaborate with the Legacy Committee to select and support key education projects that foster inclusivity and empower learners.Develop action plans with clear objectives, goals, and success metrics, ensuring a student-centered and future-oriented approach.Lead virtual meetings with selected Action Groups and WDC 2024 Legacy Committee, fostering collaboration and driving progress.Showcase impactful results in 2024, demonstrating the power of human-centered design in transforming education.Join me in shaping the future of education through human-centered design, collaboration, and action. Let's create meaningful change together. #WorldDesignCapital #EducationTransformation #HumanCenteredDesign Show less

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  Started

  Jan 2023 - now

  Mentor

  StartEd is a pioneering venture initiated by visionary entrepreneurs, dedicated to propelling educational innovators who focus on Early Childhood, K-12, HigherEd, Workforce, and Adult Learning. This esteemed organization extends its support to both for-profit and non-profit enterprises, accompanying them from the conception of ideas to the stages of growth, regardless of their geographical location. By firmly believing in the power of digital instruction, StartEd envisions a future where any aspect of learning can be revolutionized. Its fundamental mission is to attract and nurture a collective of forward-thinking trailblazers, committed to tackling challenges at every step of their journey, with the ultimate aim of ensuring equal access to high-quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. Show less

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  Rancho Santa Fe School District

  Aug 2023 - now

  K-8 Principal Director of Curriculum and Instruction

  As the K-8 Principal for the esteemed Rancho Santa Fe School District, I have the privilege of leading one of the oldest and most academically successful districts in San Diego County. With a rich history of excellence, we take pride in delivering a rigorous curriculum and exceptional instruction in core subjects. Our commitment extends beyond academics, offering a diverse array of electives in arts, technology, science, and robotics at our middle school.At RSF, we believe in engaging students in their learning journey, nurturing their creativity, and providing unwavering support for their endeavors. We believe in providing ample opportunities for students to discover their strengths and explore their passions. Our Robotics Team is a testament to this, competing at local, regional, and national levels.In addition to our strong academic program, we boast a thriving athletic department. Our after-school programs, led by dedicated coaches, encompass soccer, track and field, cross country, wrestling, basketball, volleyball, tennis, golf, and football. We recognize that character education is as vital as academic prowess. Our program instills exceptional character, personal responsibility, and a keen awareness of our impact on others.At RSF, we're not just a school; we're a caring community. We champion mutual respect, interdependence, global awareness, and a deep commitment to service. Our Student Council spearheads school-wide philanthropic campaigns, advocating for causes like childhood diseases and animal welfare.Join us in shaping the future leaders of tomorrow, where academic excellence meets character development in an environment of support, creativity, and service. Let's empower students to thrive academically and personally, making a positive impact on their communities and the world. 🌱📚🌍 #RSFSD #EducationExcellence #CharacterBuilding #CommunityImpact Show less