After more than 30 years of hard work and commitment to The Columbus School, vice principal Vicky Jaramillo has decided it’s time for something new. Her absence will leave a vacancy that will surely be hard to occupy, luckily, a suitable candidate has been found to be our new VP. Columbus students can have peace of mind, as he is completely qualified for this job.

To the TCS community, here is  everything you need to know about Darian George.

Who is Darian George?

Teachers and school directives often have only academic backstories, or an ordinary curriculum one might say. In this case, TCS’s new vice principal is completely different. He will be able to bring new abilities and points of view to the table, now that he hasn’t only been a teacher, he was actually a cop.

“I have worked in a couple of other fields since I graduated. I was actually a police officer in Rockford, IL (my hometown) for almost three years. While I worked there, I was a School Resource Officer which allowed me to work with students, staff, and administration. After arresting students, I decided to change careers so I could educate them,” Darian George, TCS’s future VP said.

Having served as a policeman doesn’t mean he isn’t qualified to teach. Currently, George teaches 10th grade history at Colegio Bolivar in Cali, and not only that, but he also has different, equally important roles in the school that grant him the credibility and tools he needs to ace the job.

“I am the 10th Grade World History Teacher. I am also the Social Studies Department Head for secondary. Also, I am the Professional Learning Community leader. In addition to those leadership roles, I am the Student Council advisor,” Darian George said.

Why he is the man for the job

It’s no mystery that a job like this requires a person able to connect with students as much as someone who will enforce the law and sort things out around the school. The fact is, a police officer can do both of these things. Given the fact that George already has experience in American-Colombian schools like the TCS, he’s got the perfect recipe for success.

“I love the classroom, and I love teaching. However, I would like to be a position where I can help teachers and students achieve at optimum levels. I feel as though I can better facilitate those goals from an admin position.”

Moreover, George has got all the support he needs. Everyone in the TCS direction is certain that he is a man qualified for the job, that will feel at home in his new school and city. It’s important for newcomers to feel welcomed, to know they have people backing them and their decisions.

“He [D.George] is perfect for the job. When he came to visit I was unfortunately absent, but I’m certain that at a professional level he is amazing, and likewise as a person. He’s also got experience in schools like this [TCS] in Colombia and is already familiar with Colombian culture. I’m sure he’ll do a great job,” Vicky Jaramillo, TCS Vice Principal said.

His expectations for the future

George expressed what he feels is key for success with his new position. “Good can often be the biggest enemy of great. I expect to strive for greatness. I expect that the school community will continue to improve, push harder, and make Columbus even greater,” George stated.

According to George, the TCS is one of the “premier schools” in Latin America, but this doesn’t limit him to want more for the institution. Its clear to see that his mission is to make the school greater in every sense, keeping in mind what Ms.Jaramillo and Mr. Arbabi have done in this past years.

“Transitions are very hard in schools, but we [Both Jaramillo and Arbabi] feel that with things such as a positive discipline model, standard based grading, and some of the 21st century thinking skills that we’re incorporating in the school, it [TCS] is set to become greater,” Roger Arbabi, TCS Principal said.