Ben D’Ardenne’s experience as a camp counselor influenced his decision to become a teacher and ultimately, an administrator.
“During college, I was a summer camp counselor for middle school kids. After graduating college I entered the business world; however, I quickly realized I wanted to return to working with kids! A friend I'd worked with who had started teaching and coaching middle school students convinced me to do the same,” said Ben.
“I knew I wanted to be a principal in my first year as a teacher. I was working at an inner-city school in Waco, TX where there were a lot of challenges. I started my master's program after that first year and became an administrator after five years of teaching.”
Before being named principal of Sagewood, Ben served as an assistant principal and athletic director, teacher, and coach. Ben said one of the best things about working in public education is that he gets to serve all kids.
“I love working with middle school students because this is such a pivotal time in their lives when they’re figuring out who they are and what they want to be about. I think there’s no greater time than middle school to be able to influence students positively. It was one of the most foundational times of my life because of the adults who impacted me during those years.”
Ben is most proud of working through challenging situations over the years with students and maintaining a positive relationship with them.
“I love seeing students come out on the other side of significant challenges and mistakes to see their growth and potential,” he said.
He also prioritizes celebrating his staff.
“One of my favorite ways to show staff appreciation is through hand-delivering coffee, snacks, and drinks to staff in their classrooms or wherever they work in our building.”
Ben’s favorite way to energize himself at work is to be with the students and get into classrooms to see the great things that teachers are doing with students.
Ben enjoys spending time with his wife and kids and does his best to get outside every day. He also likes to make Texas-style barbecue and go hunting.