Michael Mitchell
Bernardsville
Summary
Strategic educational leader with extensive experience developing communication strategies, digital engagement initiatives, and community partnerships that elevate school culture and brand identity. Proven record of leading teams, managing crises, and designing communication platforms that inspire trust, transparency, and pride in the school community.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal
Old Turnpike Middle School, Tewksbury Township Schools
01.2019 - Current
- Lead comprehensive school communication strategy using newsletters, social media, video storytelling, and capstones to strengthen family and community engagement.
- Partnered with district leadership to craft messaging and manage communications during COVID reopening; ensured clarity, consistency, and stakeholder trust.
- Created and delivered Social Media Evenings for the community (2017, 2019, 2022, 2023) with mental health professionals, law enforcement, OTS students, and corporate partners to educate and empower parents—featured in local and regional media.
- Designed and implemented a school rebranding initiative through culture-building campaigns with our Peer Leadership and Advisory programs to enhance school culture and climate.
- Oversee internal communications structures, including teacher-led professional learning communities, to ensure message alignment and shared purpose.
Director of Instructional Innovation and Planning
Roxbury Public Schools
- Partnered with university and business leaders to co-brand and launch new courses in Social Media Marketing and Design Thinking, strengthening the district’s reputation for innovation.
- Collaborated with district leadership and stakeholders to craft and communicate the Portrait of a Graduate—a vision initiative now embedded across K–12, serving as a branding and messaging cornerstone.
- Oversaw visual storytelling projects (videos, articles, and social media highlights) showcasing student success and instructional excellence and promote achievement of District goals.
Trustee
NJECC
- Designed and led statewide conferences focused on Digital Disconnect, Branding Your School, and Media Literacy, helping districts improve messaging, communication, and public engagement.
- Partnered with education leaders to promote ethical, effective use of digital media in schools.
- Led Digital Disconnect 12/2022, Digital Disconnect 12/2023 & Digital Connect 12/2024
- Led ESports and Gaming in Education 5/2022
- Led Teaching Creatively Online During Pandemic 2/2021
- Led Media Literacy in the Age of Fake News 11/2017
- Led Building Community Partnerships & Branding Your School 5/2017
- Led Student Privacy and Copyright 5/2016
Supervisor of Technology
Flemington-Raritan School District
- Directed districtwide communications initiatives to enhance digital presence and stakeholder engagement through Twitter, website integration, and teacher storytelling.
- Spearheaded the Hunterdon County EdTech Fest, a statewide branding and outreach event promoting district innovation, collaboration, and visibility in the education community.
- Designed digital campaigns and created learning networks to strengthen teacher brand identity and foster community pride.
Japanese Teacher
New Providence School District
- Created and led the first science exchange (STEM exchange) between a New Jersey High School and a Japanese High School. NJDOE highlighted this video on their website as a model science exchange.
- Expanded the Japanese program of 12 students in 1998 to one of New Jersey’s largest Japanese programs with over 80 students.
- Researched, developed, and implemented a “Flipping the Classroom” instructional practice. See www.showme.com/mitchellsensei. Goal was to create content for users across the globe to learn Japanese.
- Partnered with the Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation on one of our trips to Japan that was highlighted on NHK television in Japan.
- Led a community wide evening event for two years that celebrated all the cultures in our community through games, dance, performances, and food.
Consultant
Aon Consulting/ Pecos River Learning Centers
- Led activities and consulted with clients to help implement and sustain a culture of change in their organizations.
- Collaborated with fellow team members to strategize, design, and implement programs for our clients, such as Citibank, British Airways, John Deere, US Postal Service, and Dofasco Steel.
- Maintained and facilitated activities on high-end ropes courses to develop interpersonal skills and increase teamwork.
Education
Ed.D. - Educational Leadership
Seton Hall University
01.2019
Master of Arts - Asian Studies
Seton Hall University
01.2004
Bachelor of Arts - Japanese Studies
Bucknell University
01.1994
Skills
- Creativity and innovation
- Partnerships and alliances
- Staff management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Relationship building
- Verbal and written communication
Timeline
Principal
Old Turnpike Middle School, Tewksbury Township Schools
01.2019 - Current
Master of Arts - Asian Studies
Seton Hall University
Bachelor of Arts - Japanese Studies
Bucknell University
Director of Instructional Innovation and Planning
Roxbury Public Schools
Trustee
NJECC
Supervisor of Technology
Flemington-Raritan School District
Japanese Teacher
New Providence School District
Consultant
Aon Consulting/ Pecos River Learning Centers
Ed.D. - Educational Leadership
Seton Hall University