Last month, the Regional School Unit 14 hired Drew Patin, 35, as the new principal of Windham High School, replacing outgoing principal Charlie Haddock.

Patin has worked at Sanford Junior High School for the past 13 years, teaching seventh- and eighth-grade science from 2002 to 2009, working as assistant principal from 2009 to 2012, and working as principal since 2012.

A Wisconsin native, Patin graduated from Ripon College in Wisconsin in 2002, where he majored in biology and minored in education. Patin has received master’s degrees in education and school administration from the University of Southern Maine and the University of Maine at Farmington.

When asked to describe the pronunciation of his name, Patin said, “‘Pat’ on the back, ‘in’ the front door.” Patin, who recently built a home in Gorham, spoke with the Lakes Region Weekly about the trials and tribulations of his own time in middle school, and how that experience shaped his views on school administration.

Q: Can you describe your middle school experience?

A: My middle school experience was a bit unique. I spent a lot of my life in El Paso, Texas, from Grade 2 to Grade 11. I had switched schools between my seventh-grade year and eighth-grade year so I could be on the same school schedule as my parents who were educators in another district. I ended up attending the school where my mother was an assistant principal. In addition to this, I was one of two white students in a school of about 1,000 kids. All the students spoke fluent Spanish and I could barley mutter “el bano,” which means bathroom. I was immersed in a culture that was not native to me. It was a challenging experience as many kids judged me purely based on my white skin and blonde hair. I attended a high school of 3,000 kids the next year, where my father was a chemistry teacher. While there was a bit more diversity, I still had to find my way just like everyone else.

Q: You say that you want to make middle school “not be a bad experience like most people remember.” How do you plan to do that?

A: It begins with our teachers establishing great relationships with students so students can be supported academically, socially and emotionally. Kids can and should have fun while learning. Students should be met at their level, not the average level of the class. It means creating a culture of mutual respect, trust and honesty among all members of the school.

Much of the distaste that people had of middle school in the past was related to boring curriculum and kids that were mean. While we don’t have control over the curriculum, as that is set by the state, we have a lot of control of how the curriculum is taught. We have to deliver the curriculum in a meaningful, purposeful and real-life way to students. While I wish I could control the behavior of students I know the school has a huge part in teaching appropriate behavior, holding students accountable, helping kids learn from mistakes, and supporting students who need help.

Q: What were the big takeaways for you after your three years as principal of Sanford Junior High School?

A: All students can learn and we can teach them the best when we know them the best. All kids have strengths and they need to be given the opportunity to develop and demonstrate their strengths. I learned that great teachers can move mountains with students. I learned that parents are a critical partner in a student’s success. I also learned that I can’t make everyone happy without losing all of my hair and most of my sanity.

Q: You have lived all over the country. What differentiates southern Maine from all the other places you have lived?

A: I chose to reside in Maine because of the climate and the people. I feel like folks in Maine are helpful and it has a small-town feel. I love the mountains, the lakes and the oceans. The Texan desert has only mountains and it was big-city life.

Q: How does your science education background affect your approach to being a principal?

A: Science was great to teach because it was easy to get “hands on” and easy to make it relevant and engaging to students. Having my science background allows me to look at instruction in all classrooms and think of ways to make it more engaging to students.

Q: Your 7-year-old son Camden is set to go to Windham Middle School in a few years time. Any thoughts on how you will approach that?

A: I am excited about it. It seems like a rite of passage in our family of educators. Camden is excited now – time will tell how he feels as he enters WMS. I think it will be a good learning experience for him. He will face some “chatter” from kids most likely. I intend to develop a great relationship with all students so they see I am invested in their learning and care about their education. Ideally students at WMS will have a positive view of their principal. Whatever comes up, I’m positive I can support him and help him work through it.

Drew Patin, the new principal of Windham Middle School, holds his son, Alden, and stands with his wife, Audrey, and son, Camden.Courtesy photo