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Faculty Spotlight: DeFreese Steps Up as Principal at Arsenal New Tech
By Barbara Gillenwaters

Scott DeFreese, former NTHS social studies teacher, has stepped into a new role as principal for New Tech High @ Arsenal Tech. He brings with him exceptional teaching experience, unending enthusiasm and strong leadership skills to ensure every student and teacher succeeds.

Knowing that “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” DeFreese is wearing soft-soled shoes. Walking into school as early as 6 a.m. and immediately getting to work, he leaves little time to be off his feet. He walks around to greet his students and then takes time to visit the classrooms and talk to teachers.

Students can often find him walking the halls of school making plans for the future. He has a long-term vision for the school community. As a result of a growing student population and the school expansion to include grades nine–12, New Tech High @ Arsenal Tech is undergoing renovation and continuous development. The main office and the current principal’s office will be relocated to another part of the school. This will increase the size of a science classroom and provide more lab space for students. DeFreese delights in the prospect of not having an office because he will get to spend more time in the classroom. “If necessary,” DeFreese chuckled, “I will place my desk in the middle of the hall.”

DeFreese envisions a multifunctional training center for demonstrations of 21st-century learning where a large empty space and floor-to-ceiling window currently exist. Plans also include a space for students to congregate and work together. Eventually every corner of the school will be designed to improve student achievement. “Tools should be available to students so that they can work through a curriculum that is worthwhile to them,” said DeFreese. “After 13 years in the classroom, I knew the content, but teaching in a traditional way, I was not reaching as many students as I thought could. New Tech has taught me that I can reach more students and affect change to a greater degree through this methodology.”

One of DeFreese’s favorite parts of the job is his involvement with the staff in creating and directing teaching and learning in the school. He enjoys doing tuning protocols with the staff and having them share what they are teaching. “This is particularly important for new teachers so that teaching and learning become a bridge to the real world,” said DeFreese. “Since I taught here at New Tech last year, I understand the importance of professional feedback.”

DeFreese has made a special effort to create opportunities for the faculty and staff to work together to chart the future course for New Tech High @ Arsenal Tech. He has learned from former principal Bill White, who worked with him all summer to ensure a smooth transition. DeFreese also leans on Deb Leser, who provides additional guidance and support.

While just over a month into the school year, DeFreese already is planning for 2009. He said, “As I look ahead, I need 100 students for next year. At the top of my ‘to do list’ is an effective recruitment plan that I can implement early.

“Fiscal challenges remain a concern. Techpoint Foundation has been a tremendously supportive partner. With their help, we were able to secure laptops for our new freshman class. This was a cost in excess of $150,000,” said DeFreese. “In addition to those challenges, I have also learned that I need to get better at advocating for school needs and become more politically adept.”

Walking out of school no earlier than 5 p.m., DeFreese heads home to his wife and five children to spend time with his family and study for the Urban Principals Program. At the end of the day, he finally takes his shoes off to relax, but never has the activities of the next school day far out of his mind. DeFreese wants New Tech High @ Arsenal Tech to be exceptional for the students it serves, and he is “stepping up” to ensure that every student walking into the school gains the knowledge and skills necessary for lifelong success.