After an extensive search and hiring process, STEM is ready to announce our Middle and High Directors. Ryan Alsup is our High School Director and the newest member of our STEM family. Maura Ridder, a dedicated STEM leader, has been selected as our Middle School Director.
“The pool of talent was remarkable and having our stakeholders select one candidate from internal and one from external applicants will give our faculty, students and parents the best of both worlds to start the 2021-22 school year,” said Dr. Penny Eucker, Executive Director. “I am incredibly impressed with both candidates and am so excited for what they bring to our team in their new roles. I will visit classrooms each week with the new leaders to build support and understanding of what makes STEM unique”
Alsup comes to STEM after serving the last three years as Assistant Principal at Thomas B Doherty High School in Colorado Springs where he worked directly with the College Board to pilot and adopt the Pre-AP framework in all core areas, supervised the Office of Student Support and Engagement, which included the Deans and the counseling department, and led the development of a robust MTSS process at the High School level. Prior to his time as an Assistant Principal, Alsup was the Principal and Athletics/Activities Director at Evergreen High School for almost five years.
“I believe education is a calling, it isn’t just a job, but is who you are,” Alsop said. “I love working with students and staff, providing resources and guidance needed to ensure that all students are prepared for life after High School.”
In addition to serving as a Principal for Juneau-Douglas High School in Alaska, Alsup started his teaching and administrative career in the Douglas County School District in July 2000 as a Social Studies Teacher at Highlands Ranch High School, a Dean of Students at Douglas County High School and then an Assistant Principal at Ponderosa High School.
Ridder has been at STEM since August of 2012, starting first as a Middle School English and Theatre Teachers, and moving all the way up to Professional Development Coordinator last year. After seven years working in the legal profession as an attorney and mediator, Ridder transitioned to teaching in 2005 as the Performing Arts Instructor, Director and Choreographer at American Academy Charter School.
“I am so excited to join the STEM Leadership and Administration Team as the Middle School Director,” Ridder said. “My goal is to focus on creating a positive culture through building relationships, supporting our staff, and partnering with all of our stakeholders to empower our students to learn, grow, achieve, and exceed academic expectations.”
During her time at STEM, Ridder has worn many hats, including serving as the Social Committee member, creator and producer of STEM’s Got Talent, Leadership Cohort Team member, Teacher Growth and Development Team Member/Teacher Mentor, Student Government Advisor, Language Arts Lead and Instructional Coach Lead.
Both Alsup and Ridder have already begun taking part in Leadership and Administration meetings and are excited to get the 2021-22 School Year started.