AMHERST — A veteran educator who has spent 46 years as a teacher, administrator and program coordinator in elementary education will become the interim head of school at The Common School starting July 1.
Paul H. Wiley will succeed Christine Lindeman, who is leaving the school at the end of June after seven years at the helm to pursue other interests in the education field.
“What interested me in this was the opportunity to help this school, which I have a lot of affection for having lived in Amherst for many years, and be a bridge between the current head of school leaving and the search for a new head of school,” Wiley said.
Wiley, who for 18 years was principal at Crocker Farm School, was chosen for the interim position this week by the board of directors for The Common School, a private independent school which has served children ages 3 to 12 since 1967.
Noting the school recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, Wiley added that he wants to lead the school as it seeks to live out its vision and mission during a time that should be filled with opportunity for growth and development.
“It’s an opportunity to look forward for the school, capture its vibrant history and set a path going forward for another 50 years,” Wiley said.
Chrystal Wittcopp, a parent and chairwoman of the board, said in a statement that Wiley was a logical choice.
“Paul possesses the skills, experience and leadership qualities to effectively guide The Common School’s child-centered mission of engaging students in a transformative, progressive education,” Wittcopp said.
Since departing Crocker Farm, Wiley has worked with local government and nonprofit institutions on leadership development, conflict resolution and diversity training.
He has served as an associate consultant for the Massachusetts Elementary School Principals Association and as a facilitator and national leadership coach for the National Institute for School Leadership.
Wiley attended Bowdoin College and received a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Southern Connecticut. He received his formal training in mediation through the Parent/Adolescent Mediation Training Program, the Center for Dispute Settlement and the National Institute for Dispute Resolution.
Wiley and his wife, Pat Romney, live in Amherst.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.