Hello! I am thrilled to join the Valley Inquiry Charter School as the new teaching-principal. I am eager to meet each of our students, families, and staff members in person. Until that happens, I wanted to introduce myself. My name is Lacey McNay, and I am stepping into this new role with a variety of experiences in education and leadership in different cities, states, and regions. I was born in Salem but grew up in Newberg, where I also graduated from George Fox University with my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education (endorsements in Early Childhood Education, ESOL, and middle-level science). I taught 6th grade STEM in Tillamook for two years before moving to Quincy, Washington, where I taught 3rd grade, 4th grade, STEAM/TAG/Enrichment, was a STEAM/ELA instructional coach, admin intern, and a Dean of Students. While in Quincy, I also obtained my Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction (with a Leadership minor) from Concordia University. In 2021, I enrolled at Whitworth University in a school administration/principal licensure program. During the 2023-2024 school year, I was an assistant principal at two elementary schools in the Newberg-Dundee school district. This diverse background in education and leadership has uniquely prepared me for this exciting position at Valley Inquiry, a community I am honored to be joining!
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, hiking, reading a variety of books, listening to podcasts, exploring new places and traveling, playing the piano, attending a book club, hosting people in my home, and baking yummy recipes. These personal interests align with the values of community, exploration, and lifelong learning that I hope to foster at Valley Inquiry Charter School.
While the opportunity to teach in an IB school is new to me, I am deeply committed to the program's principles and am excited to embark on this journey with you. I am eager to work with our passionate staff to implement the Primary Years Program (PYP) at Valley Inquiry Charter School. Together, as a school community, we will intentionally promote and develop the attributes of the IB learner profile in our students. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure a successful school year marked by the IB educational approach. Whether we are together for an all-school assembly, are having a blast at recess, are learning through inquiry in the classroom, are exploring interesting extracurriculars at clubs after school, or are gathered at a family event, I am dedicated to infusing the IB mission and vision into all aspects of our school. Here’s to another year of “Developing internationally minded, lifelong learners!”
Looking forward to meeting each of you in person,
Lacey McNay
Valley Inquiry Charter School
Teaching Principal
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