Former Elementary Teacher of the Year is New Matoaka Asst. Principal

By Amber Lester Thursday, August 19, 2010

Matoaka Elementary School will have a new assistant principal when school opens Sept. 7.

Michael P. Hurley, a veteran of both Williamsburg-James City County schools and the U.S. Army, will move up the ranks at Matoaka, where he’s taught math since 2004.

Hurley joined WJCC in 1995, when he became a math curriculum leader at Matthew Whaley Elementary. He has since served as a math team leader at Matoaka and in 2007, was chosen as the Teacher of the Year for Elementary Schools.

Hurley has a background in service and leadership. Prior to joining WJCC as a teacher, he served two years with the Safehaven Shelter for Abused Children in Newport News. He was also a program director with the Newport News and Poquoson departments of parks and recreation from 1987 to 1991.

Hurley joined the Army in 1984, serving as a soldier, helicopter crew chief and maintenance supervisor at Fort Bragg. He also attended a 14-week UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter Maintenance School in Ft. Eustis in 1984. Over his seven years in the Army, Hurley worked in the transportation field at several Virginia posts. He was awarded the U.S. Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Christopher Newport University in 1991 and a master’s degree in educational curriculum and instruction from the College of William & Mary in 2005. In 2008, he earned a certificate in educational leadership and administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.