- Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus
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About
Hendricsen...
Welcome to CTA Independence, home of the Hawks! I want to take the opportunity to welcome our new Independence families and welcome back our returning families. We know parents have a choice of where to send their students and we thank you for giving us the opportunity to educate and prepare your child for their future. Our dedicated staff is committed to providing the very best education, resulting in CTA Independence consistently ranking as one of the top schools in Arizona.
My Education and Professional Background
I hold a BAE in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University along with a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction along with my Doctorate in Educational Leadership from NAU. I began my teaching career in Chandler as a science teacher at Bogle Junior High before moving districts to become the assistant principal and then principal at Gateway Pointe Elementary in Higley. I returned to my roots in Chandler in 2015 and became the principal here at CTA Independence.Beyond the school doors I am a proud father of twin daughters and husband to a very supportive wife who also works in education. Our spare time is spent exploring the outdoors and cheering on our favorite sports teams.
My Educational Philosophy
I believe that at the core, all students can be successful as the result of a strong relationship and connection with their teacher. When a student is connected to their classroom, they become connected to their learning. In addition, by fostering a growth mindset, students and staff can meet expectations beyond their limits. At CTA Independence, our staff is dedicated to developing students who are confident leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in a global society. CTA Independence Hawks… Soaring Above all Challenges!
| Email Frank Hendricsen
| Position: | Principal | |
| Room: | Front Office (49) | |
| Phone: | (480)224-2700 | |
| Email: | Hendricsen |
Connect With Us
Welcome!
Welcome to CTA Independence, home of the Hawks! I want to take the opportunity to welcome our new Independence families and welcome back our returning families. We know parents have a choice of where to send their students and we thank you for giving us the opportunity to educate and prepare your child for their future. Our dedicated staff is committed to providing the very best education, resulting in CTA Independence consistently ranking as one of the top schools in Arizona.
My Education and Professional Background
I hold a BAE in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University along with a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction along with my Doctorate in Educational Leadership from NAU. I began my teaching career in Chandler as a science teacher at Bogle Junior High before moving districts to become the assistant principal and then principal at Gateway Pointe Elementary in Higley. I returned to my roots in Chandler in 2015 and became the principal here at CTA Independence.Beyond the school doors I am a proud father of twin daughters and husband to a very supportive wife who also works in education. Our spare time is spent exploring the outdoors and cheering on our favorite sports teams.
My Educational Philosophy
I believe that at the core, all students can be successful as the result of a strong relationship and connection with their teacher. When a student is connected to their classroom, they become connected to their learning. In addition, by fostering a growth mindset, students and staff can meet expectations beyond their limits. At CTA Independence, our staff is dedicated to developing students who are confident leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in a global society. CTA Independence Hawks… Soaring Above all Challenges!
| Email Frank Hendricsen
About
Walter...
I am thrilled to be the Dean of Students at CTA Independence! This is my 13th year at Independence, and I am excited to I bring my experience and passion for student learning to my role as Dean. I look forward to working with students, staff, and families to promote a positive learning environment. One of my objectives is to teach students to think about their behavior and to promote good character in and out of the classroom. I look forward to working with you and your children.
My Education and Professional Background
I am beginning my 16th year in education, and my 13th year at CUSD. I taught kindergarten for many years, as well as 4th grade. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education (UOP), a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction (UOP), and a Master’s Degree in Administrative Leadership/Principal Certification from – Grand Canyon University. I am SEI endorsed, and I have completed Spalding I and II. In addition, I am DIBELS and Thinking Maps trained.
My Educational Philosophy
I believe that education should ignite a passion for learning in all students and promote an environment that is safe and nurturing. In addition, learning should include critical thinking and opportunities for problem solving. Fostering a growth mindset in our students promotes student engagement and encourages student creativity. When teachers, students, and families collaborate, student achievement thrives. Go Hawks!
| Email Lori Walter
| Position: | Dean of Students | |
| Room: | Office | |
| Phone: | (480) 224-2700 | |
| Email: | Walter |
Connect With Us
Welcome!
I am thrilled to be the Dean of Students at CTA Independence! This is my 13th year at Independence, and I am excited to I bring my experience and passion for student learning to my role as Dean. I look forward to working with students, staff, and families to promote a positive learning environment. One of my objectives is to teach students to think about their behavior and to promote good character in and out of the classroom. I look forward to working with you and your children.
My Education and Professional Background
I am beginning my 16th year in education, and my 13th year at CUSD. I taught kindergarten for many years, as well as 4th grade. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education (UOP), a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction (UOP), and a Master’s Degree in Administrative Leadership/Principal Certification from – Grand Canyon University. I am SEI endorsed, and I have completed Spalding I and II. In addition, I am DIBELS and Thinking Maps trained.
My Educational Philosophy
I believe that education should ignite a passion for learning in all students and promote an environment that is safe and nurturing. In addition, learning should include critical thinking and opportunities for problem solving. Fostering a growth mindset in our students promotes student engagement and encourages student creativity. When teachers, students, and families collaborate, student achievement thrives. Go Hawks!
| Email Lori Walter
About
McMillian...
Welcome to the Hawk family! This is my first year with CTA Independence as the Assistant Principal. I look forward to a phenomenal year and getting to know everyone! When you see me on campus, please take time to introduce yourself.
My Education and Professional Background
I hold a BAE in Elementary Education from Arizona State University with a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. The first few years of my teaching career I was a kindergarten teacher at a private school and a 2nd grade teacher in downtown Phoenix. I moved to Legacy Traditional School in Maricopa where I taught Spalding and Saxon in a traditional setting, as a 1st grade teacher. I moved to the assistant principal and after a year was promoted to the principal role at the LTS-Chandler campus, which I was there for the past 7 years. I’m now starting the next professional chapter of my life here at CTA Independence. I reside here in Chandler with my husband Ryan, our son Kaiden (5 years old), and son Gabrien (infant). Kaiden will start kindergarten here at CTA Independence, which we are very excited about! As a family we enjoy watching sports and spending time outdoors.
My Educational Philosophy
I believe that it takes a village to educate our children. With good communication and a solid partnership between home and school, every child will be successful. Children need to be provided the opportunity to think critically while feeling comfortable in their learning environment.
| Email Nicole McMillian
| Position: | Assistant Principal | |
| Room: | Front Office | |
| Phone: | 480-224-2712 | |
| Email: | McMillian |
Connect With Us
Welcome!
Welcome to the Hawk family! This is my first year with CTA Independence as the Assistant Principal. I look forward to a phenomenal year and getting to know everyone! When you see me on campus, please take time to introduce yourself.
My Education and Professional Background
I hold a BAE in Elementary Education from Arizona State University with a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. The first few years of my teaching career I was a kindergarten teacher at a private school and a 2nd grade teacher in downtown Phoenix. I moved to Legacy Traditional School in Maricopa where I taught Spalding and Saxon in a traditional setting, as a 1st grade teacher. I moved to the assistant principal and after a year was promoted to the principal role at the LTS-Chandler campus, which I was there for the past 7 years. I’m now starting the next professional chapter of my life here at CTA Independence. I reside here in Chandler with my husband Ryan, our son Kaiden (5 years old), and son Gabrien (infant). Kaiden will start kindergarten here at CTA Independence, which we are very excited about! As a family we enjoy watching sports and spending time outdoors.
My Educational Philosophy
I believe that it takes a village to educate our children. With good communication and a solid partnership between home and school, every child will be successful. Children need to be provided the opportunity to think critically while feeling comfortable in their learning environment.
| Email Nicole McMillian
