Merl (Travis) Wyatt
Principal
Jasper County Junior High School (Newton, Illinois)
“It is as a great honor that I seek the privilege to serve as Zone 5 Director and be a voice for our students. I know the challenges we face striving to ensure that our students receive the very best education and are prepared for an ever-changing global society. I am passionate about serving the best interests of our students and believe in working as a group for positive results—collectively and collaboratively. Being a part of the Illinois Principals Association and NAESP for the past several years has provided significant growth for me as a principal. As a way of giving back and serving in a deeper capacity, this position is a logical and humbling opportunity. I believe that all educational growth comes from building positive relationships. If selected, I will work diligently with your guidance to seek solutions that work best for the Association and, more importantly, our students. I view this opportunity as a legacy of inspiration and passion for our great profession—one I deeply feel blessed to be a part of daily by 'making a difference' in the lives of our most precious and valued commodity, our students/future leaders.”
Professional Experience: Principal, Jasper County Junior High School (JCJHS), ’11-present — Asst. Supt., Jasper Co. Comm. School District #1, ’11-present — Athletic Director, ’11-present — Principal, Newton Elementary School and JCJHS, ’05-’11 — Principal, Newton Central School and Hidalgo Elementary School, ’00-’05 — Physical Education/ Health Teacher and Coach, Floyd Henson Junior High School (FHJHS), ’91-’99 — Asst. Principal¸ FHJHS, ’97-’99 — Principal, Grove Elementary School and West Junior High School, ’99-’00
Professional Affiliations: NAESP, ’11-present — Illinois Principals Association, ’99-present (Wabash Valley Regional Director; State Treasurer; Executive Committee; Past President; President; President- Elect; Fall Conference Chair, ’10-’11; NAESP Representative; Herman Graves Award Nominee) — State Supt. Advisory Council — Illinois Educational Mandates Task Force, ’11 — Jasper County Truancy Review Board
Professional Honors: Blue Ribbon School, Newton Elementary, ’10
Civic/Community Honors: Volunteer Coach at the Boys and Girls Park — IHSA Basketball Official — Flora Recreation Director
Education: Education Specialist, Eastern Illinois University (EIU), ’01 — M.S., Education Administration, EIU, ’99 — B.A., Physical Education, Monmouth College, ’90 — A.S., Physical Education/Math, Olney Central College, ’85
