Timothy J. Pead

Ridgeline Elementary School
Alpine School District
Highland, Utah
tpead@alpinedistrict.org

In his seven years as principal of Ridgeline Elementary, Timothy Pead has built a connection-rich learning environment that supports the learning and development of the whole child. Pead’s leadership balances a high level of visibility with behind-the-scenes capacity-building, cultivating shared ownership rooted in common values and vision. Professional collaboration is on the rise under Pead’s leadership. With high-functioning PLCs and an effective Guiding Coalition to support grade-level goal setting and monitoring, yielding high levels of achievement and growth in literacy and math. The school also provides robust opportunities for enrichment for students who qualify for the district’s gifted and talented program, but have opted to stay at Ridgeline. While Ridgeline teachers are deeply engaged in the collective project of refining instruction to meet students’ individualized academic needs, the school also prioritizes the development of qualities such as empathy and kindness through monthly social-emotional wellness lessons. Pead has led a comprehensive revamp of the school’s PBIS, developing the Ridgeline Code and instituting a “Rocky Rewards” program to reinforce the core values of respect, responsibility, and resiliency. As a result, Ridgeline students are not only thriving academically but are also building the foundational skills and confidence necessary for well-being and success in life. Pead holds an M.Ed. in Special Education and an Administrative K-12 License from Utah State University and a B.S. in Special Education from Brigham Young University.