Sioux City, IA -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/16/2012 -- Dr. Rich McGrath (http://www.drrichmcgrath.com) is an expert in all phases of education, particularly versed in school-wide reform of inner city schools; with experience leading a school of students with over 90% poverty and over 60% English Language Learners.

Dr. McGrath has served as principal since 2004. Before his career as a principal, he was a reading consultant for Northwest Area Education Agency for five years; a classroom teacher for fifteen years for Sioux City Community Schools, Iowa and Aurora Public Schools, Colorado.

According to Carol Ragan, English Language Development Teacher, “Dr. Richard McGrath is an educational leader who views teachers as the most integral component in raising student achievement. His support for teachers has been invaluable as the school team strives to improve instructional practice. As principal in a school with a language diverse population, he has supported and encouraged the teachers to meet the special needs of these students. His knowledge regarding second language acquisition theory and practice helped to make the school a place where all students could succeed.”

A graduate of University of Denver, Colorado, Dr. McGrath studied education under Ellin Oliver Keene, noted education author. Dr. McGrath received his Master’s in School Administration from University of Northern Iowa and then earned his doctorate from The University of South Dakota in Curriculum and Instruction.

School Administrators of Iowa recognized Dr. Richard McGrath as one of the leading elementary school principals in Iowa in 2011. Dr. McGrath’s passion is to ensure that all children are reading at grade level or better. McGrath has served as principal in a diverse school district in Iowa for nearly a decade. His blogs are updated regularly and thousands of followers are watching and tweeting this academic thought leader. Sign up for Twitter to follow Dr. Rich McGrath @drrichmcgrath. Insights, news, and best-practices can be followed daily.