After more than 20 years spent teaching and coaching, Dan Osborne felt called to a new role where he could continue to support students outside of the classroom and beyond athletics. Following his completion of Aiken County Public School District’s Aiken Lead In course, a program that helps employees explore new career opportunities within the District and design a career pathway, Osborne’s goal was to transition to school administration.
Aiken County Board of Education members approved Osborne’s appointment as the new assistant principal at North Aiken Elementary School for the 2021-22 school year during the school board’s March 9, 2021, regularly scheduled meeting.
“My coaching and teaching experiences have prepared me well for this opportunity,” stated Osborne. “I have worked alongside phenomenal people over the years and tried to learn as much as possible from them. Their leadership has given me the tools I need to be successful in this role.”
Osborne’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of South Carolina Aiken and a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from Southern Wesleyan University. He is also certified by the Crisis Prevention Institute as a Tier I Elementary Principal, and as a 4.0 evaluator.
Osborne began his career in education in 1998 as a middle school teacher in Illinois. In 1999 he was hired as a physical education teacher at Redcliffe Elementary where he remained until accepting his new position.
“My strengths lie in my experience,” commented Osborne. “I’ve been coaching and teaching for 24 years. Over this time, I have experienced a lot and with that comes the wisdom to deal with all that happens throughout a school day.”
Osborne has coached baseball and football at Silver Bluff High School and football at Kennedy Middle School. Osborne’s wife Mistie serves as a teacher at Aiken Elementary School, and the couple have two children who attend South Aiken High School.
During his first year at North Aiken Elementary he plans to focus on strengthening the school community.
“My goals are to build strong relationships with the staff, students, and parents of North Aiken Elementary,” Osborne said.
Osborne’s duties as North Aiken Elementary School assistant principal began in July.
LINK TO DISTRICT PRESS RELEASE: 2021 PR NORTH AIKEN ELEM AP