DoDEA

TORII STATION, OKINAWA , JAPAN — March 7, 2008 — Dr. Nancy Bresell, Director for DoDDS- Pacific/DDESS-Guam announced the retirement of Mr. Michael Diekmann after 26 years of service to the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA).

After service in the United States Navy from 1970 to 1974, Diekmann returned to college and received his teaching credentials. He began his teaching career in San Diego City public schools as a kindergarten teacher. Diekmann's career with the DoDEA began in 1982 as a fourth grade teacher in Bitburg, Germany. His administrative career has included positions as an assistant principal in Osterholz, Germany, and an elementary school in Frankfurt, Germany. His assignments as a principal have been at Schweinfurt Elementary School (Germany), Roger B. Chaffee School (Bermuda), and Naples American High School (Italy). He served two years as the Assistant Superintendent of the Heidelberg District (Germany). In August of 1999 he assumed the duties of Superintendent of the Japan District where he served for three years. In August of 2002 he was assigned as the Superintendent of the Ft. Campbell School District (Kentucky). Diekmann began his current assignment as the Superintendent of the Guam District in January of 2004.

Diekmann is a 1981 graduate of San Diego State University with a B.A. in Liberal Studies. He received an M.Ed. in Educational Administration from Trenton State in 1986. In 2002 he attended the Harvard Institute for School Leaders. In addition to being in Who's Who in American Education, Diekmann was selected as an Outstanding Young Man in America in 1986. He is married to the former Dorothy L. Calvin of New York, NY, and has two sons who are currently attending college.

Dr. Bresell stated, "Mike's belief in the importance of the entire school community in the education of our youth is one of the cornerstones of his success. We were very fortunate to have a person with his passion for excellence in teaching and learning as one of our DoDDS Pacific leaders. His philosophy that schools exist for the students, parents, and communities we serve, is a key factor in our work with military children, and shows the importance he gives to making sure our students are prepared to face the challenges of a global economy."

"While the work has been rewarding beyond my expectations, it's the people I've had the good fortune to work with that I will always remember. My wife and I are so grateful that both my sons are DoDDS graduates. The perspective they have on the world is so much broader than their friends on the mainland," explained Diekmann.

Diekmann will be assuming the duties of a superintendent in a small rural district in Missouri. He is looking forward to the challenges and opportunities his new job will bring, as well as the opportunity to spend more time with his family.