Fischer named new principal at Area Learning Center

WORTHINGTON - Barry Fischer has been plugged in to the Worthington District 518 for more than four years.

The district’s former digital learning coordinator is now extending his passion for digital learning to an administrative role. Fischer stepped into his new role as Area Learning Center principal July 1, and has begun getting acclimated with the title’s duties and responsibilities and preparing for the upcoming school year.

“My goal going into the year is to empower everyone,” Fischer said. “I want teachers, secretaries and students to feel like they have a voice. It’s about that collaboration.”

As principal of the ALC, Fischer will be responsible for coordinating programs designed for all types of students and student needs. As part of the ALC’s purpose, Fischer will coordinate summer school, night school, VIBE online school and the EDGE after-school program with consideration of flexibility.

“Everything I and (the Worthington school district) do is about students first and foremost,” he said.

A proponent of digital learning, Fischer is excited to continue integrating digital content into the curriculum at the ALC.

“Online learning is able to provide education to students that may not follow the traditional path,” he said.

Fischer discovered his passion for online learning when he first explored the possibilities by teaching an online English course at Northland Community Schools in Remer.

“That’s where I really understood how curriculum could be developed,” he said.

It was a ripple effect from there.

After receiving a master’s degree in educational technology, Fischer saw an opportunity in Worthington. He credits the school’s full one to one learning initiative with iPads and PC tablets to bringing him to the community.

“(The district) opened a box of iPads and I came with it,” he laughed.  

Fischer obtained his administration licensure last year, and was excited when the principal opportunity presented itself.

Fischer said educating and familiarizing himself with the needs of the ACL has been a task, but he considers himself fortunate to have had support from district administration and staff along the way.

“It has been lots of learning,” Fischer said of the first 17 days on the job. “It’s knowing that I don’t have to be an expert, but I need to have a basic understanding. I’m excited to get over that learning curve and get students back in the building.”