Neubauer Fellows Community

Rich Mitchell

Principal, William VW. Bodine High School
School District of Philadelphia
2024 Neubauer Fellow
Sector
District
Grade Level
9-12
Student Enrollment
547
School/Org Neighborhood
Kensington
Education
M.S. in Educational Administration: Supervisor of Curriculum & Instruction, Gwynedd Mercy College
M.S in Educational Administration w. K-12 Principal Certification Gwynedd Mercy College
BS in Education, Social Studies w. History Concentration, West Chester University
"I am the first person in my family to graduate from college and I have seen how education opens doors. As a principal, I strive to remove barriers and increase access and opportunities so students can reach their goals. I want to lead communities that love, support, and grow students academically to reach their dreams, whatever they may be"

Rich has served as the principal of William VW. Bodine High School for International Affairs since 2022. Under his leadership, Bodine has experienced renewed academic growth. The number of 9th-grade students “on track” for graduation increased 19%. In his first year, the percentage of Bodine students scoring Advanced on the Algebra | Keystone more than tripled, and the proficiency rates on the Literature Keystone increased by 4%. Through coordinated leadership and clear communication, Rich supports the interests of Bodine’s diverse student body, across 18 varsity sports teams, a nationally-recognized robotic team, monthly cultural assemblies, and regular World Affairs Council programming. Additionally, Rich implemented a robust recruitment and branding strategy that increased the number of applications to Bodine in the school selection process by 87% in just two years.

Rich has been an educator since 2002. Prior to becoming a principal, Rich served as a social
studies teacher for eight years and as an assistant principal for twelve years in The School District of Philadelphia, in Washington, DC, and in Springfield (Delaware County), PA. In 2024, Rich received the Lindback Award for Distinguished Principals.

Rich grew up in Southwest Philadelphia and is a graduate of West Catholic High School.

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