Meet PA's Principal Of The Year

RADNOR TOWNSHIP, PA — Radnor Middle School's principal has been named Pennsylvania’s 2026 Principal of the Year by the Pennsylvania Principals Association, according to officials.

RMS Principal Dr. David M. Wiedlich was bestowed the honor recently.

As a state winner in the National Association of Secondary School Principals’ NASSP Principal of the Year Program, Wiedlich is now a candidate for the National Secondary Principal of the Year.

He will be recognized for this achievement by both the PA Principals Association and NASSP.

"I am excited that Dr. David Wiedlich, an exceptional principal and leader, has been chosen as Pennsylvania's 2026 Principal of the Year. A committee of his peers selected him for this recognition because of his outstanding leadership and contributions to his school, students and community," said Dr. Eric Eshbach, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Principals Association. "Dr. Wiedlich is a passionate, committed leader who genuinely cares about the success and well-being of his students, staff and the entire school community. We are extremely proud to have him represent the PA Principals Association and secondary principals across Pennsylvania."

An educator for 23-and-a-half years and an administrator for 11-and-a-half years, Wiedlich joined the Radnor Township Middle School as principal in 2019.

Wiedlich began his teaching career in The School District of Philadelphia at John Welsh Elementary School (K-8). In 2003, he transitioned to the Downingtown Area School District, where he served as an English and Social Studies teacher. In 2014, Wiedlich assumed the role of assistant principal at
Lionville Middle School also in the Downingtown Area School District.

"I am humbled to be named Pennsylvania’s Secondary Principal of the Year," Wiedlich said. "This honor reflects the incredible students who inspire me every day and the dedicated team of professionals I’m fortunate to work with, all committed to doing what’s best for kids. I am profoundly grateful for the mentorship and support that have guided me throughout my career and for my family, whose love and encouragement make everything possible."

Wiedlich played a key role in developing and implementing a variety of essential programs and initiatives at his school.

He spearheaded initiatives informed by data, analyzing academic performance, behavior, and attendance trends to identify student needs and implement Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for equitable academic and behavioral interventions. Additionally, he designed and facilitated advisory programs to strengthen student connections and introduced recognition systems that celebrate soft skills—such as responsibility, creativity, collaboration and communication—alongside individual strengths.

"Since the inception of the soft skills acknowledgement program in 2022, more than 400 students have been recognized for exceptional attributes," Wiedlich said.

In addition, Wiedlich broadened student learning opportunities by leading the development of electives in global connections, digital media, executive functioning, entrepreneurship and emerging technologies.

Wiedlich has elevated student voices by establishing avenues for meaningful student input in school decisions through shaping policies on schedules, celebrations and military recognition events and fostering a stronger culture of belonging and respect.

"We are incredibly proud of Dr. Wiedlich for being named Pennsylvania Principal of the Year, a recognition that reflects his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to our students," Radnor Township School District Superintendent Dr. Kenneth E. Batchelor said. "His vision, integrity and deep care for our school community have strengthened our district in countless ways. This honor celebrates not only his achievements, but the positive impact he makes every single day on our staff, students and families."

Wiedlich volunteers as a CYO Varsity Track Coach at St. Teresa of Calcutta and serves as a head coach for Spring-Ford Youth Basketball and Westmont United Soccer Club.

At the state level, Wiedlich advocates for educational excellence through his work on the PA Principals Editorial Review Board and the U.S. Senate Youth Program Selection Committee.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from The Pennsylvania State University and a Graduate Certificate in Peer Coaching and Collaboration from The Pennsylvania State University. He holds a Doctor of Educational Leadership and Superintendent Letter of Eligibility from Neumann University and is pursuing a Certificate in Advanced Educational Leadership from Harvard University.

Wiedlich is a husband to his wife, Kellie, a secondary school/college counselor, and proud father of Lukas, 13, and Michael, 8. In his spare time, he enjoys coaching his boys in basketball, track and soccer, and is an avid fan of all Philadelphia sports.