My name is Timothy Kasik, and I am proud to say I have been an educator for 26 years. Originally from a suburb outside of Cleveland, Ohio, I moved to the DC area in 1998 after earning my Bachelor of Science in Education from Ohio University. Over the first two decades of my career, I had the privilege of serving in various roles in a neighboring school division, including classroom teacher, assistant principal, and principal.
In 2018, I was thrilled to join Falls Church City Public Schools as the Principal of Mount Daniel Elementary. This opportunity was especially meaningful to me, not only because FCCPS is a world-class school system but also because Mount Daniel is where my own children have either attended or were currently enrolled. Leading a school within my community has been a perfect fit, allowing me to blend my professional passion with a deep personal investment in our school’s success.
As I reflect on my time in FCCPS and the “secret sauce” that makes our community so special, a few key ingredients come to mind: trust in those around us, collaboration among colleagues, and—most importantly—the relationships we build throughout the division. Mix those ingredients together, and what you get is a team of people united in their commitment to doing what is right for children and doing it exceptionally well.
When I became principal at Mount Daniel Elementary School in July 2018, I quickly realized that leadership would bring unique challenges and opportunities for growth. From completing a building renovation to transitioning a grade level from the upper elementary school to the primary elementary school, navigating a global pandemic, and leading our return to learning, each experience has tested and strengthened my leadership. Through it all, our success is a testament to the trust, collaboration, and relationships that anchor our work—and to the incredible people who make the magic happen.
I believe in shared leadership and the importance of surrounding myself with people I trust to provide honest advice, innovative ideas, and thoughtful solutions. By leveraging the unique strengths of each team member, we create an environment where everyone can shine and focus on what they do best. Our shared commitment to doing what is best for children, coupled with our interdependence as a team, drives our success and ensures we meet every challenge with resilience and creativity.
The secret sauce truly is the people.