Picture of Central’s new Vice Principal.

With only a few months left of the school year, Hunterdon Central welcomed Mr. David Seidorf as the vice principal of the class of 2024. Looking to “get the class of 2024 to the finish line,” as well as make connections with students in these short few months, Seidorf has a positive outlook and passion for education. Let’s get to know our new VP, shall we? 

Growing up locally, Mr. Seidorf graduated from none other than North Hunterdon High School. He worked at a local camp during his teenage summers and believes this contributed to his passion for education. When asked what initially made him want to pursue a career in education, he said, “I realized I loved working with kids.” In fact, at first, he considered becoming a pediatrician, but he “didn’t want to be in school forever.”

Seidorf began his college education at Ithaca College, in New York as a biology major. After his first semester, he chose to major in both biology and education. “I felt like I could do a lot of good for kids,” he said. 

After graduating from Ithaca, he began working at Franklin High School. He spent eight years there and early into his career, he decided he wanted to go back to school to pursue a higher level degree in education administration. He said he was inspired to pursue administration because he “loves being in the classroom and felt that he was making a very powerful impact.” With that in mind, he “wanted to be able to expand that.” 

Seidorf accredited his success at Franklin to his supervisor there, who he felt helped him get acclimated as a 22-year-old teacher.

 “I could see myself working with other teachers as they entered the profession or if they needed coaching along the way,” he said. To pursue this new dream, he went to Rutgers University and took night classes, all while teaching during the day. He also received his principal certification. Once completing his masters, he left teaching and became a curriculum supervisor for the math and science department in East Windsor, New Jersey where he worked for four years. 

The pandemic was a curveball for those working in education. Seidorf was living in Readington, New Jersey at the time. He shared that one day, during his commute to East Windsor, he felt that he was ready for a change. He began working as a building supervisor for secondary education at East Mountain School in Montgomery Township, New Jersey, which is a school that is attached to Carrier Clinic, owned by Hackensack Meridian Healthcare. He was there for four years and taught in addition to supervising. 

Looking for a change, Seidorf saw the opportunity to become a vice principal at Hunterdon Central. He interviewed in January, and evidently, got the position. 

As a person who has been in education for so long, Seidorf has seen a variety of changes and adjustments to standards in different curriculums. He has enjoyed seeing changes in curriculum that focus less on memorization of topics, and more on experiential learning. Inquiry based learning allows kids to think more critically and can enhance their learning experiences. “It’s cool to see that shift. And I’m happy to be a part of it,” he added.

He is also “looking forward to the fun stuff” this spring. Graduation, prom, and all other senior year endeavors are some of the best memories you will have from high school, he believes. “You’ll never get another high school graduation in your life,” he said, stressing how important it is to savor these moments.

Seidorf has lived all over New Jersey, but says that the reason he came back to this area is largely because of the people. He currently resides in Annandale with his family. When he’s not in school, you can find him spending time outside in his garden or hiking. 

“I’m just a Hunterdon County person,” he says. 

In addition to reconnecting with his roots, Seidorf has high hopes for Hunterdon Central and will be an excellent addition to not only the administration, but the community as a whole.