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Mr. Watts
Principal
mwatts1@cdeucation.org
Experience:
Education:
Biography: Mark J. Watts, M.Ed, MS, M.Ed is entering his fourth year as the Principal at Saint Catharine School (K-8) in Columbus, Ohio. Watts was previously a fifth grade teacher for three years at St. Mary Magdalene School in Columbus before becoming the school principal for the last two years of his tenure. Since becoming a Catholic School educator and administrator, Watts has invested in professional development and leadership opportunities within the Diocese of Columbus. He has been a member of the Standards-Based Grading Committee, the Diocesan School Safety Task Force, and an OCSAA External Validation Accreditation Team, and The Latino Enrollment Institute through the Alliance for Catholic Education at the University of Notre Dame. Watts earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Psychology and his Master’s Degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. He also has a Master’s Degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion with a focus in Athletic Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention from California University of Pennsylvania. Watts has recently completed his third Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership with a Teacher Leader Endorsement from Ohio Dominican University. He has his Professional Administrator License, Professional Early Childhood License (P-3), and an Early Childhood Generalist Endorsement (4-5) through the Ohio Department of Education. As a member of the parish since 2014, Watts has been involved in several ministries at Saint Catharine Church including a PSR Catechist for Middle School, The Knights of Columbus, ALPHA, Youth Ministry, and as a Lector. He also has an advanced level certification through the Diocese of Columbus Religious Education and Catechesis Office. Prior to his return to Elementary and Middle School Education, Watts was the Director of Education at eliftefts.com Inc. and an adjunct professor in the College of Professional and Applied Studies at Franklin University at Urbana, where he taught Intro to Physical Education, Strength Training for Special Populations, and Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics with an emphasis on Motor Learning. Watts spent 15 years as Health and Physical Education Instructor, Strength and Conditioning Coach, and Football Coach at school at Denison University, The United States Military Academy at West Point, Allegheny College, and Clarion University of Pennsylvania. He also completed internships at The Ohio State University and The University of Tulsa. As the State Director for the National Strength & Conditioning Association from 2012 until 2015, Watts was a Registered Strength & Conditioning Coach and held his CSCS*D Certification starting in 2002. He also held certifications from the Collegiate Strength & Conditioning Coaches Association where he was an approved Practicum Mentor, The United States Weightlifting Association, and the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a Performance Enhancement Specialist. Mark Watts is originally from Pittsburgh, PA where he attended John A. Brashear High School and earned All-City League honors in football his senior year. Watts is also a United States Marine Corps Veteran. He and his wife, Nikki (Brehm) were married at Saint Catharine Church in 2005. They have three daughters, Claire (14), Abigail (10), and Quinn (7). They also have two Yellow Labs named Luna and Apollo and reside in Bexley. |
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