The Niskayuna Central School District has selected North Colonie elementary teacher William Anders as Craig Elementary School principal.

The Board of Education appointed Anders at its meeting on April 25. The appointment was effective July 1.

"I am very impressed with Mr. Anders' poise, knowledge of elementary children and his previous experience in the Teach for America program," said Superintendent Kevin Baughman. (Teach for America is a national non-profit program that recruits top college graduates to teach for two years in low-income urban and rural communities. Anders taught for two years in a Louisiana school district and coached Little League in East Harlem through the program.)

"Mr. Anders' combination of skills and talents will serve him well as leader of Craig school, and we are excited about his joining our district," said Baughman.

Anders said he was excited about the appointment. "It is an honor to join the distinguished Niskayuna Central School District as the Craig Elementary School Principal," said Anders. "I look forward to working with the Craig Community of Learners as we celebrate successes, plan for the future and work to expand the educational opportunities for all of our students."

"Education, for me, has always been founded in developing caring relationships, inspiring creativity and supporting collaboration. I am eager to join the Craig Elementary Team," said Anders.

Anders succeeds Principal Richard Evans, who left the district in fall 2004. Retired Niskayuna High School Principal Edward Carangelo has served as interim principal at Craig this school year. Baughman's recommendation to appoint Anders followed an extensive search process that included input from parents, staff and administrators.

Anders has taught kindergarten and first grade at Blue Creek Elementary School in the North Colonie Central School District since 1995. He achieved prestigious National Board Certification in early childhood education in 2004. While at North Colonie, he has co-chaired Blue Creek Elementary School's Building Council and served on the District Staff Development committee.

Anders has a bachelor's degree in communications and management from Syracuse University and a master's degree in elementary education from the College of Saint Rose. His certificate of Advanced Standing in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from the University at Albany will be completed in May. He is also enrolled in the University at Albany's Educational Theory and Practice doctoral program.

Anders resides in Albany.

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