Lamoille North Supervisory Union is thrilled to welcome Christopher Dodge as the new Principal of Eden Central School. For Chris, joining Eden is more than a new role; it is a homecoming rooted in nearly three decades of service to Vermont’s students, communities, and families.
A Vermont Native Committed to Education
Chris grew up in Worcester, Vermont, in a family deeply connected to education. His mother, a lifelong teacher of first and second grade, sparked Chris’s journey, leading him to begin his own career in teaching before transitioning into school counseling and, ultimately, school leadership.
Over the years, Chris has taught second, third, and fourth grades, served as an art teacher, which fueled his love of pottery, worked as a school counselor, and most recently worked as an administrator in Swanton. These roles fueled his passion for supporting social-emotional learning alongside academic growth, ensuring that students’ basic needs are met so they can fully engage in learning.
As Chris shares, the idea that “the social curriculum is as important as the academic curriculum” has been a guiding principle in his career, recognizing that students’ well-being is the gateway to successful academics.
Excited to Build Belonging and Connection
Returning to Lamoille County feels like coming home for Chris, who lives in Johnson and has many past connections with Lamoille North schools. Chris’s first student teaching experience, which took place while he was attending Johnson State College, occurred more than 30 years ago at Eden Central School, where he worked with Kindergarten students. (In fact, he still has a commemorative book that those students created for him when his student teaching was complete!)
One of the most exciting aspects of his move to Eden Central School is the ability to truly embed himself in the school community. With a shorter commute, Chris looks forward to attending Saturday morning T-ball games, local events, and numerous after-school activities, thereby deepening his connections with families beyond the classroom.
Chris’s top priority is to connect Eden Central to its community and create a sense of belonging for every student, ensuring that families and caregivers feel welcomed and heard. He believes strongly in tapping into the rich expertise within the Eden community, from parents and grandparents to neighbors, to enrich student learning and make it relevant to students’ lives.
Listening, Learning, and Leading
Chris believes that listening is the foundation of effective leadership, sharing:
“We’re given two ears and one mouth for a reason. We need to listen twice as much as we talk.”
He values hearing from families, students, and staff, even when perspectives differ, and he is committed to respectfully considering all voices in decision-making. Chris hopes families will share their experiences with him, knowing he will always listen with respect and gratitude.
Looking Ahead
Chris is already planning numerous ways to connect with students, whether it’s reading in classrooms, having lunch with them, attending soccer games, or participating in local events. His vision is to be not just a school leader but also an active participant and learner within the Eden community.
Entering his 21st year as a Vermont school principal, Lamoille North is excited for the energy, care, and dedication Chris brings to Eden Central. LNSU is confident that under his leadership, Eden will continue to be a place where every student feels known, valued, and supported.