Lyndon Institute welcomes David Schilling into the role of Director of Career and Technical Education. Mr. Schilling previously served as the Principals of Cabot School until 2018, and then Danville School for the last 5 years. In 2022, Mr. Schilling voluntarily stepped down to create a technical learning program at Danville, but found himself back in his previous role midway through the year. He was recognized as Principal of the Year as the Vermont recipient of the National Association of Secondary Schools as well as Principal of the Year by the Vermont Principals Association.

An advocate of experiential learning, Mr. Schilling evolved into his professional role in education through non-traditional pathways in outdoor recreation. From integrating environmental themes in classroom learning in New York City through AmeriCorps, to Operations Manager at the National Outdoor Leadership School in Idaho, Mr. Schilling has a common thread of exploratory education in immersive environments over the past 20+ years. David comes to LI with a Master of Education degree from UVEI, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hampshire College, and holds a Vermont Educator Licensure as Principal (PK-12), Career and Technical Center Director (9-12), and Agriculture and Natural Resources Instructor (7-12).

“What drew me to Lyndon Institute was my interest in working to strengthen growing programs. I have seen my former students be apart of LI’s tech programs through our regional tech-ed center partnership and come back glowing from their experience,” said Schilling. Head of School, Dr. Brian Bloomfield commented, “David’s background and years of experience as an educator in this area will be an important piece in our growing CTE programs. I am very excited at what he brings to LI.”

 The values and mission for technical education is a point Mr. Schilling spoke about during his interview process. “I enjoy expanding programs and students’ experiences in CTE not just for their trade, but to also in developing their entrepreneurial skills of that trade and providing a more comprehensive perspective of the world around them.” Mr. Schilling met with all CTE faculty during his campus visit and commented on his takeaway of observing the passion which the instructors have for their work. “It is exciting to be apart of an independent school,” said Schilling, “there are possibilities to continue and expand on the work being done, especially with Binney Woods.” Binney Woods is a 300-acre property adjacent to Burke Mountain which Lyndon Institute owns and utilizes as an outdoor classroom. An outdoor enthusiast personally and professionally, Mr. Schilling noted LI’s successful Welding program and emerging Applied Engineering and Design program are two of the offerings he is looking forward to learning more about over the coming school year.

David Schilling, a native of southern New Jersey, resides in Woodbury, Vermont with his wife, Marilla and their dog, Porter. In their free time, they enjoy taking their sailboat onto Lake Champlain. In the future, Mr. Schilling hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps who is a hot air balloon pilot and obtain his ballooning license. Mr. Schilling will assume the role of Director of Career and Technical Education on Monday, July 3rd.