John Edgar has spent 33 years in education as an elementary principal, teacher, athletic administrator, assistant high school principal and varsity coach.

Edgar has loved every minute, but it’s time for a new challenge.

After turning in his resignation as principal of Truman Elementary, where he has served for the last 10 years, Edgar accepted a position with The Regional Professional Development Center (RPDC).

Through RPDC, Edgar will be working with staff members and principals of public schools in Missouri.

RPDC is a resource for educators. If they need training or assistance in a certain area they can contact RPDC and get the help they need.

Edgar is excited about starting something new, but he also claims that being principal of Truman Elementary is the best job he’s ever had and that will be hard to top.

“I’ve never really thought of it as a job, really. I love what I get to do so much, it doesn’t feel like a job,” Edgar said.

Edgar said every day he has the opportunity to make a difference in a kid’s life, and that’s what he has always loved most.

However, as in any career, there are times that are difficult. Edgar admitted that he’s had to take the bad with the good just like everyone else.

“One of the saddest things I’ve ever experienced happened here. I remember a student who was so excited because his father was coming home from prison that Friday, and his mother didn’t have to go to prison until that Monday,” said Edgar.

“It’s tough to see what some of the kids have to deal with, but it makes me feel good to know that when they’re here with us in school, they’re safe, and they’re treated well. Sometimes our challenge is to overcome what they are going through at home.”

Knowing that Darlene Bramel, who is currently the assistant principal at the Rolla High School, will be taking the reins when Edgar leaves Truman, is a good feeling for him.
“I’ve known Darlene for years, and she’s right for this job. She loves kids and she takes care of people. She’s going to love it here,” said Edgar.

Edgar — like Bramel — gives a lot of credit to Dr. Kent King for the success that he’s enjoyed through out his career.

“I’ve often told him, I am who I am today, because of you,” Edgar said.

Edgar spoke about his passion to really get through to kids.

“I’ve always told my staff, ‘we will never teach them, until we reach them.There are three requirements that my staff has to have here: They have to love kids, they have to be passionate about working with kids, if it’s just a job, they can go get a job somewhere else, and they have to be a team member,” said Edgar.

Edgar also has been teaching biology for the last 25 years at Drury college. “I gave my last lecture there Monday night,” Edgar said.

Edgar is a high energy person, so it’s easy to understand why he’s not really going into retirement.

Edgar’s mentor, Dr. Kent King, Commissioner of Education, said “John has a tremendous attitude toward working with kids, and the teachers working with those kids. He is unique in his willingness to go the extra mile to help people. I am really proud of him, and I believe he is going to be a great help to the people he’ll be working with in all the public schools across Missouri in his new position.”