NORTH ADAMS -- Massa chusetts College of Liberal Arts has announced the ap pointment of Howard Jacob "Jake" Eberwein III as its new dean of graduate and continuing education.
Eberwein, who graduated from MCLA’s master of education program in 2003, and earned his principal certification as a graduate of the college’s Leadership Academy of the Berkshires in 2002, said he is excited and honored to join the MCLA community be cause the college had a significant role in his professional growth and development.
"I look forward to working collaboratively with the MCLA leadership team, faculty and community in expanding high quality educational opportunities for the citizens of Berk shire County and beyond," Eberwein said in the news re lease announcing his appointment.
Eberwein spent 18 years as an educator and administrator in the public schools of Berk shire County, most recently as superintendent of Pittsfield Pub lic Schools, from 2008 until June.
As superintendent, Eber wein’s accomplishments in clude elevating Pittsfield to the top performing system among the 24 urban school districts in the state. He oversaw im proved district performance on all data indicators including Massachu setts Comprehensive Assess ment System performance, schools meeting Ade quate Yearly Progress targets and the system graduation rate.
Eberwein further created a performance and strategic plan designed to facilitate
His wellness policy led to the successful application and award of a federal Carol M. White Physical Education Program grant that will infuse several million dollars into wellness and physical activity programs.
He also led development of a public relations plan for the district, as well as capital planning projects.
Eberwein also created or extended a number of key partnerships, including funding for enrichment opportunities for at-risk youth; launch of El Sistema music program in two Pittsfield schools; facilities upgrades with support of the Berkshire Sheriff’s department; mentoring and job shadow program for high-school-aged youth; and advancement of advisory boards for technology, vocational education and high school academies.
A recognized expert in urban school leadership, Eberwein served as co-chair of the Massachusetts Urban Super intendents Network, on the statewide Task Force on Proficiency Gaps, and as a reviewer of the state’s successful federal Race to the Top application. He also wrote and implemented Pittsfield’s Race to the Top plan.
Eberwein began his teaching career in 1994 as a science teacher at Mount Everett Regional High School. He served successively as a science teacher at Taconic High School (1995-2003), principal of Pittsfield High School (2003-2007), and deputy superintendent of Pittsfield Public Schools (2007-2008). While serving as superintendent, Eberwein was a guest lecturer at UMass-Amherst and an adjunct faculty member of MCLA and American International College. He has presented at the state and regional level on accountability and assessment, among other topics.
Eberwein holds his Ed.D. from the UMass-Amherst. His award-winning dissertation was "Raising Legal Literacy in Public Schools, a Call for Principal Leadership: A National Study of Secondary School Principals’ Knowledge of Public School Law." He earned his B.A. in biology-chemistry from Skidmore College, his M.Ed. from MCLA, and his principal certification from MCLA as a graduate of Berkshire Leadership Academy.
Prior to entering education, Eberwein was owner/operator of a general contracting business and maintains his license in construction supervision. He serves on the boards of Berkshire United Way and Berkshire Museum, and coaches in the Dalton Recreation League. He resides with his family in Dalton.
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