Wareham Middle School Principal Dr. Peter Steedman has been hired as the new director of the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School. The school’s previous director will retire at the end of the academic year.

Steedman was hired as the middle school’s principal in 2016. At the time, he was principal of the Escola Americana de Campinas in Brazil. He previously served as principal at Sturgis West High School, a charter school in Hyannis. According to published media reports, Steedman was hired for his lengthy teaching career, charter school experience and enthusiasm.

During his time in Wareham, Steedman launched Viking Time, a block of time that emphasizes behavior that is thoughtful, respectful and responsible. Steedman said he also worked on "trying to recognize kids who are outstanding" during his time and was here as Wareham Middle School began its humanities academy and became an international baccalaureate candidate school.

"That was never just me," Steedman said. "I was really fortunate to work with some amazing educators."

That's what Steedman said he'll miss the most about Wareham: the people. He said Wareham will always have a spot in his heart and that he has enjoyed getting to know members of the community, whether at football games or working with veterans on the Vietnam Moving Wall.

"We have some remarkable kids and fantastic teachers," Steedman said. "They work tirelessly for the betterment of kids. I've never seen a more hardworking group of teachers. They give their lives to this place."

Specifically, Steedman thanked Superintendent Kimberly Shaver-Hood for the "tremendous amount of support" she gave him during his time as principal.

"She's just been a great mentor for me and I've learned a lot from her," he said.

Shaver-Hood said Steedman has been a "positive influence" in Wareham Public Schools.

"He certainly is someone who listens and is willing to work collaboratively with people," Shaver-Hood said. "I appreciate all he has done and he will be missed."

Steedman is looking forward to learning something new at the Martha's Vineyard Public Charter School, since it is a K-12 school and he has no elementary school experience.

"It's a steep learning curve, but I'm excited to learn about elementary school," he said.

Steedman is originally from Michigan and lives with his wife and three daughters in Falmouth.

Steedman is the second Wareham administrator this year that publicly expressed interest in another position. Wareham High School Principal Scott Palladino was one of three finalists for a principal position in Plymouth, but ultimately wasn’t hired.