From a glamourous gig working as an enterprise IT engineer consultant with NASA and other Fortune 500 companies, Santino Cordero-Carter did a complete 180 in 2009. He transitioned from a career in the technology field to one in early childhood education.
As the new principal for both Summit Academy – Canton schools, Carter says a desire to “do something more, something more impactful for the greater good,” led him to pursue a career in K-12 education after working in the technology field for eight years.
With his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree from Malone University in hand, Carter returned to the Malone campus to pursue his teaching credentials. At Malone, Carter earned an Early Childhood Ohio Teaching Licensure (PK-3) and Reading Endorsement (K-12). He then went on to Ashland University to earn a PK-6 Educational Leadership credential.
He served in roles as a primary lead teacher in kindergarten and third grades in Canton City Schools as well as White Hat Management and GEMS Education Solutions. Carter also worked as a Title 1 reading specialist and assistant network administrator for North Canton City Schools. Bringing with him 13 years of K-12 experience, Carter says he honored to serve Summit Academy – Canton students as their principal.
“What attracted me to Summit Academy was the opportunity to work with diverse learners to maximize and reach their full potential academically and socially,” he says. “As an educator and administrator, I would like people to know that because so many people have invested in me, I am paying that forward by investing in others to do positive things for people.”
Carter is beginning with the basics at Summit’s Canton schools by building relationships with staff, students and families, and nurturing a culture of growth, belonging and opportunity.
“We’re accountable to each other, serving the best interests of every member of our school community, and making sure our students and families have what they need so they can reach their full potential, socially and emotionally,” he says. “We want to continue to cultivate an environment of inquisitiveness and positive experiences in order to move successfully onto new opportunities and positive experiences.”
An avid lifelong learner, Carter says he values the contributions his school educators and administrators bring to the table. “Being able to accept and work with people who may have different points of view or backgrounds, different learning styles, that’s what makes working together fun,” he says.
When the school day ends, Carter says he appreciates time spent with his family: his wife, Catherine, and their children. “They are my stability, my balance in life,” he says.