Radnor’s Dr. David M. Wiedlich selected as Pennsylvania’s 2026 Principal of the Year
Dr. David M. Wiedlich, Principal of Radnor Middle School in the Radnor Township School District, has been named Pennsylvania’s 2026 Principal of the Year by the Pennsylvania Principals Association. As a state winner in the National Association of Secondary School Principals’ (NASSP) Principal of the Year Program, Dr. Wiedlich is a candidate for the National Secondary Principal of the Year. He will be recognized for this achievement by both the PA Principals Association and NASSP.
“I am excited that Dr. David Wiedlich, an exceptional principal and leader, has been chosen as Pennsylvania’s 2026 Principal of the Year. A committee of his peers selected him for this recognition because of his outstanding leadership and contributions to his school, students and community,” said Dr. Eric Eshbach, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Principals Association. “Dr. Wiedlich is a passionate, committed leader who genuinely cares about the success and well-being of his students, staff and the entire school community. We are extremely proud to have him represent the PA Principals Association and secondary principals across Pennsylvania.”
An educator for 23.5 years and an administrator for 11.5 years, Dr. Wiedlich joined the Radnor Township Middle School as principal in 2019. Dr. Wiedlich began his teaching career in The School District of Philadelphia at John Welsh Elementary School (K-8). In 2003, he transitioned to the Downingtown Area School District, where he served as an English and Social Studies teacher. In 2014, Dr. Wiedlich assumed the role of assistant principal at Lionville Middle School also in the Downingtown Area School District.
“I am humbled to be named Pennsylvania’s Secondary Principal of the Year. This honor reflects the incredible students who inspire me every day and the dedicated team of professionals I’m fortunate to work with, all committed to doing what’s best for kids. I am profoundly grateful for the mentorship and support that have guided me throughout my career and for my family, whose love and encouragement make everything possible,” shared Dr. Wiedlich.
Under his outstanding leadership, Dr. Wiedlich played a key role in developing and implementing a variety of essential programs and initiatives at his school. Among his most notable achievements are fostering a safe and inclusive culture and promoting student well-being. He spearheaded initiatives informed by data, analyzing academic performance, behavior, and attendance trends to identify student needs and implement Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for equitable academic and behavioral interventions. Additionally, he designed and facilitated advisory programs to strengthen student connections and introduced recognition systems that celebrate soft skills—such as responsibility, creativity, collaboration and communication—alongside individual strengths. “Since the inception of the soft skills acknowledgement program in 2022, more than 400 students have been recognized for exceptional attributes,” explained Dr. Wiedlich.
In addition, Dr. Wiedlich broadened student learning opportunities by leading the development of innovative electives in global connections, digital media, executive functioning, entrepreneurship and emerging technologies, helping prepare students for a dynamic, globalized future.
One of his most significant contributions has been elevating student voice by establishing avenues for meaningful student input in school decisions through shaping policies on schedules, celebrations and military recognition events and fostering a stronger culture of belonging and respect.
“We are incredibly proud of Dr. Wiedlich for being named Pennsylvania Principal of the Year, a recognition that reflects his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to our students. His vision, integrity and deep care for our school community have strengthened our district in countless ways. This honor celebrates not only his achievements, but the positive impact he makes every single day on our staff, students and families,” said Dr.
Kenneth E. Batchelor, Superintendent, Radnor Township School District.
His leadership and dedication to education have been recognized through his service on the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils Board of Directors and the Editorial Review Board for The Pennsylvania Administrator, the PA Principals Association’s award-winning professional educational magazine. In addition, he authored several articles in The Pennsylvania Administrator, including “Rediscovering the Classroom” (2025); “The Silver Lining of COVID-19: Radnor Middle School” (2021); and “Relationships: It’s What Matters” (2019).
Dr. Wiedlich has shared his expertise at state and national conferences, presenting on topics such as Building and Sustaining Relationships at the Kappa Delta Pi Conference (2025) and Interviewing Techniques and Strategies for the Student Pennsylvania State Education Association-West Chester University chapter (2025). His leadership in student well-being and engagement is evident through sessions at the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils State Conference (2022) and his role in a PA Principals LEAD21 Conference panel on Student Mental Health (2021). During the pandemic, he guided Chester County principals with his presentation on Re Opening Radnor in the Age of COVID-19 (2021), demonstrating adaptability and resilience during unprecedented times.
Beyond his professional role, he is deeply invested in community service and youth development. He volunteers as a CYO Varsity Track Coach at St. Teresa of Calcutta (2024) and serves as a head coach for Spring-Ford Youth Basketball and Westmont United Soccer Club, fostering teamwork and confidence among young athletes. At the state level, David advocates for educational excellence through his work on the PA Principals Editorial Review Board (2024–present) and the U.S. Senate Youth Program Selection Committee (2022–present), ensuring student voice and leadership remain central to policy and practice.
Dr. Wiedlich’s academic journey reflects his commitment to growth and innovations. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from The Pennsylvania State University and a Graduate Certificate in Peer Coaching and Collaboration from The Pennsylvania State University. He holds a Doctor of Educational Leadership and Superintendent Letter of Eligibility from Neumann University and is pursuing a Certificate in Advanced Educational Leadership from Harvard University (est. 2026).
Dr. Wiedlich is a husband to his wife, Kellie, a secondary school/college counselor, and proud father of Lukas (13) and Michael (8). In his spare time, he enjoys coaching his boys in basketball, track and soccer, and is an avid fan of all Philadelphia sports. A cross-country and track athlete and coach at heart, he brings a family-centered perspective to his work, believing that strong connections are the foundations of thriving school communities.
