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Stephen Edward Rubenacker has been an independent school educator for almost 20 years.  He began his career in the Long Island Public School system before moving, in 2001, to the Friends Academy Middle School in Locust Valley, New York. In his tenure there, Stephen taught 6,7 & 8th grade Social Studies, coached various sports and served for 10 years as the Principal of the Middle School.  During his time as division head, Stephen dramatically increased time spent on literacy and math instruction, implemented a 1 to 1 iPad initiative, worked with INDEX (the national bench marking group for independent schools) to implement the Mission Skills Assessment, revised disciplinary codes and worked within his administrative team around faculty evaluation, scheduling and professional development. He also collaborated with his admissions team to realize record levels of enrollment within his division and worked closely with the head of school, finance officer and board around budgeting and strategic planning. During this final years at Friends, Stephen was an instrumental part of the process around campus planning and renovation. 

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In 2015, Stephen assumed the headship of Rosarian Academy, a 380 student Independent Catholic Day school in West Palm Beach Florida.  Stephen's major accomplishments at Rosarian included numerous program initiatives around math, literacy and STEM education.  Additionally, Stephen oversaw a complete rebranding initiative too dramatically improve the school's independent school identity though their marketing and web presence within the community.  He worked with his administrative team to significantly improve philanthropic giving within the institution, most recently recording a record level of fundraising through annual giving and yearly signature events. Finally, Stephen lead a successful accreditation through the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) where the visiting team commented:  “The visiting committee commends the bold vision and leadership of the new Head of School, Stephen Rubenacker. His understanding of the urgency to make immediate changes and raise the bar of excellence for Rosarian Academy"

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Stephen graduated from St. John's University in 1995, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in History and Secondary Education. He went on to receive his Masters of Education from Dowling College in 2005, with a combined focus in Literacy and Special Education in grades K-12. In 2013, Stephen participated in the Aspiring Heads Institute through the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). He has spoken at various conferences through the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) on educational technology and has been a mentor teacher as part of the Institute for New Teachers, also a NYSAIS sponsored program.

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Last, and most important, Stephen is the proud husband of Kate and father of two boys, Thomas (14) and Daniel (12). They enjoy travel, outdoor activities, cub scouts, and spending quality time together on the weekends.