New Love Creek assistant principal has deep Cape Region ties

Cape High Assistant Principal James McDowell has returned to his elementary education roots as the new assistant principal at Love Creek Elementary. McDowell takes over from former Assistant Principal Wendy Harrington, who has taken a similar role at the Sussex Consortium.

“I’ve come full circle in a way,” McDowell said. “I’m grateful for my time at the high school and I’m excited for my next chapter.”

McDowell’s early background is in elementary education; he completed his student teaching and received his original certification in elementary education and math. His first teaching role was as a math teacher at Cape High, where he taught seven years before serving the past two years as assistant principal.

“I loved teaching math and working with students, but after seven years I was ready for my next challenge,” McDowell said. As a teacher, he was in charge of summer school, which helped prepare him for the responsibility of a leadership role.

“I want to make a positive impact throughout the entire district,” he added.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in mathematics with elementary education certification from Albury College, McDowell obtained his master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from American College of Education, and his doctorate in educational leadership and innovation from Wilmington University.

One of five boys, all Cape grads, McDowell lives in Rehoboth. He played in the Blue-Gold All-Star football game in 2007, and still enjoys playing football, baseball, going to the gym and reading.

McDowell said he just got his passport last summer and had planned to visit Mexico and Ireland until COVID-19 interrupted his plans. 

“I’ll still travel, but just in this country for now,” he said. “We’re lucky to live in a country with a variety of places to visit, from the beach to the desert to the mountains.”