A Lindbergh veteran, nationally recognized educator and 2011 finalist for Missouri Teacher of the Year has been selected to be the next principal of Lindbergh High School.
The Lindbergh Board of Education voted during a Feb. 26 closed session to hire Eric Cochran for the high school’s top position, effective July 1.
Cochran has served in administration and teaching roles in Lindbergh for the past 17 years. He currently serves as director of curriculum and student programs, where he oversees development and revision of high school curricula, coordinates district safety and security programs and analyzes student test data districtwide.
“Eric is an instructional leader whose work at Lindbergh High School and in an administrative role has directly contributed to LHS’ top ranking among Missouri high schools for academic achievement,” Superintendent Jim Simpson stated in a news release. “He is the most-qualified leader we have, in addition to being a highly skilled, well-respected member of the Lindbergh community. Eric will be able to immediately begin working with teachers, staff and students to continue achieving the high school’s strong tradition of academic excellence.”
Cochran received many awards and recognitions during his 14 years as a social studies teacher and seven years as Social Studies Department chairman — Lindbergh Teacher of the Year, State Teacher of the Year finalist, and Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award. He also received seven LHS National Merit Inspirational Teacher awards, was named Lindbergh National Honor Society Teacher of the Year and was nominated for the Gilder Lehrman American History Teacher of the Year.
“I am grateful to have spent my entire career working with outstanding Lindbergh teachers, administrators, parents and students in a district that has now become a destination for all of these groups,” Cochran stated in the release. “Serving as LHS principal is an incredible opportunity.
“I am honored and proud to be collaborating with some of the best educators in the state, and working with students and families as we look forward to even more success as a school and a district.”
Cochran earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Washington University and his master’s degree in history at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
He will complete his doctor of education degree in education leadership from Maryville University in April.
Current Principal Andy Croley announced his resignation in February. He will work with Cochran for the remainder of the school year to ensure a smooth transition.
