New principal, and former dean administrator, Anthony Ditto, returns back to Independence High School for the 2024 school year after his move to Apollo High School in
“I always wanted to come back [to Independence]. When opportunities arise you have to jump on them, and when this position opened up, that was something that I sought out to come back.” Ditto had expressed his appreciation for the Glendale Union District and facility due to his own personal experiences as a student in the district and a former biology educator.
During his high school years, Ditto attended school in the Glendale district, graduating from Apollo High School in 2007. After his years from Apollo came to an end, he set off to attend Yavapai Junior College for two years as he had wanted to pursue his career in becoming a coach. However, there was a change of plans. Ditto transferred from his community college to Northern University before attending Grand Canyon University to earn his bachelor for science.
“I started [my career in education] in 2012,” Ditto stated. “Meaning, I’ve been part of the education industry for twelve years now.” Independence was where Ditto received his first job as an educator. For eight years, the former teacher taught biology at IHS, stating that it was difficult for him to leave his classroom after having formed close relationships with past colleagues and students since, “it is completely different when you’re an administrator.”
The Independence administrator came from a family of educators, influencing his decision to join the same workforce, but in a different direction. Ditto shares his yearning to stay principal until he retires. “I definitely plan on being here for a long time.” Some of the things Ditto suggested for future head administrators is to, “be as open as possible to all the information that you are gathering, learning a lot is a challenge but it is a healthy challenge.”
“My grandmother was a teacher and my aunt was a teacher,” the administrator shared. “My uncle is [currently] a professor.” Ditto expressed that his grandmother had a significant impact on the trajectory of his career. She inspired him as she had her own aspirations of continuing her journey but was cut short due to starting her family at a young age, limiting her time at work.
Although Ditto began his journey for his grandmother, he also did it for himself and his family.
