Dr. Elif Kalemdaroglu-Wheeler holds a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts with concentrations in Political Science and Economics and a Minor in Business. She completed her B.A. and M.A. in Leadership in Education at the University of Notre Dame of Maryland. Additionally, she earned her Post-Master's certification in Educational Leadership and Administration from George Washington University. Her doctoral degree is in Educational Leadership, with a specialization in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix. She has over 25 years of experience teaching Special Education, Social Studies, and Science at middle and high school grade levels, as well as in K-12 school administration. She is currently in line to obtain her Master of Jurisprudence with a concentration in Education Law and Special Education Advocacy at St. Mary's University School of Law.
As an instructional leader, she mentored new teachers and served in various roles, including Department Chair, Behavior Intervention Coordinator, Dean of Students, Athletic Director, Instructional Coach, Head of Academy, and Director of Virtual Curriculum and Instruction, across K-12 settings. She is a Fellow in Residence with the Center for Leadership Studies and Organizational Research and the Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research at the University of Phoenix. She serves on the Board of the Virginia Educational Research Association as Secretary. She was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success in 2021. Dr. Wheeler served as a Special Educator and Assistant Principal at CHS before assuming her new role as principal. She is a proud mother of two adult sons and lives with her husband, two dogs, and a cat in Chesterfield. She is an avid Ravens fan and loves traveling abroad.
