Michael Bylsma will assume the role of Special Education Program Coordinator for the Mercer Island School District (MISD), effective July 1, 2015. Bylsma will join the learning services department and work alongside Director of Special Education, Dr. Lindsay Myatich.

“Michael impressed me with his knowledge of special education and his experience with staff supervision and professional growth,” said MISD Superintendent Dr. Gary Plano. “He is focused on instructional leadership, while promoting a positive school culture for students, staff, and parents.”

Bylsma is not new to the district. He served as a seventh and eighth grade language arts and social studies teacher at Islander Middle School during the 2008-12 school years. He was later an administrative intern under Co-Principals Mary Jo Budzius and Aaron Miller.

For the last three years, Bylsma has been the assistant principal at Timbercrest Junior High in the Northshore School District.

Bylsma completed his undergraduate degree at Washington State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature. He received his Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Seattle Pacific University.