The Mike Clemens Center for Adaptive Learning serves Fort Zumwalt students grades K - 12. Students there grow in an alternative learning environment that empowers them with life skills and equips them to succeed in the mainstream classroom and beyond. Tyler Horner will join the school as its new principal, effective July 1. He is focused on working closely with staff, students and their families to further the school’s mission: Equip Students to Excel by providing a safe and trusting environment; Educate students to be emotionally and socially capable; Empower students to reach a future of limitless possibilities.
It is a full-circle moment for Horner, who joined FZSD in 2012 as a teacher at what was then called the Transition Center, the pilot program that grew to become the Clemens Center. He is looking forward to establishing strong relationships and enhancing systems and structures that help every student reach their academic, social and emotional potential. “Above all,” Horner says, “I want our school to be a place where students feel valued, capable, and proud of their progress.”
Partnering with this highly committed staff is an exciting opportunity, he says. “MCC is a special place full of people who care deeply for students and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the building where I began my teaching career 14 years ago.” He is excited to be a part of each student’s journey and looks forward to celebrating breakthroughs, supporting challenges, and witnessing transformation.
“I want families to know we are working together to help students build confidence, develop skills, and achieve their fullest potential,” he says, adding that he looks forward to continuing to “grow in finding creative, meaningful ways to celebrate our students and share the incredible work happening at MCC.”
When he’s not at school, Horner looks to get as much time as possible with his wife and two daughters, ages 6 and 4. “My daughters are at such a fun age and I love supporting them in all of the activities we have lined up.” That includes their love of music. “If I'm being completely honest, my daughters control what we listen to at home, so right now, I’m in my Taylor Swift era.”
Horner served four years as a Special Education teacher and Educational Diagnostician at West High before joining the North High staff in 2019 as an Assistant Principal. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Movement Science from Missouri State; a Master’s in Special Education from the University of Cincinnati; a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Columbia College and his Specialist in Education Administration from Southeast Missouri State.