April 26 — Eismann secures international program for Sumner High

Superintendent Donald Eismann fulfills dream of gaining elite international status with new Sumner High School program

Andrew Hosford / of The Herald

For 22 years, Donald Eismann has wanted Sumner High School to go global.

Now, during his final year as superintendent of the school district, the effort is paying off in the form of an International Baccalaureate program.

“It has been my dream for Sumner High School to have an IB program,” Eismann said. “Everything has finally come together.”

With classes starting in the fall, Sumner will join Foss High School as the only secondary programs in Pierce County.

“The time is right,” he said of the school’s acceptance. “(The district) is challenged on a daily basis to find curriculum that is rigorous and relevant.”

Eismann first heard of the program while he was working as a principal in Germany and England.

International students used the program to prepare for college and get ahead of the learning curve.

“I’ve always been interested in the international approach to education,” he added.

He believes the United States needs to expand the education process beyond its own borders.

Unique to the IB program is that the classwork and lessons are the same in England as in Japan or in Sumner. No matter where the material is taught in the world, it is the same for each student.

“I think it is cool we are learning what the kids in Germany are, too,” said Sam Wolcott, a 10th grader planning to enroll.

Students are not the only ones gaining a global connection as Sumner’s Japanese teacher recently flew to Osaka, Japan, for three days of instruction on the program.

“The teachers have said it is the best training they have received,” said Principal Bill Gaines of the 15 teachers who can now teach the program at Sumner High.

Three years ago, Gaines applied for the demanding program after receiving requests.

“It gives them the opportunity to compete on a bigger level,” he said.

There are no restrictions for the course and Gaines said hundreds of anxious students have signed up to try the classes next year.

Once reality of the coursework sets in, though, he said the numbers will dwindle until the program really takes hold.

Chantel Yuong, a 10th grader, is looking forward to the new experience.

“It seems like a program where you are challenging yourself,” Yuong said.

The program allows students earn up to a year’s worth of college credit if they participate in the full two years.

Specialized English, math and science classes culminate with a practical theory of knowledge course that is meant to reflect on the students’ experiences in the course and how they can apply it in life.

“It is one of the best credentials a Sumner High student can earn,” said Chris Prestin, a teacher and coordinator of the IB program at the school.

For Eismann, implementation of the prestigious curriculum is the final chapter of his career in the district.

“It is the most exciting thing that has happened to me in 22 years, it is a capstone to my career,” he said.

If all goes to plan, students will benefit from his retirement gift for years to come.

“The IB program allows students to get a head start on the competition,” he said. “Our students deserve this and are capable.”