Dr. Scott Pickle was born and raised in Atwater, California. He attended Atwater public schools and graduated from Atwater High School. While growing up, his parents kept him active in a number of extracurricular activities and working on the family ranch. After graduating from high school, he attended California State University, Fresno, receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education with emphasis of Exercise Physiology while competing on the Track and Field team. Next attended National University, Fresno Campus, to earn his Single Subject Teaching Credential, and then cleared his credential at University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). Continuing his education, he earned a Master’s Degree and Administrative Services Credential from National University. Finally, he earned his Doctorate of Education with an emphasis on K12 Leadership from Grand Canyon University.

He began his education career as the Director of the Winners on Wheels Foundation, a national education program for children who use wheelchairs. Next he moved from the Foundation to public schools, and served the next 10 years in the classroom; first teaching Physical Education at Wilson Middle School in Chowchilla and then 9 years teaching Science, serving as Science Department Chair, as well as, being Head Coach of the Cross Country and Track and Field programs, at Central High School in Fresno. Before becoming Principal at Hanford High School, he was Assistant Principal at Tulare Western from 2009-2012. Previous to his position at Tulare Western, he served as Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at Sierra High School of Sierra Unified in Fresno County from 2006-2009.

Dr. Pickle has twice been awarded the Paramount Agribusiness Teacher of the Year, first in 2003 and again in 2006. He was a Disney Teacher of the Year Nominee in 2005. In 2004, he was awarded the California State Assembly Teacher of the Year for District 31 (Fresno County) and the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, Teacher of the Year, Certificate of Recognition award. Additionally, in 2003 he was honored by the University of California as an Outstanding Teacher and in 2002 he was nominated as Central Unified Teacher of the Year. As an administrator, he has been nominated to the Who’s Who among American Administrators and Professionals in 2007. In 2014, he was recognized by the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) as an outstanding administrator and won the Administrator of the Year – California FFA Section Star award. Also in 2014, he was recognized by US House of Representatives Certificate of Achievement – FFA Star Administrator. Then in 2016 Dr. Pickle received a California Assembly Recognition Award for quality extra-curricular programs and in the years of 2012 to 2017, Dr. Pickle was awarded the Gold Star for his involvement in FFA programs.

Dr. Pickle’s wife Erin, who is also a public school educator, helps make the topic of education the most talked about in the household. He has five children; JD, Abby, Aidan, Rory, and Jake. Together they share their commitment and dedication to family activities and the many adventures their children present. An avid guitar player and chess enthusiast, Dr. Pickle shares with his family his love of sports, outdoor activities, reading, and music.

As an educator, Dr. Pickle believes he is merely a custodian bestowed the task of turning on the light bulbs in the minds of students. That task is neither boring nor dull, but exhilarating beyond belief.

Hanford Sentinel Interview(from 2012)

How did you get started in your career? Why did you want to get into education?

Education for me has been a lifelong endeavor. In the third grade, my teacher, Mrs. Toler, helped us write an autobiography of our life. Though I am aware now the exercise was simply an attempt to get the class to write, I can remember taking it very seriously. I was writing a book about myself. In that book I wrote that I wanted to be a teacher and help kids, just like my Dad. That writing assignment was the beginning of my career and ever since then, my Dad, a teacher of 40 years, has been my mentor. Not only did I aspire to be an educator, but I am an educator from a family of educators. My older sister and older brother, as well as, their spouses are both teachers. It could be said that education is our family business.

How has your career evolved since you began?

Previous to becoming Principal at Hanford High School, I was the Assistant Principal at Tulare Western High School for 3 years where I served as an instructional leader and directed student discipline. Before Tulare Western, I was at Sierra High School for three years serving also as the Assistant Principal and the Principal of the Sierra Unified K-12 summer school program. While there, I served as the ROP program director in addition to my responsibilities over student discipline and department curriculum. Additionally, for the first 2 years I served as the Assistant Principal/Athletic Director overseeing 21 varsity sports.

Previous to moving into administration, I taught and coached at Central High School East Campus for nine years. For six years of those, I was the Science Department Chair where I championed alignment to Standards and benchmark assessment. During my years there, I was honored at being named UC Outstanding Teacher in 2003, the Fresno County Teacher of the Year for District 25 in 2004, and Paramount Agribusiness Teacher of the Year for 2003 and 2006.

What is the most valuable lesson you've learned?

Over the years, experience has proven that patience and time are very valuable commodities in education. Things happen that are beyond our control, but we can control how we react to them. That being the case, I have learned to live by 4 simple rules: Hope is not a strategy; Some is not a number; Soon is not a time; If nothing changes, nothing changes.

What is your favorite thing about being a Principal?

As Principal, I can affect education at a different level. I was told by my Father that becoming an educator doesn’t end when the day is over. Educators will always be seen by students as their Teacher, Coach, Counselor, or Principal. That doesn’t change whether in the grocery store, gas station, or theater. Being an educator is a life choice to advise and mentor students. I wanted to be the one. My challenge is for everyone to ‘Be the One’ to make a difference, because positive change starts with one person.

What are the biggest challenges Principals face?

For any educator, the biggest challenge is also the greatest success. It is rooted in making a student believe they can be successful. Graduation night is the best night of the year because I get to see students accept their hard earned diplomas and reflect on the times when the road was very rough. Our challenges exist in the dreams of our students. As an Educator, I am a custodian bestowed the task of turning on the light bulbs in the minds of students. That task, however challenging, is neither boring nor dull, but exhilarating beyond belief.

What advice would you give to someone just entering the field?

The same advice my Father gave me. He told me, “An educator is like being a father. It is who you are and who you have become. Once you become one, like a father, it is not a 9 to 5 job.” I believe those words my father spoke, because it is that person that can touch a life and change it forever.

What are your goals/plans for the future?

My plans for the future are focused on making Hanford High School the best high school in the country. Hanford is a very proud community with significant history. My goal is to continue to build upon the past success well into the future.