Branson Heads Indian Creek, Leaves Position In Japan

By Laura Wiegmann

When school starts in the next few weeks, many of the students will be experiencing changes, some to do with the school itself, and others to do with staff and faculty. The students of Indian Creek School are no different; they will be working for the first time with their new headmaster, Mr. Richard Branson. 

When he visited in January, he received glowing feedback from students and parents, faculty and staff alike, and was awarded the position against all competition. Mr. Branson took over the station in early July so that he could familiarize himself with the school's two campuses, the rest of the faculty and staff, and the particulars of his new place.

This new Head of School comes very experienced and well prepared for the job ahead. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in 1982, and a Masters in 1986, both in Journalism from the University of Oregon. Afterwards, he taught both high school and undergraduate Journalism. In 1995 he moved to Michigan and taught grades ranging from 5th through high school. He worked as Coordinator at the high school level, Principal at the elementary school level, and finally Co-Director of the Concord Academy from 2001 to 2005.

Then, in 2005, Rick and his wife Sarah decided to experience education outside of country. They had sent their children overseas at different times for the life experience and wanted their own chance to do the same. Their passion for teaching enabled them to be educators and also be educated at the same time within the larger world. Their first position was in Curitiba, Brazil where he spent two years teaching English. From there, they moved to Japan in 2007 to accept a position as Headmaster at the Hokkaido International School in Sapporo, Japan. While in this position, he coached both boys and girls soccer, and also directed the drama program. Currently, Mr Branson is working on his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, and plans to complete his dissertation this year. 

Personally, Rick and his wife, Sarah, have a son named David, and a daughter named Megan, both grown and working in the education field. Their third son, Daniel, is a junior this year at the University of Oregon. Sarah spent the earlier part of her career teaching AP level biology, then later moved on to working as a nurse midwife, a career which she hopes to continue in the Annapolis area. Also an avid runner, he has completed seven marathons to date.

Rick is thrilled to be part of the Indian Creek School; he loves the incredible sense of community, and commented on how that sense of community inspires every learner. He is really looking forward to building on the momentum he already sees at the school, and at this point, only wants to understand it better.

He and Sarah decided to come back to the States because they felt the need to be closer to their grown kids. However, since it was not an urgent situation, they were able to look for a position that they would love. When this position became available, they both agreed that Indian Creek and the Annapolis area presented "the perfect place to come back to."