For many, teaching is a career. But for Dr. Stephen Doak, it’s a family tradition. Growing up in Guilderland in a family of educators, he learned at an early age about the impact teachers can have on students, both in the classroom and beyond. For him, becoming an educator has always felt “like a calling.” Today, Dr. Doak proudly carries that family legacy into his new role as principal of Stillwater Elementary.
An alumnus of the State University of New York at Oneonta, Dr. Doak earned a bachelor’s degree in childhood education and a master’s degree in literacy from the College of Saint Rose. In December 2022, he added “Dr.” to his name after receiving his Doctor of Education in educational leadership and organizational theory from Vanderbilt University. He also holds several New York State professional certifications, including Childhood Education (Grades 1-6), School Building Leader and Administrator.
Before joining Stillwater Elementary, Dr. Doak served in a variety of teaching and leadership roles, gaining valuable experience and insight into the responsibilities of each position. His teaching career began in 2012 at Forts Ferry Elementary in the North Colonie Central School District, where he spent 11 years teaching fourth grade, which he describes as “an amazing experience.”
Dedicated to fostering a love of learning and empowering students to reach their full potential, Dr. Doak ensured every fourth-grade student felt supported and challenged through data-driven, differentiated lessons designed to meet individual learning needs. His commitment to student growth and success was evident in the classroom, where he created an inclusive, structured learning environment that helped students develop critical thinking, problem-solving and social-emotional skills to become responsible, engaged citizens.
As a teacher, Dr. Doak discovered he enjoyed collaborating with and mentoring fellow educators, inspiring him to pursue a pathway to school administration. This transition offered the best of both worlds, allowing him to continue building relationships with students and families while working alongside teachers and future leaders.
Dr. Doak’s journey to school administration began in the fall of 2019 with three internships at North Colonie CSD: one at the district level, one at Shaker High School and the third at Forts Ferry Elementary. These experiences gave him firsthand insight into the daily responsibilities of school leaders at various levels. He later built on that foundation through several leadership roles within the district, including serving as Engagement Camp administrator at Shaker High School, Summer School principal at Shaker Middle School and Summer School principal at Shaker High School.
In 2023, Dr. Doak took the next step in his educational career as the assistant principal at the F. Donald Myers Education Center, part of Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex (WSWHE) BOCES. Overseeing middle and high school students, he promoted a safe learning environment for students and staff, collaborated with diverse stakeholders, supported curriculum needs and led professional development.
One of Dr. Doak’s proudest accomplishments as assistant principal was the creation and implementation of the school’s MTSS system, “a framework grounded in best-practice strategies.” According to Dr. Doak, the system empowered teachers, support staff and counselors to use common language and a more focused approach in supporting students.
For Dr. Doak, one of the most rewarding aspects of education is being part of the student experience. His most impactful memories are the moments when students’ joy was “on full display.” From graduations and themed proms to being taped to the wall alongside his former principal for a school fundraiser, seeing students have fun at school and in their community is a major reason why so many educators do what they do.
That same commitment to students is what drew Dr. Doak to Stillwater Elementary, where he was inspired by the school’s “close-knit” and “community-focused” culture. He had heard “wonderful things about the Stillwater Elementary community,” including its students, families and staff. Recognizing the strong partnership between Stillwater families and the district, Dr. Doak plans to continue fostering family engagement through school events and classroom connections.
Appointed by the Stillwater Board of Education on July 24, 2026, Dr. Doak is ready to hit the ground running when he starts his new role on Aug. 24. As he begins his tenure at Stillwater Elementary, community engagement and building relationships are among his top priorities. This includes strengthening the home-school connection by continuing established community- and PTA-sponsored events, as well as providing more frequent snapshots of classroom learning.
An open and transparent communicator, a solution- and student-focused leader and an approachable presence, Dr. Doak looks forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to better understand how he can support Stillwater Elementary’s continued growth.
“I welcome feedback and partnership from all and look forward to serving the Stillwater community,” he said. “I’m excited and grateful to be joining such a special place.”
Outside of school, Dr. Doak spends time with his family, listens to country music and cheers for the New York Giants and Vanderbilt football. Basketball is his favorite sport, and the opening day of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament is his favorite day of the year. He also enjoys vacationing with his family in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Cape May, New Jersey. Most recently, Dr. Doak had the opportunity to coach his son’s sports teams, an experience he described as “a blast!”
Dr. Doak’s experience as a teacher has shaped his understanding of the dedication educators bring to their work and the challenges they navigate each day while supporting students. As he begins his role as principal of Stillwater Elementary, he brings that perspective to his leadership and is committed to supporting teachers, strengthening the school community and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.