Mr. Chad Lofink selected as Ralph Stearley Primary assistant principal
OKINAWA, Japan – Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) Pacific South District Superintendent Dr. Melissa Hayes is pleased to announce the selection of Mr. Charles (Chad) Lofink as assistant principal at Ralph Stearley Primary School, located on Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan.
Mr. Lofink is a native of Granite City, Illinois, where his career in education began as a classroom teacher and coach. Over the past 15 years, his professional journey has taken him around the world, providing him with a rich perspective on education and student needs. He has served in international school settings in Taiwan and Kuwait, as well as in rural Alaska.
From Alaska, Mr. Lofink began his career with the Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) in Okinawa, Japan. Serving military-connected students overseas has long been a professional dream of his, and he considers it both an honor and a responsibility to support students and families navigating the unique challenges of military life. In addition to his school leadership work, Mr. Lofink is the head coach of a youth wrestling program at Camp Courtney, where he mentors young athletes and emphasizes discipline, confidence, teamwork, and perseverance.
Mr. Lofink is currently completing his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership. He holds an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership, a Master of Arts in Leadership, a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with middle school endorsements in Social Sciences, and an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts. He is in his fifteenth year as an educator and remains deeply committed to continuous growth, reflective practice, and instructional excellence.
A married father of four young children, Mr. Lofink values family, service, and lifelong learning. Outside of school, he enjoys traveling with his family, coaching and working with children of all ages, and writing. He is actively working toward the publication of his first military-themed children’s book, centered on a family PCSing to Okinawa, inspired by the students and families he proudly serves.
Mr. Lofink is honored to serve the families of Ralph Stearley Primary School and looks forward to building strong partnerships that support student success, well-being, and a strong sense of belonging.
