School Leadership

Joe Bernhardt was born and raised in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education: Elementary/ Middle (1-8), Minor in Mathematics (1-9). He also earned a Masters of Arts in Education: Educational Leadership from Marian University. Bernhardt began his career teaching algebra and general math at Oak Creek High School before moving on to Lincoln Elementary School in the School District of Cudahy.

Upon moving to Appleton, he taught math and science at Seymour Middle School, as well as coached the middle school wrestling team before moving into the role of Instructional Support Specialist/Dean of Students. For 11 years, he served as the Associate Principal and Activities Director at Einstein Middle School. While at Einstein, he was blessed to have both of his sons attend. He’s happily married to his wife Molly. His son Alex graduated from Appleton North and attends UW-Oshkosh while his younger son, Mason attends Appleton North. He enjoys watching the Brewers, Packers (even though he is a 49ers fan), Badgers, and North Lightning games with his family. He also enjoys playing pickleball, working out in the martial arts, golf, and spending time on the boat up north.

Bernhardt is honored to be the principal of Sandy Slope and looks forward to serving the Sandy Slope Community while establishing an environment that promotes success for every student, every day, which will have a lasting impact on the North Community.