In his first year at Lower Moreland, Dr. Dennis Best brings a wealth of experience from his 25 years in education, including roles as a teacher, principal, and central office administrator. Beyond his professional life, he is a dedicated father to a 7th grade son who plays ice hockey, a passion that keeps him busy traveling from rink to rink. He enjoys exercising, reading, and spending time at the beach, often fishing with his son, despite admitting “He’s much better at it than I am.” Snowboarding is another activity he enjoys when time allows.
Reading is a major part of Dr. Best’s life, although he often opts for audiobooks due to his busy schedule. “I love having a book in my hands, but audiobooks let me keep up while I’m running or driving,” he explains. He is particularly drawn to authors like Ryan Holiday, who writes about stoicism, and Adam Grant, whose work on personal and organizational improvement resonates with him.
His journey into education began early, with a high school program that allowed him to work with preschool-aged children. “That experience changed everything for me,” he recalls. “I knew I wanted to be a teacher.” Over time, leadership opportunities arose, leading him to administrative roles where he felt he could make an even greater impact on students’ lives. His career path took him through the Springfield Township and Centennial School Districts, where he held various leadership positions before arriving at Lower Moreland.
Dr. Best describes his transition to Lower Moreland as overwhelmingly positive. “From day one, I felt welcomed,” he says. “The students, staff, and community have been amazing.” He appreciates the District’s strong academic reputation and is eager to build on its success. His vision for the next five years involves not only maintaining high academic standards but also enhancing student engagement and school spirit. “It’s not just about academics,” he emphasizes. “Students should feel connected to their school. That sense of belonging makes all the difference.”
One of his key initiatives for the upcoming year is a think tank at the high school aimed at improving student experiences and school spirit. Inspired by the energy of events like the school’s annual Mini-THON, he wants to implement more activities that bring students together. “Seeing the excitement during events like THON made me realize we need more moments like that throughout the year,” he says. While academic excellence is a priority, Dr. Best believes that fostering a sense of belonging and connection is just as crucial for student success.
In Dr. Best’s view, defining success for a school district goes beyond standardized test scores and rankings. “Success is when students feel seen, supported, and empowered to take ownership of their learning,” he states. To assess and improve the District’s climate, he plans to conduct surveys with students, parents, staff, and the community to identify strengths and areas for growth.
As he continues to lead Lower Moreland, Dr. Best remains dedicated to enhancing both academic and personal growth opportunities for students. “At the end of the day, we want our students to leave here well-prepared for the future,” he says. “Not just academically, but as confident, well-rounded individuals ready to take on the world.” Thank you to Dr. Best for allowing me a glimpse into his first year here at LM!
