Darrin J. Praska joined Playa del Rey Elementary in 2015 after moving to Arizona from Omaha, Nebraska.  His career began as a 5th grade teacher in Mason City and Ames, IA for nine years. Mr. Praska then took a position as a school administrator in Clear Lake, IA. After leaving Clear Lake, Darrin served as an elementary principal for the Council Bluffs Community School District for seven years. Mr. Praska oversaw the renovation and redesign of his PK-5 building in Council Bluffs. This building was then highlighted in a national facilities design magazine.

Mr. Praska received his undergraduate degree from Buena Vista University in Elementary Education with a specialization in reading. Darrin then earned a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Morningside College before pursuing an additional Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Drake University in Des Moines, IA.

Mr. Praska views a collaborative school environment as the key to creating successful teachers and students. He believes partnerships with parents and establishing community partners are essential to enriching the experience at Playa del Rey Elementary. During his time at Playa del Rey, his campus has received an A letter grade from the Arizona Department of Education for academics and in 2019, Playa was designated as an Arizona A+ School of Excellence.

During his free time, Darrin enjoys reading, spending time with his dog Cooper, home renovation, and traveling with friends and family.