Lakeside Junior High School

Dr. Michael Shepherd, Principal

Dr. Michael Shepherd has been principal at Lakeside since the founding of Lakeside in 2013. Prior to coming to Lakeside, Dr. Shepherd was assistant principal at Har-Ber High School for 6 years, and assistant principal at Central Junior High. He taught social studies for 11 years at Har-Ber High, Springdale High, Marion High School, and Walnut Ridge High School.

Dr. Shepherd earned his Doctor of Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University, Masters in Political Science from the University of Memphis, and Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies Education from the University of Arkansas. He attended high school in Pine Bluff.

Dr. Shepherd was awarded the 2011 National Assistant Principal of the Year, 2011 Arkansas Assistant Principal of the Year, was awarded the National US History Teacher of the Year, as well as the Arkansas Social Studies Teacher of the Year, and is a National Board Certified Teacher.

Dr. Shepherd is married to his wife, Lara, and has two sons: Braden (22), and William (20), both graduates of the Springdale School District and currently students at the University of Arkansas.

Joel Lookadoo, Assistant Principal

Joel Lookadoo has been assistant principal at Lakeside since 2021. Prior to that, he served as instructional facilitator at the Don Tyson School of Innovation, and taught 9th grade math at Lakeside for eight years.

Mr. Lookadoo was named the 2021 Arkansas Teacher of the Year and served a year working with the Arkansas Department of Education as a teaching ambassador, traveling the state, speaking to teachers, and recording television specials for AETN- Arkansas PBS. He is also National Board Certified Teacher.

A native of Springdale, Mr. Lookadoo is married to is wife, Chantelle, and has two daughters, Chloe and Harper.

Chris Harmon, Assistant Principal

Chris Harmon was named assistant principal at Lakeside in 2022. Prior to that he was an Instructional Facilitator at Lakeside, and taught 9th grade math at Lakeside for 8 years.

Mr. Harmon is a National Board Certified Teacher, and works primarily with 8th grade students and families at Lakeside. He also coordinates our special education programs and advisory program.

A native of Fort Smith, Mr. Harmon is married to his wife, Brenna, and has a son, Walker, and a daughter, Emma.