Michael Cox is currently a Dean of Students at Noblesville High School. Previously, he was Principal at North Montgomery High School from 2014-2022. In these roles, Michael identifies and empowers talented educators to provide an excellent educational experience for all students. He sets the tone of collaboration with students, teachers and other support staff to help students discover and prepare for their path beyond high school.

As Principal of North Montgomery High School, Michael led the initiative to expand the Career and Technical (CTE) offerings, providing further growth and learning opportunities to students. To increase academic flexibility for students and to bring more rigor to North Montgomery’s advanced offerings, a weighted grading system was implemented. The Valedictorian system was eliminated and Cum Laude recognition was instituted. Additionally, with Michael’s guidance, collaborative spirit, and expertise in applied educational neuroscience, North Montgomery educators systematically implemented brain aligned strategies to create a culture of caring and connectedness and to build resilience in both students and staff.

Michael has presented to teachers, administrators, undergraduates, graduates, adult philanthropic groups, and school board members from around the country. Michael has presented at the Indiana Association of School Principals Fall Professionals Conference and at satellite locations for the IASP SEL Roadshow trainings. He also served as a guest speaker at Butler’s Applied Educational Neuroscience Symposium. In addition to these speaking engagements, he has become a trusted resource and advisor for many school districts in Indiana, Iowa, and Arizona. In 2021 Michael was selected as the IASP Indiana Principal of the Year. In two consecutive years, 2020 and 2021, Michael was named the IASP District 4 High School Principal of the Year.

In his 27 years of teaching, Michael has witnessed a sharp decline in the resilience of our youth. “More and more students are coming into the classroom from environments of toxic stress or trauma. This has altered the way they perceive and react to life’s challenges. In the same 27 years, the scientific community has discovered the power of the human brain to adapt and make positive changes in its  own structure that allows us to calm our stress response system and to build resilience. Michael firmly believes that applied educational neuroscience gives us the framework to empower our students and staff to build a better brain and future for themselves.

Michael attended Indiana University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education and a K-12 Computer Education Certification. He went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Administration and Supervision from Ball State University. Michael received the Applied Educational Neuroscience Certification from Butler University in May 2018.

Michael lives in Carmel, Indiana with his wife, Amie. He has two children, Wesley and Olivia. Michael enjoys hiking, biking, travel, attending sporting events and reading.