Administration
Dr. Jake Giessman - Principal
Dr. Giessman previously led Academy Hill School (K-8) in Springfield, Mass., the Center for Gifted Education (6-12) in Columbia, Mo., and Portland's Remote Academy (PK-8). He holds degrees from Harvard, Johns Hopkins, the University of Montana, and the University of Missouri. His doctoral research was on equity in school behavior management.
Ms. Halima Noor - Assistant Principal
Ms. Noor is a proud Deering High School graduate. She began her teaching career in 2019 at Deering High School, and created and implemented the first AP for ALL students class in the district, teaching AP human geography to all ninth-graders at Deering. She truly believes in the power of setting and holding students to high expectations. Ms. Noor believes when the bar is set high and students are given the proper supports and scaffolds then ALL students can achieve.
Ms. Noor believes in ensuring students are empowered to excel at the highest levels, while also giving them the tools to be empathic individuals, focused on fostering a kind, helpful and supportive school community.
Rebecca Schouvieller - Assistant Principal
Rebecca Schouvieller took on the role of assistant principal at Deering High School as of July 1, 2024. She joined the Portland Public Schools from Lewiston High School, where she was an assistant principal. Prior to that, she taught high school social studies for over a decade in central Maine, at Falmouth High School, and in Washington, DC. Other educational experiences include mentoring in Harvard's teacher training program since 2017, as well as curriculum writing and coaching work for districts in Massachusetts and New Mexico. She holds a master's degree from Harvard University and a bachelor's from Bowdoin College.
Rebecca is passionate about supporting high schoolers to define and reach their goals, collaborating with teachers, and making school a welcoming and joyful place for everybody. She is excited to join the Ramily at Deering!
Jeff Burnap - Interim Assistant Principal
Jeff Burnap brings 20 years of experience in public, private, and alternative educational settings to his role as Interim Assistant Principal at Deering High School. Having taught at Deering since 2022, Jeff has built strong relationships with students and staff and is deeply committed to fostering a positive school culture. Jeff has contributed to the Culture Team, served as a dean, and co-led a Boys Support Group. With a history of collaborating with organizations like Maine Boys to Men and Youth Led Justice, Jeff is passionate about creating real-world learning opportunities. As a Portland resident and father of three children in the district, he cares deeply about supporting the students, families, and staff that make Deering such a wonderful place for learning, growth, and community.
"After teaching here these past few years, I'm excited and humbled to step into the role of Interim Assistant Principal at Deering High School. I've already seen firsthand what makes our community so special. My door is always open—whether you want to share ideas, need support, or just want to chat. Let's work together to make Deering an even more welcoming place where everyone feels they can belong and succeed." – Jeff Burnap
Melissa Labbe - Interim Assistant Principal
Over 30 experience ranging from vocational education to middle school and high school, including 5 years at central office as district math leader and summer programs coordinator
Joined Deering HS staff in 2001
BA from University of Maine Farmington; math & computer science
MSEd from University of New England; curriculum, instruction and assessment
Currently working on ESOL certification
Focused on supporting staff and students in creating learning environments where passions can be explored and purpose can be discovered.