Dr. Flanders became the proud principal of Yates Elementary School in July 2011.  Dr. Flanders began his career in the Schenectady City School District in 1998 at Howe Elementary School.  He has taught kindergarten, grade 2, and grade 4.  He has also served as the Dean of Students at Schenectady High School and the Principal of Hamilton Elementary School from 2004-2011

As a school leader, Dr. Flanders has consistently exceeded state assessment targets while working compassionately with families from diverse backgrounds and socio-economic status. Dr. Flanders has traveled across the country presenting his work on how promoting a positive learning culture with staff can translate into increased achievement for students. He has designed, implemented and presented his systems approach to school leadership at the Urban Schools conference in New York. Dr. Flanders has shared his actionable steps to provide data-driven instruction with a focus on measurable results with superintendents, principals, and future administrators across New York State. He has presented and facilitated approaches to transform schools through a trauma informed lens across the country. Dr. Flanders has worked with several urban school districts to address concerns with equity and access and to reduce disproportionality through leadership action.