EDUCATOR HAS HIGH HOPES, BUT THERE’S WORK TO DO
He seeks to excite teachers and students
Each week, this series will introduce you to an exceptional American who unites, rather than divides, our communities. To read more about the American profiled here and more average Americans doing exceptional things, visit onenation.usatoday.com.
What does it mean to be an American?
Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I still believe in the American dream, but I don’t know if it’s a real dream anymore. The idea that you, just by growing up in America, that you’re going to have a better life than your parents, I don’t know if that’s true anymore. ... What are you doing to contribute to your community and society as a citizen? ... I think you should have an appreciation and show respect for your parents and the people that came before you.
What moment touched and motivated you in your work in education?
I lose sleep over the big tragedies that happen. We’ve had students attempt suicide. We’ve had stu- dents (die by) suicide, while they’re students here, ages 11-14. ... I also lose sleep over the inequity of it all. Every day I come to work, I realize I don’t have what I need to do the job to the level I want. ... What touches me and motivates me is knowing that there’s work to do.
What gives you hope and what concerns you?
I have faith in people, in spite of the fact that we have such disunity and partisanship. I just have faith ... that it’s all going to work out. That human beings and people are inherently good. That parents want what you want. No. 1, they want someone to love and care about and know their kid. ... What concerns me is our partisanship and differences and the fact that we can’t come together on some core values. What gives me hope is my fundamental belief ... that we can get there.
What do you hope to accomplish through your work?
My job is to create the conditions and culture and climate for teachers to teach. I want them to love coming to work here, and I want kids to love coming to school here.