News
TOSS June Feature on Dr. Mike Winstead
If the memories of your past are greater than your vision for the future, then you are going in the wrong direction.
Dr. Mike Winstead has been professionally involved in the education for 21 years. He spent 7 years teaching in the classroom, 1 as a school administrator, 12.5 as a central office administrator, and in the last six months he has begun a new chapter as Director of Maryville City Schools. As a new superintendent himself, I thought Dr. Winstead might have some pertinent advice for other new superintendents. Even though I had been in Maryville for 6 years, it was important for me to reintroduce myself to all the stakeholders and listen to parents [as well as] teachers share their views on Maryville City Schools and where we could do better. In my opinion, two keys are communication and visibility. It is important to cast a clear vision for the future.
With Dr. Winstead’s guidance Maryville City Schools is heading in an exciting direction in the near future. Maryville has a rich history of excellence. We enjoy incredible support from our parents and community at-large. I look forward to the opportunity to work with all stakeholders, especially the outstanding educators in our system, to continue moving us forward. When asked about the things he was looking forward to in his district this fall, Dr. Winstead shared, We are embarking on a digital conversion initiative that we are calling iReach. The most visible aspect of this initiative is providing each child with a device 24/7. It is more than just hardware and software. Digital conversion speaks to the way that teaching and learning are transformed when the tools are properly used. We have made a large investment to enhance our infrastructure and purchase the first installment of devices. I am excited about the buy-in among our teachers and the impact this initiative will have on our students.
Yet, before fall arrives there is a summer ahead to enjoy as well as many summers past to look back on. The best summer job that I had growing up was umpiring tee ball for the parks and recreation department. I had a blast with the 4 and 5 year old kids. It would have been even more fun if not for some of the parents who treated tee ball like it was the major leagues. This summer will be a special one for Dr. Winstead as he has the opportunity to fulfill a childhood dream – taking a trip to Alaska with his wife and kids. “I can’t wait to the natural beauty and majesty.” As an avid reader myself, I am always interested in what others are reading and Dr. Winstead shared a book off of his summer reading list. “The next book I plan to read is Nobody Knows Your Name by John Feinstein. This book is about the life of a minor league baseball player. This topic has particular significance for me because my oldest daughter’s fiancé currently plays minor league ball in the Detroit Tigers system.
Dr. Winstead married his high school sweetheart a month after turning 19 years old. “Our wedding was held during our first spring break in college. Sonya and I recently celebrated our 27th anniversary.” Dr. Winstead’s wife is not the only family member who has had a positive and significant impact on his life. He credits his Mom with helping him become the man he is today. I have been blessed to have a multitude of people who have had a positive impact on my life. I can think of several teachers, coaches, friends, and colleagues who helped provide direction and shape my beliefs. The person who has had the biggest impact on my life is my mom, Jean Winstead. She is an incredibly passionate, Godly woman. So much of who I am today, what I believe, and how I treat others comes from her influence.
A Time A Student Was An Overcomer
Early in my high school teaching career, I had a 9th grade student in the lowest level of math that our school offered, Applied Math. This young man entered 9th grade with very few passing marks in grades 6-8, and he struggled the first few weeks in my class. He was a very bright individual with strong reasoning and problem solving skills. His issues were lack of effort, organizational skills, and overall apathy for school. However, as he started having success, he grew more and more confident and engaged. This young man became the leader in that 9th grade class and went on to take two math classes every year of high school (we were on the 4X4 block which allowed that to happen). I had the joy of teaching this student again three years later in Advanced Placement Statistics. He also successfully completed AP Calculus. He went to college on a four year scholarship and completed a degree in engineering.
Tennessee Risk Management Trust Names Dr. Phillip Wallace As Administrator
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 4, 2014)—The Tennessee Risk Management Trust (TNRMT) has
named Dr. Phillip Wallace as Trust Administrator. Wallace, a perennial figure in the state’s
education system, will retire as Director of Stewart County Schools this month and assume his new role with TNRMT in July! To read more, please click here.
TOSS May Feature on Morris Woodring
“I enjoy seeing young students grow and be successful. I have a wonderful group of people that I work with on a daily basis that I will miss.”
Mr. Morris Woodring has worked in the education field for thirty-six years with the Johnson County School System. He will be retiring at the end of June. I am very proud of all the accomplishments that the students and staff of the Johnson County School System have made this year. Our elementary schools continue to receive A’s on academic achievement. The high school ACT scores continue to increase. We have wonderful teachers who work hard to ensure the success of all our students.
When asked about life events or people that inspired him to go into education, Mr. Woodring remembered a teacher that was special to him.
Mr. Woodring's former teacher & coach Mr. Homer Carter Lentz.
Mr. Carter Lentz, my high school basketball coach and teacher, inspired me to go into the education field. He was a wonderful mentor who cared about all of his students and basketball players. He showed great interest in all of us and wanted us to be the best person we could possibly be.
While Mr. Woodring is journeying toward a new transition in his own life, I asked him about graduation and his high school students that are transitioning as well. One of his favorite things about attending graduations in his school system is “seeing the excitement in the students and parents faces on such a wonderful day of accomplishment. I am very proud to be a part of their special day.”
When asked what a perfect day of retirement would look like, Mr. Woodring shared that it would involve traveling and spending time with his family. “I also enjoy golfing and farming.” As a first time gardener this season, I asked Mr. Woodring about any blessings he’s found through gardening or any advice he’d give to someone starting out. “When starting a garden take each individual plant and nourish it till it reaches its full potential. Farming takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but the results, at the end, are worth it.” As Mr. Woodring reaches the end of a well-nurtured career in education, I inquired about any advice he might have for new directors or even long-seated superintendents who may feel a little heavy this time of year. “Do not rush into any decision,” he stated. “There are always two sides to any situation … weigh all options before you make a final decision.”
The team here at TOSS would like to thank Mr. Woodring for being the May superintendent feature and wish him well as he starts this new chapter of his life.
TOSS April Feature on Reecha Black
“A true ‘teacher’ loves children and feels the responsibility of giving students instruction, both academically and emotionally, as a teacher would do for his/her own child. Teaching is about relationships and trust. Students will not learn or relate to any adult who they perceive doesn’t care for them.”
It is always an extra blessing when you can work and have fun in a professional position that you enjoy. When I asked Ms. Reecha Black, director of Alamo City Schools, what the most fun thing was about her job she stated, "The children's faces. No Matter what is going on in your life," she continued, "just go visit the kids. My office is on campus, so I have the pleasure of seeing children every day." Not surprisingly, these wonderful students are soaring just like the main character in Ms. Black’s favorite book to read to them, Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss . Exciting things are happening in Alamo City. “Alamo City District does not use textbooks,” states Ms. Black. “Teachers are required to teach each standard three ways and a textbook may be used as one of those tools. We have a 1:1 ratio of student to computers and many online resources are provided for teachers to us in instruction.” Also, the district “is working on full implementation of RTI² for 2014-15 and we are excited about the challenges and opportunities these services will bring to teachers and students.” Ms. Black shares, “Student achievement is high, even though we are almost 70% free/reduced lunch. This is a direct reflection of administrators and teachers constantly striving for excellence, not because of a test score but because of student growth and achievement.”
Reecha Black has been in education thirty plus years, having taught or substituted in every grade. “I have always loved teaching and if asked what I do, I will answer proudly that I am a teacher. I don’t believe that individuals can be taught to teach, it is a gift.” Some of the other gifts stemming from Ms. Black’s involvement in education are the opportunities that come with having a small district. I have my hands on all the data and curriculum. I’m a data freak and I might not know every face, but I know what level they are functioning on and I am in constant communication with administrators and teachers in providing new opportunities for change. Because of the small numbers and rural area, we can provide many different non-educational services for students and their families. We have three different funds established to pay for indigent student/family needs. We work with churches and civic groups to assure that all students have holiday gifts. We purchase glasses, clothing, etc. We attempt to meet all needs of individual students and this would not be possible in larger districts. I meet students I taught or have been through Alamo City District and I can see the difference we have made in their lives.
Not only has Ms. Black been contributing to the Alamo City District as an educator for more than thirty years, she is also director in the town she grew up in. When asked if she believes this is an advantage or a disadvantage, she states, “Yes and no.” She goes on to explain, I love that I have taught many of the students’ parents and know them personally. I know where they live and I can visit them at home or find churches or organizations to help them with many of their needs. The parents and former students know they can ask me for anything. The superintendency is a lonely job and it can be hard when you must make decisions concerning your friends and family. You are with these people in all sorts of circumstances. I have lost friends due to decisions I have made in this position. When putting children first, you consistently have to make decisions especially about hiring/firing that are not popular.
It seems that Ms. Black has learned healthy ways to integrate the positive and the more challenging aspects of being a superintendent. When asked about any advice or tips she may have for new directors she states, when you walk out the door, to the best of your ability, leave it there. Let it go. You cannot physically or emotionally survive if you take the problems and situations with you. The responsibility of students, parents, and teachers is overwhelming and will control your existence in every way, if you allow it to do so. At the beginning of my role as superintendent, my Dad told me to remember that if I didn’t return to tomorrow, school will still go on, the district is bigger than one person. The role of superintendent is a lonely place. You need to form relationships with other superintendents. There will be times when they are the ones to whom you will turn for support and advice. Don’t be afraid to ‘borrow’ great ideas and bounce things off of others. There will always be something happening that you could have never anticipated. Never think you have ‘seen it all,’ because you cannot imagine the issues that will come your way. Learn to laugh.
One of the ways Ms. Black finds time for enjoyment outside of her position as Alamo’s superintendent is by spending time with her family. I have three daughters, with whom I am very close. We love to spend time together. When you put three girls together, it is like a reality show on television. There is never a dull moment. I have four grandchildren who are very active and I love to spend time with them. I just can’t keep all of them at one time. She also loves to read and does so every morning.
Other than books, Ms. Black names her parents as the biggest personal motivators in her life. I am your first generation college graduate, so not attending college was never an option. My parents taught me that success is possible through hard work and sacrifice. [Also] Our teachers inspire me. I watch them diligently strive to improve and change, even though so many aspects of a child’s education are beyond their control. I have so much respect for teachers and I am amazed at what I see happening in the classroom. Anyone visiting our school will notice the hard work and dedication of the staff. I am blessed to have the best, even though it is hard to work in the Alamo City District because the expectations are high. It doesn’t matter what is asked of teachers, they are continually striving to meet the needs of students, even if it means changing what they are doing midstream. They embrace change and trust us to make decisions on their behalf, which are in the best interest of the children. Teachers work daily to stay afloat during these turbulent times, never stopping or making excuses. I am inspired by other Tennessee superintendents, overcoming obstacles daily and yet continuing to put students first, in providing the best education possible. These superintendents are some of my closest friends. I value their experience and the camaraderie we all share.
Oh, the Places You'll Go! By Dr. Seuss
TOSS March Feature on Cindy Blevins
“I learned from her that a smile costs you nothing but effort and you receive something money can never buy in return.” – Cindy Blevins
Cindy Blevins, Richard City Schools Director, began her career in education as a special education aide. She has been in the education field for ten years and superintendent at Richard City Schools for the past two years. Richard City K-12 is housed in the historical Richard Hardy Memorial School building. When asked about some of the advantages/challenges to having this age range of students in the same building Ms. Blevins answered, “Being a K-12 school you get to watch each student grow from kindergarten to graduation. RHMS faculty, staff, and students are like family. Our class sizes are small [and] everyone chips in to make things work.” Some of the challenges Ms. Blevins described were those of making schedules work with small faculty/staff. “We all wear multiple hats.” Also, “As always, making our money stretch as far as possible is a constant challenge.”
Ms. Blevins favorite children's book is The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn.
Some of the exciting things happening in the Richard City school system right now have to do with technology. “Our school system was very fortunate to be able to purchase 100 much needed computers this year. This will free up enough computers to complete our Elementary computer lab! Also, Richard Hardy Memorial School will “start an early college expansion with our juniors next year.” As the students continue to grow through the use of technology and a valuable connection to their futures by experiencing learning in the college classroom for the first time, I wanted to ask Ms. Blevins about a past experience where she watched a student grow that had impacted her life. She shared with me about a student she’s never forgotten. “I worked with a student that had a physical disability that kept her wheelchair bound. Each day she came to school with a smile and greeted each person with a big ‘Good Morning.’ No matter how your morning started out, you’d always catch yourself giving a smile back and returning her morning greeting. I learned from her that a smile costs you nothing but effort and you receive something money can never buy in return.”
When asked some advice she would give new directors, Ms. Blevins relates, “There is never a ‘dumb question.’ The job is always changing and challenging. Rely on your peers for help and get advice from veteran directors.” Ms. Blevins shared that it was her favorite teacher that taught her growing up who was the first to congratulate her upon her appointment as director. “My favorite teacher taught me that with a good education you can achieve what you want in life.” Seeing that Ms. Blevins was encouraged by good leaders in her life, I asked her how she keeps her own staff encouraged and uplifted, “I never ask any more of them than I’m not willing to do myself.”
When Ms. Blevins has time to relax outside of work she does so through farming. “I enjoy helping on our small cattle farm.” She states that South Pittsburg, TN “has a small, hometown feel, but [is] close enough to a big city if anything is needed. Our city has the National Cornbread Festival that everyone helps with.” Ms. Blevins would someday like to visit Germany because of her ancestry connections there and is looking forward to spring – “spring brings a revitalization of nature and the human spirit.”
Richard Hardy Memorial School -- A Piece of History
Richard Hardy Memorial School opened in 1926 as the Dixie Portland Memorial School, bearing the original name of the company, at a cost of approximately three hundred thousand dollars. Considered a memorial to the community's soldiers who served in World War I, the company spared no expense to ensure a modern and progressive building that would serve as a model school promoting the highest standards of education. To meet these high standards, Penn-Dixie employed nationally respected education specialist Fletcher B. Dresslar of the George Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville in an advisory capacity. Chattanooga architect Charles Bearden designed the building in Classical Revival style. Richard Hardy used personal funds to purchase books for the library and an art collection, as well as other educational tools. By providing progressive education, Hardy hoped that the entire community would benefit. When it opened in 1926 and for many years after, the school was hailed as one of the leading institutions of its kind in the country and was used as a "model school" by teachers, administrators, school builders, and communities.Upon Hardy's death in 1927, the name of the school changed to the Richard Hardy Memorial School. In 1995 the school expanded by adding an additional freestanding building as well as the addition of grades nine through twelve. This distinctive building has retained much of its original character and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.