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TOSS July Feature on Dr. Bruce Borchers
“My primary motivation comes from the students, families, and staff that I serve. Every year we have the ability to help prepare our children for a successful future. This is a daunting but rewarding task.”
Dr. Bruce Borchers has been involved professionally in education for 21 years. He started his career as an elementary physical education teacher in Sioux City, Iowa, Community District in 1993. He shares, “I also worked as an interim assistant principal and guidance counselor in Iowa City, Iowa, as assistant principal and principal in Mankato, Minnesota, and as associate superintendent of secondary schools for the Anoka-Hennepin School District (Minnesota). Prior to joining the Oak Ridge School System, I was the superintendent of the Rockwood School District (Missouri) from 2010-2013.” He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, his master’s degree from Wayne State College and the University of South Dakota, and a bachelor’s degree from Morningside College.
This year is Dr. Borchers first school year with Oak Ridge and some exciting things are taking place within the system under his guidance --
This past year, the Oak Ridge Schools announced a new collaboration with Discovery Education, to create authentic digital learning environments in classrooms district-wide. Through a six-year partnership, Discovery Education will support Oak Ridge Schools’ plan to implement a BYOD learning initiative with engaging digital content and sustained, customized professional development.
This new partnership also supports our plan to transform Oak Ridge Schools into the premier preK-12 STEM school district in the nation. The district’s goal is to become a leader in STEM education through continuation and expansion of Oak Ridge’s already well-regarded educational opportunities for students along with additional enhancements to technology infrastructure, professional development and access to devices, which will place dynamic digital content in the hands of each student.
Oak Ridge Schools is also providing its educators robust, customized professional development from Discovery Education experts who will guide them through the process of integrating Streaming Plus and Techbooks into classroom instruction. 50 teachers will join a STEM cohort that will receive 10 days of customized professional development and coaching from Discovery Education each year.
In addition to our STEM initiative, we engaged our community in a discussion about College and Career Readiness. Improving the college and career readiness of all Oak Ridge students will provide them with a better foundation of knowledge and skills, allowing them to be prepared for a more technologically sophisticated and internationally competitive working world. (To read more about the Seven Keys to College and Career Readiness or learn more about this program, please click here.)
While Dr. Borchers is leading his district in new learning initiatives and preparing the students for a successful future when they enter into higher education and society in general, I asked him the most fun thing about his job as a director in TN – “to have the ability to help students develop into successful adults is truly the best part of my job . . . My primary motivation comes from the students, families, and staff that I serve. Every year we have the ability to help prepare our children for a successful future. This is a daunting but rewarding task.”
Dr. Borchers has achieved a lot during his freshman year as a superintendent in Tennessee and I wanted to “pick his brain” for any advice he might have for other new superintendents or those directors that might fill a bit weary as the school year has come to a close, “One of my favorite sayings is ‘make decisions based on the needs of the students … not the comfort level of adults.’ When I’m having a difficult day I reflect on this statement and it gives me the resolve to make decisions for the right reasons.”
I asked Dr. Borchers if he had a favorite teacher as a student and his reply reflected a gift of support and encouragement that he has brought into his own life and career in education. “My favorite teacher was Mr. Craig Ihnen. He was a high school speech/drama teacher and also directed plays. He was always supportive and made me participate in things (one-act, chorale reading, plays, musicals, etc.) that I most likely would not have, had it not been for his encouragement.”
I was curious about a few things that Dr. Borchers believes students are looking to from their leaders that cannot be found in a textbook. “I find students wanting to have ‘real’ engaging learning experiences. They are the ‘I want it now’ generation and tings need to be very relevant to them in order to maintain their attention. Real life solutions to real life problems seem to engage them more than a traditional textbook.”
Speaking of textbooks, I wanted to know Dr. Borchers favorite subject when he was in school, “I was a very ‘active’ young man and was drawn to classes that were hands on and engaging. When I entered college, in addition to wanting to be an educator, I became very interested in psychology and decided to double major in physical education/teaching and psychology. One … favorite book from my college days was, Choice Theory by William Glasser.” Dr. Borchers find inspiration from a quote that came from another favorite book, this being a book that he read growing up. “Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how’.” The book was Man’s Search from Meaning by Viktor Frankl who was a Holocost survivor as well as a psychiatrist.
We at TOSS wish Dr. Borchers the best as he continues to serve, encourage, and inspire his students to success in Oak Ridge.
Most Interesting or Most Fun Vacation You've Taken
Being new to the area, my family and I took a “southern” vacation this past June. We visited Asheville, Charleston, visited many beaches (Folly, Tybee, Kiawah, Hilton Head, etc.), Savannah, Atlanta, and then back to Oak Ridge. It was a great vacation . . . I can’t wait to do it again! -- Dr. Bruce Borchers
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