State of Education: The 2013 New York State Superintendent
It's official - superintendent Dr. Oliver Robinson of the Shenendehowa Central District has been named the 2013 New York State Superintendent of the Year. Vince Gallagher reports.
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"It's a great recognition for me personally because I think a professional to be recognized by your peers is a wonderful recognition, but more importantly it's a reflection of what we're trying to do here at Shen as a system,” said Dr. Oliver Robinson.
Recognized by the New York State Council of School Superintendents, Dr. Robinson has been declared a champion for students and public education in general.
"And it's so important nowadays where education is increasingly essential and knowledge is constantly changing, that we need to have an unwavering commitment to public education," said Dr. Robinson.
One recurring theme that comes up at this district is synergy.
"I often use that word with my team that it's a collective effort that matters...as individuals we bring talents to the table and put it together and part of my job is to put it together," said Dr. Robinson.
One approach Dr. Robinson has at Shenendehowa is to inspire a sense of inquisitiveness in the students...where public education is about hope and hopefulness.
"The research is pretty clear that we want kids to push themselves so they can make the best of their educational experience in high school, moving on towards college, because we know without a college education, jobs are very difficult to come by," said Donald Flynt, Shenendehowa High School.
And with all the lesson plans, and the reading and writing, there's also another subject - preparing for the unknown...or the future.
"We're preparing our students for a world that has yet to be defined...and yet that's what we're doing every day...so I have the best job in the world, because I have a chance to influence that and influence generations to come," said Dr. Robinson.
As New York State Superintendent of the Year, Robinson now becomes New York's candidate for national superintendent of the year, which will be announced in Los Angeles next year.