Inside Springdale

One for all

Teachers at core of schools’ success

As the Springdale school system opens for the 2015-16 school year, I am reminded once again about what it takes to have a great school.

In my view the No. 1 "quality indicator" is the teacher. If a student is privileged to work with a great teacher, he/she will learn at high levels and be successful in school. School systems that can attract and retain great teachers are most likely to grow every year in stature and, in the process, a phenomenon occurs and then recurs over time. That phenomenon is that great teachers really enjoy working with other great teachers, and their accomplishments spread throughout their building, the school district, regionally, statewide and nationally.

Everyone wants to be part of a successful program, something that is larger than the individual. As a result, more and more excellent teachers move to your school system, where they plan together, design new programs together, implement those programs, and their students achieve success. In the process, they also invite other advocates -- such as caring parents and influential community leaders and school partners from all backgrounds -- to join them in improving services for the children. This process is culture-building, and it all starts with great teachers. I have been so privileged to see the influence of great teachers on the Springdale school system over time.

Those same sentiments apply to Springdale's school principals. Their leadership impacts every student and the families and friends of our students. We talk all the time about how "great communities deserve great schools." I have never seen a great school that did not have a great principal as its leader. Springdale has the very finest team of building principals that one could imagine. This year, Melissa Fink, principal of Jones Elementary School, is serving as the Arkansas Elementary Principal of the Year, an honor bestowed on her by the Arkansas Association of Elementary School Principals. Mrs. Fink joins a long list of Springdale teachers and administrators who have been recognized by their respective professional associations as Teacher of the Year or Administrator of the Year.

It takes a team of caring school leaders to make school happen in Springdale. Our team is made up of 1,650 certified teachers and 87 administrators. Those administrators are joined by 900-plus support personnel who maintain and clean our facilities, drive our buses, serve as school nurses, secretaries, instructional aides, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, bookkeepers, technical specialists, etc. -- all of whom support our children and their learning every day. They too deserve our constant respect and appreciation.

The education of our students requires a team, people working together, serving together and planning together in an effort to constantly improve. Now all we need is for each of you, the people of Springdale, to partner with us in the united goal of serving our students at the highest level ever. These are the public's schools. Together we are poised to have the best year ever in the history of the Springdale school system. Let's make excellence happen!

Jim Rollins is superintendent of Springdale Public Schools. He has served in that capacity since 1982.

NAN Our Town on 08/27/2015

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