John Jordan Haushalter’s Post

Great perspective on the North Carolina power grid.

Brian Raines thoughtfully explains the continuing challenges faced by those of us who come to the profession from atypical circumstances. He also exemplifies the life-changing power of higher education. As we continue to grapple with the many challenges facing higher ed, it is essential to stay focused on stories like Brian's. I often wonder what the world would be like had we not spent most of human history excluding people from education and limiting their potential based on accidents of birth. While we will never know what we could have created, it is clear to me that destroying a system that in a very short time has created incredible intellectual capital, improved the human condition immensely, and overall made our world a better place is foolish. Yes, higher ed needs to be made better. We need to prioritize student success and support, we need to embrace meaningful intellectual diversity, we need to be better citizens of the spaces we occupy. However, there is no scenario in which those shortcomings warrant the wholesale destruction of the best system of education the world has ever known. Many of us on the inside know this and are fighting to protect one of our country's most valuable assets. Those of you on the outside need to join us in the fight. The world's most creative and successful economy was built on the foundation created by higher education. Destroy the foundation and the structure will crumble.

In a recent conversation with Paper, I found it truly inspiring to hear about the impactful work Superintendent Kirk Shrum and educators in Visalia Unified School District are doing to foster connections that extend beyond the classroom for students. Their dedication to ensuring each student feels a part of something larger within their community is remarkable. 📚🤝 "What research shows is that when students are connected to something beyond maybe just their academic class, they perform better, they feel better about themselves, and they have better attendance...if every student's connected to something meaningful, it's going to change their trajectory." 🔗 Watch his full interview and explore more insights from leading superintendents at leadership-voices.com.

Highlight on STLI Faculty Fellow for Excellence in Teaching Leslie Grant. In this short video, Leslie discusses her STLI Fellowship project focusing on peer observation:

Domenica Perrone’s Domenica Perrone pursuit of higher education is a story of determination, resilience, and the transformative power of learning. Born in Ecuador and immigrating to New Jersey at the age of two, Domenica was driven by a deep-seated desire to attend college, influenced by her family’s unwavering support and her own passion for knowledge. This article is a follow-up to Latinas and Education: Breaking Barriers and Shaping Futures to highlight the personal story of Latinas: https://lnkd.in/eJZA-YqH https://lnkd.in/e_9CUwti

Just the Facts: A May 2024 report from Inside Higher Ed and the Generation Lab discusses the roles faculty should play as student mentors. Five out of every nine students feel faculty should serve as mentors, yet building a mentor-mentee relationship can have challenges. Roel Snieder, the W.M. Keck Distinguished Chair of Professional Development Education at Colorado School of Mines, states that these relationships should be rooted in three characteristics: trust, fun, and perspective. While forms of mentorship have been in the academy for decades, most notably within research relationships, what new ways is your campus being intentional about helping foster these relationships? To read the full article: https://lnkd.in/ezzFRG2x

Today marks 8 years of Education Forward DC! That's 8 years of supporting visionary education leaders who are providing students furthest from opportunity the educational experiences they need to thrive. Check out some of the work we've supported: https://bit.ly/4cl6RgD

In the spirit of our school's commitment to empowering students for success, I'd like to commend our Executive Director, Dr. Stauffer, for his article highlighting the importance of partnerships in preparing our high school students for the future. The article captures the collaborative efforts between various educational partners, including local businesses, educators, counselors, administrators, and industry representatives, to ensure that no student is left behind in their pursuit of valuable skills and opportunities. Dr. Stauffer emphasizes the important role of Career and Technology Centers in providing high-quality education that equips students with practical, hands-on learning experiences. By partnering with local businesses and industry, our centers bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, preparing students for success in college, postsecondary training, the military, or the workforce. I particularly appreciate the emphasis on the alignment of curriculum with industry standards, the provision of industry-standard tools and equipment, and the opportunity for students to earn nationally recognized certifications. These initiatives not only enhance students' understanding of their chosen fields but also cultivate a skilled workforce that contributes to the prosperity of Berks County. The article highlights the importance of early engagement and informed decision-making for students, facilitated through career presentations, campus tours, and open house events. By fostering positive relationships and collaboration with local partners, our school ensures that students are well-prepared to meet the demands of tomorrow's workforce. Dr. Stauffer's article supports the commitment of our school and community to empowering the next generation of skilled workers and leaders. I encourage anyone interested in learning more about these opportunities to reach out to the Berks Career and Technology Center or the Reading/Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center. Together, we are shaping a bright future for our students and our community.