You believed in me, before I believed in myself (Post #3 of a Series).
Previous Post #2 Bruce Naszimento, Previous Post # 1 V. La Mantia
I wanted to take time to recognize the people that helped me throughout my life. Those special individuals that inspired me and gave me the courage and support to chase my dreams. This blog post series is dedicated to them, my way of saying THANK YOU!
Not many people can say their first Principal was featured on the CBS show 60 minutes and had President Clinton and Vice President Gore visit their school (Christopher Columbus Middle School). I was lucky enough to start my journey in education at Emerson High School (UC) working with Bob Fazio.
As a physical education teacher he pushed me to think differently and made it a point to not let me get comfortable. Mr. Fazio got me out of the gym!
I was in my second year, Mr. Fazio came to me and said you are going to be part of the Focus Program. Fifty at-risks 9th grade students were identified and matched up with a group of core teachers. Nowadays you would call it a school within a school or a house system. For two years, I sat in on meetings with the administrative team and subject areas teachers (English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education and Physical Education) talking educational strategies, analyzing data and mentoring ideas to help these students. What an experience and something that took me out of my comfort zone and forced me to better myself.
One of the best things he ever did for me was TELL me, you are going to be the Student Council Advisor. I was like what? As a kid I was never in the Student Council or even knew what to do. In the beginning we worked together to create a group that had a voice and made a difference in the school community. Every Wednesday mornings, 7am meetings in the cafeteria (We outgrew the classroom). I was there every Wednesday and so was Bob. We listened, supported and nurtured the students that wanted to be part of a positive change. We did some amazing things together, and Mr. Fazio always supported my crazy ideas. Thanks to the amazing Student Council members we accomplished a lot; Walk-a-Thon for Blackie, Make a Difference Day, Room Service, Epic Pep Rallies, Night Rallies, Bonfires, Dances, Valentine’s Day Balloon Sales, etc. We also had some great trips to NYC for Ice Skating & lunch and even a trip to Boston. Such great memories! I learned so much and was inspired by those students and I am so greatly for the time I had with them. Many of them I am friends with on Facebook today and when I see them as successful adults, husband’s/wife’s and parents it is so rewarding.
As in all aspects of life, over time you move on. Mr. Fazio left Emerson High School and went to the district central office; my administrative career began when I moved on to Jose Marti Middle School and then Waldwick High School. But, the time I spent with Bob Fazio was the training ground for my success. He allowed me to grow, learn, fail, take risks, be exposed to so many things that young teachers just don’t get the opportunity to be a part of. I was prepared for anything, because he believed in me and trusted me to get the job done.
Mr. Fazio had a huge impact on my WHY and added so much to my Admin 101:
Handwritten notes … I would get handwritten notes from Mr. Fazio at random times. After a lesson he observed, after a pep rally, school event or sometimes just for no reason. Those notes meant a lot to me back then and was a simple jester, but had a lot of meaning. I have been writing notes to students and staff from the beginning of my admin journey and it all started because of Mr. Fazio.
School spirit … how can there be school spirit if the leader doesn’t show it. He always showed his love for his school, his teachers and most importantly his students. He was a cheerleader for everything that went on at his school and he showed that emotion. Lead by example, create a positive environment and people will follow!
My biggest take away from Mr. Fazio is the idea of shared leadership. You can’t do it all. Trust the people around you, empower them to make decisions and be there to guide and support them. Be a mentor to the people that want to better themselves and find ways to support them.
Bob, you helped shape me in so many different ways. Those years at Emerson High School were some of the best years of my life. We had a special group of educators that believed in you as our leader and together created a safe and caring environment for our students. Your impact on me has benefited all of my students over the years! THANK YOU!!!