Springfield Teachers Endorse Landon McCarter for Springfield School Board vote April 2nd

I am delighted to share the exciting news of receiving the formal endorsement from the largest organization advocating for teachers in Springfield. This endorsement, a result of a comprehensive process involving a written survey and an in-person interview, holds special significance. The leadership at SNEA conveyed that the endorsement was nearly unanimous among the 20 voting members. In this article, I am eager to share the thoughtful responses I provided during their survey, expressing my dedication to the issues that matter most to our educators and the broader Springfield community. 

1. Why did you decide to run for school board?

I made the decision to run for the school board driven by a deeply personal connection to education and a profound dedication to the Springfield community. Growing up, education was the cornerstone of my upbringing. Both my parents were educators; my father dedicated 30 years teaching algebra in the SPS school system, while my mother taught at Barry and Boyd elementary for 14 years. My siblings and I are proud graduates of Kickapoo High School, and presently, I have three children enrolled in the SPS school system, aged 13, 11, and 9.

My commitment to Springfield and its public schools extends beyond my familial ties. I hold a genuine love for this city and recognize the pivotal role that Springfield Public Schools plays in shaping our community. It’s not just about my personal investment; it’s about contributing to an institution that molds the future of our city.

I am impassioned about serving a community that has given me so much. My aspiration is to leverage my skillset and experiences to benefit the dedicated staff and students of SPS. Education today is markedly different from the traditional methods of the past. The evolving dynamics in classrooms demand innovative approaches. My entrepreneurial mindset and professional experiences position me to tackle the contemporary challenges facing our school system.

I firmly believe that by offering fresh perspectives and applying my entrepreneurial acumen, I can directly contribute to addressing the challenges faced by our schools today. My ultimate goal is to ensure that SPS continues to excel, providing quality education and support to our staff and students, thus nurturing the foundation of our vibrant community.

2. What in your experiences qualifies you to represent the diverse needs of SPS stakeholders?

My upbringing in a family of educators, coupled with my extensive professional journey as an entrepreneur, equips me with a unique understanding of the multifaceted needs within the SPS community. Having parents who dedicated their careers to education provided me with a deep insight into the challenges and triumphs within our school system. My own experience as a parent with three children in the SPS system further sensitizes me to the diverse needs of students, parents, and educators.

Moreover, my active involvement in the Missouri State University Marketing Advisory Board, coaching youth basketball for nearly a decade, and serving on the board of ‘Man Up and Go’ underscore my commitment to diverse civic engagements. These engagements have granted me exposure to a wide spectrum of perspectives and needs within our community.

My professional journey as an entrepreneur, starting, building, and selling marketing companies over 15 years, has honed my ability to navigate challenges, foster collaboration, and drive success in diverse settings. This diverse blend of personal, professional, and civic experiences uniquely positions me to comprehend and advocate for the varied needs of SPS stakeholders, ensuring a voice that represents the entire spectrum of our community.

What do you view as the greatest challenges facing SPS? Which of these would be your priority objective and how would you meet that challenge?

The greatest challenges facing SPS encompass several critical areas, but if I were to prioritize, I’d highlight classroom safety and behavioral expectations, teacher retention, and the evolving landscape of education as the primary objectives.

Classroom Safety and Behavioral Expectations:

This challenge directly impacts the quality learning environment essential for student success. My priority would be to implement evidence-based strategies learned from successful districts, fostering an environment of respect and clear consequences for behavior. Collaborating with stakeholders and implementing proactive measures would ensure a safer and conducive learning atmosphere.

Teacher Retention and Attraction:

Retaining and attracting quality educators is pivotal. Prioritizing teacher support, competitive compensation, and student behavioral frameworks will be essential. By championing teacher appreciation programs, listening to their concerns, and providing robust support systems, we’ll strive to retain skilled educators crucial for our students’ success.

Evolving Education Landscape:

The evolving dynamics in education demand innovative approaches. My objective would be to apply an entrepreneurial perspective to adapt to these changes. This involves exploring modern teaching methods, investing in technological resources, and promoting personalized learning approaches. Collaborating with educators, administrators, and community leaders will ensure our students receive a cutting-edge education that prepares them for the future.

Additionally, acknowledging the crucial role of para-professionals and support staff for classroom success, especially amidst budget constraints and the conclusion of COVID funds, is of utmost importance to me. Ensuring the wellbeing and support of these essential team members is a top priority as they play a vital role in creating a conducive learning environment for our students.  

4. So far this school year, SPS has lost more teachers and staff members than any year in recent history.  How would you work to attract and maintain quality teachers and support professionals at SPS?

Given the significant teacher and staff turnover at SPS this year, my approach to retaining and attracting quality educators and support professionals would focus on several key aspects.

Firstly, creating a supportive and conducive work environment is essential. Implementing measures that prioritize the wellbeing of staff, including competitive compensation packages, professional development opportunities, and recognition programs, would foster an atmosphere where educators feel valued and supported in their roles.

Secondly, acknowledging the pivotal role of support professionals, such as para-educators and support staff, is crucial. Ensuring they receive equitable compensation, opportunities for career growth, and avenues for their voices to be heard in decision-making processes is a priority. They are integral to the success of our classrooms and warrant appreciation and support.

Additionally, proactive steps to address the root causes of turnover, such as conducting exit interviews to understand the reasons behind departures and taking action based on their feedback, would be instrumental. Building a feedback loop where staff concerns are not just heard but acted upon demonstrates a commitment to their satisfaction and wellbeing.

Moreover, when I speak to teachers that have left our district, there is one loud and resonating theme that is the root cause of teacher and support staff turnover. The behavior of students and lack of consequences for students not meeting the behavioral expectations is putting too much strain on the teachers. We are asking too much of teachers now. We are asking them to be teachers, AND social workers, AND behavior specialists, AND therapists, AND sometimes even police officers. This is not going to work, and teachers will find their way to districts that have student behavior under control the most.

Hence, addressing behavioral expectations and creating a disciplined yet supportive environment for students will be a priority. Implementing strategies to ensure clear behavior expectations, consistent consequences, and necessary support services for students will alleviate the burden on teachers, creating an environment where they can focus on teaching effectively while feeling supported in managing classroom dynamics. This holistic approach will not only retain quality educators but also attract new talent to our district.

5. What do you think are good indicators of student achievement?

Academic Performance: Standardized test scores, grades, and assessments indicating proficiency in core subjects.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Assessments or projects that gauge a student’s ability to apply knowledge, analyze information, and solve complex problems.

Social and Emotional Development: Behavioral metrics, emotional intelligence, social skills, and conflict resolution abilities.

Attendance and Engagement: Regular attendance, active participation in class discussions, and engagement with coursework.

Extracurricular Involvement: Participation in clubs, sports, volunteer activities, or leadership roles indicating a well-rounded education.

Growth Over Time: Progress monitoring that tracks improvement and growth in learning abilities and skill development.

6. What do you feel is the best approach to addressing student discipline issues?

Addressing student discipline requires a multifaceted approach, primarily focused on consistency, teacher support, and resource allocation directly into the classroom.

Consistent, Progressive Discipline: A clear and consistent disciplinary framework must be established, emphasizing progressive consequences for misconduct. This framework should be communicated effectively to students, parents, and staff, ensuring accountability and fairness in disciplinary actions.

Teacher Support and Empowerment: Ensuring teachers have the necessary support from administration is pivotal. This involves providing adequate training in behavior management strategies, access to counseling or mentorship programs, and responsive administrative support when discipline issues arise. Empowering teachers to manage classroom behavior effectively contributes to a conducive learning environment.

Resource Allocation to the Classroom: Prioritizing resources directly into classrooms is vital. This includes sufficient para-professionals and support staff to assist teachers, especially in managing challenging behavior. By allocating resources effectively, we ensure that the learning environment is not compromised by behavioral disruptions and that teachers have the necessary support to address individual student needs promptly.

By implementing a discipline framework that is consistent and progressive, providing robust support to teachers, and ensuring optimal resource allocation directly into classrooms, we can create an environment where both well-behaving students and those needing additional attention can thrive academically. This approach maintains a balance, safeguarding the learning environment while addressing the needs of students requiring more support.

7. Please rank the following issues by importance to you, with 1 being the most important and 9 being the least:

a. __4__ Supports competitive pay to districts of like sizes, not just regionally.

b. _6__ Believes the input of stakeholders is critical in the development of SPS initiatives and curriculum

c. __5__ Prioritizes diversity, student well-being, and sense of belonging.

d. __9__ Enforces decision-making power over district

e. __3__ Prioritizes protecting staff pay and positions over administration pay and positions when cuts need to be made

f. __8__ Believes in asking questions to promote open communication and transparency with constituents of SPS

g. __7__ Supports staff input in the evaluation of the superintendent

h. __2__ Prioritizes addressing student discipline

i. __1__ Focuses on student learning and achievement

8. Please list the rationale for your top three issues listed above.

Selecting just three from a list of nine crucial issues is a challenging task. However, if I had to prioritize, I would designate these three as my top concerns. I firmly believe that the top three issues demanding immediate attention in our district revolve around student learning and achievement, student discipline concerns, and the prioritization of safeguarding staff pay and positions over administration pay when faced with budgetary constraints. Student success is intrinsically linked to an environment conducive to learning. Constant disruptions due to discipline issues in classrooms obstruct learning progress and compromise safety. Directing every possible resource into classrooms is imperative; it’s where education truly happens. While recognizing the importance of administration, I firmly advocate that the primary focus should revolve around the service rendered in classrooms by teachers and support staff. All other aspects of our district should complement and support this foundational reality. Centering our efforts on these critical issues will define our ability to foster an optimal learning environment for our students.

9. Do you support vouchers or charter school expansion in the private sector? Please explain.

As a prospective member of the Board of Education, I firmly believe in the fiduciary duty towards the district I aim to serve. My commitment to Springfield Public Schools (SPS) and its financial stability is paramount. The potential expansion of charter schools or the implementation of a voucher system in the private sector would significantly impact the funding allocated to SPS. Considering the fiduciary responsibility that comes with the role, I cannot support initiatives that could potentially undermine the financial well-being of the district I’m devoted to serving. My allegiance remains with ensuring the continued support and growth of Springfield Public Schools for the benefit of our students, teachers, and the broader community.