Leadership

[Kids] rise to the occasion over, and over, and over, and over again, if you have people who believe in them and people who remove barriers and put opportunities in front of them.

Jennifer Norrell, superintendent, East Aurora, Ill.

We knew from that point on that we had built a bridge, that our students could feel normal, they could play with their own siblings at home. And I think for us, that was everything.

Evan Abramson, director of innovation and technology, Morris Union Juncture Commission in New Providence, N.J.

When parents and students feel connected to school, they are more likely to come.

Naomi Tolentino, coordinator of student support programs, Kansas City, Kan.

I’ve sat in a room with other educators and other HR folks, and they all agree, we need to pay teachers more.

Bill Briggman, chief human resources officer, Charleston County, S.C.

When it comes to equity work, if you put your human hat on and don’t worry about the terminology or whatever...then we’re on to something.

Ty Harris, director of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Virginia Beach, Va.

If we want to fix this equity issue in terms of not enough girls and students of color enrolling in computer science, I believe we need to start them young.

Anna Otto, computer science & online learning coordinator, Adams 12 Five Star Schools in Thornton, Colo.

It’s not just a one-off. It’s not just a program. Family engagement has to be embedded, just like curriculum and instruction.

Miranda Scully, director of family and community engagement, Fayette County Public Schools

If you choose nothing, then the world is going to take you where it takes you. Isn’t it much more powerful if you drive your own ship and guide your own path, so that you can actively make those choices, as opposed to the world making the choices for you?

Lazaro Lopez, associate superintendent for teaching and learning, High School District 214, Ill.