Members you should know - Rodney Green

Superintendent of East China School District

Region 5, 2008 Superintendent of the Year

How much do you know about your colleagues at MASA? We recently asked some award-winning superintendents about their work as school leaders. We plan to feature one member profile per issue during 2008.

Rodney Green is in his 19 th year as superintendent and as an MASA member. He served as MASA’s president in 2006-07. He served Green began his career in education by teaching math and coaching in Durand, Michigan in 1979. He then moved to Houston, Texas where he taught math and coached for three years before accepting a position as assistant principal at Greenville, Michigan. He moved to Reese Michigan two years later to become principal, staying for three years before becoming a superintendent in Norway, Michigan and Grant, Michigan. This is his eighth year at East China.

Leader: Why did you choose the education field?

Rodney Green : I like to teach. It seemed like a great field to work with people. It is gratifying to see people grow and learn. I still feel I am a teacher at heart. I teach every day with teachers, administrators, board members, and community. Education is a great field to help people, not only students, but parents as well.

Leader: What relationships have influenced or helped your career?

Rodney Green : I think my dad was a big influence; he was an educator for 34 years. My mom also was a great teacher, mainly of life lessons and she influenced me about reaching my potential and going for my dreams. I had good teachers throughout high school and college. I also looked up to other administrators over the years and I think that was very helpful in making me successful as a superintendent.

Leader: What do you feel are the major challenges facing superintendents today?

Rodney Green : I think the biggest challenge is helping all students succeed. The NCLB accountability measures that have been put into place will be difficult to handle with little or no additional funding.

Leader: What are you doing differently to help every high school student meet the Michigan Merit Expectations?

Rodney Green : We have put intervention strategies into place. Students are being held more accountable to complete work, attend class, and if they struggle we have safety nets that are now available to help.

Leader: What are you doing in your district to close the achievement gap to help all student succeed?

Rodney Green : I think the intervention model is going to be the way to help struggling students.

Leader: What do you do to keep yourself motivated and energized to lead?

Rodney Green : Visiting the classrooms is the best way to get energized. It is great to see the teachers and students in action and I always come away reenergized and motivated to continue this important work of supporting their efforts.

Leader: Any final words on education, leadership or the way MASA has helped you in your career?