Name: Craig Vogt

Title: Principal

Organisation: Jefferson School

This is my 29th year in the Bergenfield School System. I graduated from Springfield College in 91' 93' graduate school. I was a Physical Education teacher from 1996 to 2006, Dean of Discipline at Bergenfield High School from 2006-2009 (as well as Director of Music, Art), Director of the Alternative HS (2009-2012), and now the Principal of Jefferson School (2012-Present)

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Educational Leadership!

I hope Craig's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as an Educational Leader?

The most challenging piece (post-pandemic, especially) would be the social and emotional needs of our students. Building back the agency of how to work alongside one another as students has been an ongoing battle that is improving, but still a challenging piece to the everyday puzzle.

2. How did you become an Educational Leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I have had the joy and pleasure to serve in many different roles as an educator, where each one has made its own mark on me as an educator. I began as the Dean of Discipline at our High School, as well as managing the Art, Music, and PE departments. In 2009, I became Director of our Alternative HS, as well as managing Art and Music. In 2012, I became the Principal of Jefferson School.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I am an up early riser. I am at my desk by 7:15-7:30 each day. Each morning, I greet the children at our car drop-off line in the back of the school (I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS). What better way to start your day than to greet your students as they get out of the car to start their day? I "screencastify" our morning announcements every morning to make sure that we celebrate what we need to and that we get our SEL message out that needs to get out. I also try and get into every classroom every day to greet the children in their environment as well as to have a small conversation (check in) with each teacher.

It is hard for me to stay at my desk too long, so I also am out and about multiple times a day to visit rooms, speak to kids in the hallway, and check on the learning for the day. I am present at lunch recess as well as dismissal to connect with our parents and speak with children, and let them know that we can't wait to see them tomorrow. I either go to the gym to decompress from the day or head home for dinner and share my day with my wife, who is also an educator, to talk about our day and set ourselves up for what tomorrow brings our way.

4. What's a recent lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of as an Educational Leader?

Relationships matter every day! Building and strengthening relationships with the people you work with is beyond essential. Learning about what makes everyone tick and valuing them for who they are and what they bring to you and your students every day is critical. Life happens, and being able to support the people who give their very best for the students each day is critical in leadership. I think about this the most the older I get.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your journey as an Educational Leader so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted you?

Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman. Being able to see beyond the black and white of a situation is essential. Truly listening and taking the time to listen to understand others is an essential piece of leadership. Having to acquire information via active listening allows you to respect where others are coming from, and gives you knowledge in the decision-making process as a leader.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young educator who aspires to be an Educational Leader, what would you say to them?

Have a strong philosophy on what you believe in as an educator. Your philosophy facilitates the making of your decisions (Thank you, Dr. Bilik). Show Up! Your presence matters more than you ever know. Give your BEST effort every day and be a good person. That is what our standard is, and it is hanging up outside of every classroom.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as an Educational Leader, so far?

There are so many small, but very meaningful stories that are rushing to mind. To see so many students who leave us after grade 5 and go on to be amazing students, graduates, and parents is so gratifying. To have people want to come to our school and request to be here because they believe in what we are trying to do is awesome.