Leading with the belief that education is transformation, Andrew Meloche did an exemplary job as principal of Berkley High School in Berkley, Michigan, during the months of shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, he and his team created memories and moments for the 2020 graduating class despite the distancing parameters required to slow the spread of the virus.
“Leadership is doing the right thing because it’s the right thing,” Andy says. In our conversation on the Make Meaning Podcast, we explore the pandemic’s impact to education and the possibility that some of it will transform how we deliver education at all levels once the pandemic ends. A former math teacher, Andy says his favorite subject growing up was art, and in his spare time he loves woodworking, a talent and a passion handed down from his grandfather and father. Learn why Andy believes family and personal life has to be solid if you want to succeed in your profession, how to guide students to choose post-high school next steps wisely, and how his love of writing came out thanks to the pandemic.
In this episode, Lynne and Andrew discuss:
- Why relationships are the first part of an educational job
- Tara Westover’s book Educated
- woodworking
- Andrew’s Ode to My Wonderful Seniors
- How to be a great leader
- The pulse of a school and relating to teens
- Innovation & creativity in education
- Being a beacon of light, hope and optimism
Links and Resources
- Berkley High School Class of 2020 commencement
- Mr. Meloche’s “About Me” Instagram highlight
- Berkley High School
- Berkley High School Class of 2020 Senior Walkout
- Michigan State University
- Eastern Michigan University
Coming up next on the Make Meaning Podcast:
Lynne interviews Michele Cuomo, Dean, Arts & Communications, at Seminole State College, on the struggle to achieve access and equity in higher education.
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