Richard Thompson

Superintendent / Principal

About

Richard is a visionary and charismatic leader, with demonstrated expertise in advocacy for education for all students grade school through adult. Specifically in the areas of online learning and seat time waiver for K-12 students, with a focus on improving achievement outcomes, particularly with at-risk students, in the Alternative Education / Non-Traditional setting. Richard utilizes a holistic approach to student development and strives to provide an array of opportunities for students to advance academically, prepare for career success, and excel as leaders and community servants. He has consulted with school districts and administrators nationwide and shares his expertise as a member of the Michigan Board and National Alternative Education Association (NAEA). In October 2016, Richard was honored with the Resilience in Action Award from the WhyTry Program (founded by renowned social justice advocate and author Christian Moore). Giving back is something inherent to Richard. In addition to readily imparting his knowledge and serving his profession, he is committed to helping his surrounding community. A pure Irish tenor, he shares his talent as a member of the Flint Male Chorus and the duet Brother2Brother, with whom he works to regularly honor military veterans and raise both attention and financial support for a variety of community efforts. A proud father of six children, Richard strives to teach both them and the students he leads to think beyond themselves and embrace the words of Nelson Mandela: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance in the life we lead.”

Country

United States

City

Greater Lansing

Industry

Education Management

Skill

Youth Mentoring, Student Leadership, High School Students, Teaching, Adult Education, Alternative Education, Youth At Risk, Management, Team Management, Leadership, Education, Mental Health Advocacy, Youth Advocacy, Non-traditional Students, Curriculum Development, Community Development, Social Justice, Community Outreach, Administrative Management, Board of Directors

Experience

Superintendent / Principal

Greater Heights Academy

2021-8 - Present · 5 yrs 2 mos

Flint, Michigan, United States

As a superintendent in a K-6 public charter school, I draw on leadership, educational insight, and operational skills to meet the unique needs of our school. The key skills I employ daily include: 1. Visionary Leadership Strategic Planning: Implementing a vision that aligns with school values and goals. Change Management: Leading improvements and adapting to policy changes. 2. Educational Expertise Curriculum Knowledge: Ensuring the K-6 curriculum supports diverse learners. Student-Centered Approach: Applying pedagogies that enhance learning. Data-Driven Decisions: Using data to guide instruction. 3. Staff Development Instructional Leadership: Supporting teacher growth through feedback. Talent Management: Recruiting and retaining quality staff. Performance Evaluation: Upholding teaching standards. 4. Operations and Resource Management Budget Oversight: Managing budgets for academic success. Compliance: Navigating regulations and safety standards. Facilities Management: Ensuring a conducive learning environment. 5. Community Engagement Building Partnerships: Strengthening relationships with parents and communities. Communication: Involving parents and fostering trust. Board Relations: Effective communication with the board. 6. Student Support and Inclusion Diversity and Inclusion: Fostering an inclusive environment. Behavior Management: Implementing fair discipline policies. Special Education: Ensuring support for special needs students. 7. Communication and Interpersonal Skills Conflict Resolution: Addressing conflicts respectfully. Transparency: Clear communication with all stakeholders. 8. Innovative Problem-Solving Creative Thinking: Exploring solutions to learning challenges. Adaptability: Responding to the evolving needs of students, staff, and policies. These skills enable me to lead our school toward excellence while fostering a supportive, engaging environment.