Don Zawlocki served as the Superintendent of North Carolina’s Moore County Schools from 2013-2023. During his tenure, the district experienced significant growth and progress, particularly in areas like student achievement, teacher quality, and community engagement.
One of the fundamental aspects of Zawlocki’s leadership was his steadfast commitment to student success. He implemented comprehensive academic programs, including initiatives focused on early childhood education and college and career readiness. As a result, Moore County Schools consistently outperformed state and national averages in standardized testing and graduation rates.
In addition to his focus on academics, Zawlocki also prioritized teacher development and support. He established professional learning communities and mentorship programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of educators. These efforts contributed to a positive and supportive school environment that fostered teacher retention and growth.
Zawlocki’s leadership extended beyond the classroom, as he actively sought to engage with the community. He fostered partnerships with businesses, non-profit organizations, and local government agencies to provide students with real-world learning experiences and support. These collaborations also enriched the district’s curriculum and expanded opportunities for students.
Under Zawlocki’s guidance, Moore County Schools gained recognition for its innovative practices and commitment to excellence. The district received numerous awards, including the North Carolina School Board Association’s Magna Award for School Board Governance and the National School Public Relations Association’s Golden Achievement Award.
Don Zawlocki’s tenure as Superintendent of Moore County Schools left a lasting legacy of progress and achievement. His unwavering dedication to student success, teacher development, and community engagement transformed the district into a model of educational excellence.
1. Student Achievement
Don Zawlocki’s commitment to student achievement was a cornerstone of his tenure as Superintendent of Moore County Schools. He implemented a comprehensive range of initiatives aimed at improving academic outcomes for all students.
- Focus on Early Childhood Education: Zawlocki recognized the importance of early childhood education in laying a strong foundation for future academic success. He expanded access to pre-kindergarten programs and implemented initiatives to improve the quality of early childhood instruction.
- Rigorous Curriculum and Instruction: Zawlocki raised academic standards and implemented a rigorous curriculum that challenged students to think critically and solve problems. He also provided teachers with professional development opportunities to enhance their instructional skills.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Zawlocki used data to identify areas where students were struggling and to develop targeted interventions. This data-driven approach helped to ensure that resources were allocated effectively to support student learning.
- Emphasis on College and Career Readiness: Zawlocki prepared students for success beyond high school by emphasizing college and career readiness. He expanded access to Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses and partnered with local businesses and colleges to provide students with real-world learning experiences.
As a result of Zawlocki’s focus on student achievement, Moore County Schools experienced significant gains in standardized test scores and graduation rates. The district consistently outperformed state and national averages, and students were well-prepared for college and careers.
2. Teacher Development
Don Zawlocki recognized that teachers are the cornerstone of a successful school district. He invested heavily in professional learning and support to ensure that Moore County Schools had a highly skilled and dedicated teaching force.
- Professional Learning Communities: Zawlocki established professional learning communities (PLCs) throughout the district. These PLCs provided teachers with opportunities to collaborate with colleagues, share best practices, and develop new strategies to improve instruction.
- Mentorship Programs: Zawlocki implemented mentorship programs that paired experienced teachers with new teachers. This provided new teachers with valuable support and guidance as they transitioned into their roles.
- Instructional Coaching: Zawlocki provided teachers with access to instructional coaches who worked with them to improve their teaching practices. These coaches observed teachers in the classroom, provided feedback, and helped teachers develop and implement new strategies.
- Differentiated Professional Development: Zawlocki understood that teachers have different needs and learning styles. He provided a variety of professional development opportunities to meet the needs of all teachers.
As a result of Zawlocki’s investment in teacher development, Moore County Schools had a highly skilled and dedicated teaching force. Teachers were well-prepared to meet the needs of all students and to provide them with a high-quality education.
3. Community Engagement
Don Zawlocki’s commitment to community engagement was a key component of his success as Superintendent of Moore County Schools. He understood that schools cannot operate in isolation and that partnerships with businesses, organizations, and local government are essential for providing students with a well-rounded education.
One of the most important benefits of community engagement is that it provides students with real-world learning experiences. By partnering with businesses and organizations, Zawlocki was able to create opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills in practical settings. For example, students worked with local businesses to develop marketing campaigns, and they partnered with non-profit organizations to address community needs.
In addition to providing real-world learning experiences, community engagement also helps to enrich the district’s curriculum. By partnering with local colleges and universities, Zawlocki was able to offer students access to college-level courses and programs. He also worked with local businesses and organizations to develop specialized programs that met the needs of the community. For example, the district partnered with a local hospital to create a health sciences academy that provided students with hands-on experience in the medical field.
Overall, Don Zawlocki’s commitment to community engagement was a key factor in the success of Moore County Schools. By partnering with businesses, organizations, and local government, Zawlocki was able to provide students with a well-rounded education that prepared them for success in college, careers, and life.
4. Innovation
Innovation was a hallmark of Don Zawlocki’s tenure as Superintendent of Moore County Schools. He understood that in order to prepare students for the future, the district needed to embrace new and innovative practices. Under his leadership, Moore County Schools implemented a wide range of innovative programs and initiatives, including:
- Personalized Learning: Zawlocki recognized that every student learns differently. He implemented personalized learning initiatives that allowed students to learn at their own pace and in a way that met their individual needs.
- Project-Based Learning: Zawlocki believed that students learn best by doing. He introduced project-based learning into the curriculum, which allowed students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems.
- Technology Integration: Zawlocki invested in technology and integrated it into the classroom. He provided teachers with laptops and iPads, and he ensured that students had access to computers and other technology tools.
- Early College Programs: Zawlocki partnered with local colleges and universities to offer early college programs. These programs allowed students to earn college credit while still in high school.
These innovative practices helped Moore County Schools to earn recognition for its commitment to excellence. The district was named one of the “100 Best Communities for Young People” by America’s Promise Alliance, and it received the Magna Award for School Board Governance from the North Carolina School Board Association.
The innovative practices implemented under Zawlocki’s leadership have had a lasting impact on Moore County Schools. The district continues to be a leader in educational innovation, and its students are well-prepared for success in college, careers, and life.
5. Collaboration
Collaboration was a cornerstone of Don Zawlocki’s leadership at Moore County Schools. He recognized that a positive and supportive school environment is essential for student success, and he fostered collaboration among all stakeholders to create such an environment.
- Collaboration with Teachers and Staff: Zawlocki encouraged collaboration among teachers and staff to create a cohesive and supportive learning environment. He established professional learning communities (PLCs) where teachers could share ideas, develop new strategies, and support each other.
- Collaboration with Parents and Community: Zawlocki believed that parents and the community are essential partners in education. He established open lines of communication with parents and sought their input on important decisions. He also partnered with community organizations to provide students with real-world learning experiences.
- Collaboration with Businesses and Higher Education: Zawlocki recognized the importance of preparing students for the future workforce. He partnered with businesses and higher education institutions to provide students with internships, apprenticeships, and other opportunities to gain real-world experience.
- Collaboration for Student Success: Zawlocki focused all stakeholders on the ultimate goal of student success. He created a culture of collaboration where everyone worked together to ensure that all students had the opportunity to succeed.
Zawlocki’s commitment to collaboration created a positive and supportive school environment that benefited all stakeholders. Teachers and staff were more engaged and effective, parents and the community were more involved, and students were better prepared for success in college, careers, and life.
6. Leadership
Strong and effective leadership is essential for the success of any organization, and school districts are no exception. Under the leadership of Don Zawlocki, Moore County Schools experienced significant growth and progress in a variety of areas, including student achievement, teacher quality, and community engagement. Zawlocki’s leadership was characterized by a clear vision for the district, a commitment to collaboration, and a focus on continuous improvement.
One of Zawlocki’s key strengths as a leader was his ability to inspire others. He was able to motivate educators and community members to work together to achieve ambitious goals for the district. For example, under Zawlocki’s leadership, Moore County Schools implemented a number of innovative programs and initiatives, including personalized learning, project-based learning, and early college programs. These programs were designed to improve student outcomes and prepare students for success in college and careers.
Zawlocki’s commitment to collaboration was another key factor in his success as a leader. He understood that no one person can do it all, and he was always willing to work with others to achieve common goals. Zawlocki established professional learning communities (PLCs) throughout the district, which provided teachers with opportunities to collaborate with colleagues, share best practices, and develop new strategies to improve instruction. He also forged strong partnerships with businesses, organizations, and local government agencies to provide students with real-world learning experiences and support.
Finally, Zawlocki was a strong advocate for continuous improvement. He was always looking for ways to improve the district’s performance, and he was not afraid to take risks and try new things. Zawlocki’s commitment to continuous improvement helped Moore County Schools to become one of the top-performing districts in the state.
In conclusion, Don Zawlocki’s strong and effective leadership was a key factor in the success of Moore County Schools. His ability to inspire others, his commitment to collaboration, and his focus on continuous improvement helped the district to achieve ambitious goals and provide students with a high-quality education.
FAQs on Don Zawlocki and Moore County Schools
This section addresses common questions and misconceptions about Don Zawlocki’s tenure as Superintendent of Moore County Schools.
Question 1: What were Don Zawlocki’s key priorities as Superintendent?
Don Zawlocki’s key priorities as Superintendent of Moore County Schools were student achievement, teacher development, community engagement, innovation, collaboration, and leadership.
Question 2: How did Don Zawlocki improve student achievement in Moore County Schools?
Don Zawlocki improved student achievement in Moore County Schools by implementing a comprehensive range of initiatives, including a focus on early childhood education, a rigorous curriculum and instruction, data-driven decision-making, and an emphasis on college and career readiness.
Question 3: What was Don Zawlocki’s approach to teacher development?
Don Zawlocki invested heavily in teacher development by establishing professional learning communities, implementing mentorship programs, providing access to instructional coaching, and offering differentiated professional development opportunities.
Question 4: How did Don Zawlocki foster community engagement in Moore County Schools?
Don Zawlocki fostered community engagement in Moore County Schools by partnering with businesses, organizations, and local government to enrich the district’s curriculum and provide students with real-world learning experiences.
Question 5: What innovative practices were implemented under Don Zawlocki’s leadership?
Under Don Zawlocki’s leadership, Moore County Schools implemented a wide range of innovative practices, including personalized learning, project-based learning, technology integration, and early college programs.
Question 6: How did Don Zawlocki’s leadership contribute to the success of Moore County Schools?
Don Zawlocki’s strong and effective leadership inspired educators and the community to achieve ambitious goals. His commitment to collaboration and focus on continuous improvement helped Moore County Schools to become one of the top-performing districts in the state.
In summary, Don Zawlocki’s tenure as Superintendent of Moore County Schools was characterized by a deep commitment to educational excellence, a focus on continuous improvement, and a belief in the power of collaboration. These key aspects left a lasting legacy of progress and achievement for the district.
Transition to the next article section: Don Zawlocki’s leadership in Moore County Schools has had a profound impact on the district and its students. His commitment to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement has created a positive and supportive learning environment where all students can succeed.
Tips for Success in Don Zawlocki’s Moore County Schools
Don Zawlocki’s tenure as Superintendent of Moore County Schools was marked by a deep commitment to educational excellence and a focus on continuous improvement. By implementing innovative practices, fostering collaboration, and investing in teacher development, Zawlocki created a positive and supportive learning environment where all students could succeed.
Tip 1: Embrace Innovation
Moore County Schools implemented a wide range of innovative practices under Zawlocki’s leadership, including personalized learning, project-based learning, and technology integration. These practices engaged students in active and meaningful learning experiences, preparing them for the challenges of the 21st century workforce.
Tip 2: Foster Collaboration
Zawlocki encouraged collaboration among teachers, staff, parents, and the community. This collaborative approach created a supportive environment where everyone worked together to ensure student success. By leveraging the expertise and resources of various stakeholders, Moore County Schools was able to provide a well-rounded and enriching education for all students.
Tip 3: Invest in Teacher Development
Zawlocki recognized that teachers are the cornerstone of a successful school district. He invested heavily in teacher development, providing opportunities for professional learning, mentorship, and instructional coaching. By supporting and empowering teachers, Zawlocki created a highly skilled and dedicated teaching force that was committed to student achievement.
Tip 4: Focus on Early Childhood Education
Zawlocki understood the importance of early childhood education in laying a strong foundation for future academic success. He expanded access to pre-kindergarten programs and implemented initiatives to improve the quality of early childhood instruction. By investing in early childhood education, Moore County Schools ensured that all students had the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Tip 5: Emphasize College and Career Readiness
Zawlocki prepared students for success beyond high school by emphasizing college and career readiness. He expanded access to Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses and partnered with local businesses and colleges to provide students with real-world learning experiences. This focus on college and career readiness helped students make informed decisions about their future and prepared them for the rigors of higher education and the workplace.
By following these tips, schools and districts can create a positive and supportive learning environment where all students can succeed. Don Zawlocki’s leadership in Moore County Schools provides a model for educational excellence and a roadmap for continuous improvement.
Transition to the article’s conclusion: Don Zawlocki’s legacy of innovation, collaboration, and teacher development has had a lasting impact on Moore County Schools and beyond. By embracing these principles, schools and districts can create equitable and empowering learning environments where all students can thrive.
Conclusion
Don Zawlocki’s tenure as Superintendent of Moore County Schools was marked by a deep commitment to educational excellence, a focus on continuous improvement, and a belief in the power of collaboration. Under his leadership, the district implemented innovative practices, fostered collaboration, and invested in teacher development, creating a positive and supportive learning environment where all students could succeed.
Zawlocki’s legacy extends beyond his time in Moore County Schools. His innovative approaches to education have been adopted by other districts across the country, and his commitment to collaboration and continuous improvement has inspired educators and administrators alike. Zawlocki’s leadership has helped to shape the future of education, and his impact will continue to be felt for years to come.
