Transforming Education: A Journey Towards Safer Schools

In today’s ever-changing educational landscape, the pursuit of safe and productive learning environments has never been more critical. I’m John Huber, and with over 15 years of dedicated experience as a school administrator, my journey has been dedicated to shaping schools into places where students not only learn but thrive.

Building Strong Foundations in School Safety

My journey began in the heart of Baltimore County Public Schools, where I served as an Assistant Principal from 2004 to 2020. I realized that school safety wasn’t just about rules and regulations but building relationships among administrators, teachers, School Resource Officers (SROs), parents, and stakeholders. By fostering trust and understanding, we laid a strong foundation for a safe and welcoming school climate.

Reducing Suspensions, Transforming Discipline

One of our early successes was a remarkable 30% reduction in suspension rates in just one year. It wasn’t about punitive measures; it was about addressing the root causes of disciplinary issues. By collaborating with teachers, SROs, and the wider school community, we created a climate where students felt heard, respected, and engaged. Importantly, this wasn’t about ignoring student misbehavior or serious incidents; rather, it was about reducing the need for severe interventions. All indications in our school climate data suggested significant improvement, demonstrating that a nurturing environment can effectively prevent misbehavior while fostering a culture of respect and responsibility.

A Commitment to Inclusive Education

I firmly believe in the power of inclusive education, where every student has the opportunity to excel. My experience leading IEP and 504 teams, ensuring compliance and accountability, underscored my dedication to making sure no student is left behind. I also firmly believe that victims of students’ wrongdoing are entitled to the same or even more considerations as those who commit offenses. Exclusionary discipline should be used strategically, but it’s equally crucial to provide peace of mind for victims. We should not operate under the assumption that exclusionary discipline has to work in a vacuum; instead, it’s entirely possible to have a therapeutic and restorative approach concurrently, fostering a learning environment where accountability and support coexist.

From Traditional to Digital Learning

As the educational landscape evolved, I embraced both traditional and remote educational operations. Through a hands-on instructional leadership style and data-driven decision-making, we achieved a remarkable 25% improvement in district-wide academic performance.

Pioneering Change Beyond Administration

My impact extended beyond administrative roles. In 2020, I founded the Maryland Education Network (MEN), a hub for meaningful discussions among K-12 educators, parents and stakeholders. MEN offers blogs, videos, and interactive engagement opportunities, making it a platform where we can work together to shape the future of education.

A Voice in the National Arena

I firmly believe in the power of inclusive education, where every student has the opportunity to excel. My experience leading IEP and 504 teams, ensuring compliance and accountability, underscored my dedication to making sure no student is left behind. I also firmly believe that victims of students’ wrongdoing are entitled to the same or even more considerations as those who commit offenses. Exclusionary discipline should be used strategically, but it’s equally crucial to provide peace of mind for victims. We should not operate under the assumption that exclusionary discipline has to work in a vacuum; instead, it’s entirely possible to have a therapeutic and restorative approach concurrently, fostering a learning environment where accountability and support coexist. My commitment to these principles has been reinforced through my selection to speak and present at prestigious events like the National School Safety Conference in Las Vegas in the summer of 2023 and the upcoming NOSS (National Organization for Student Success) event in 2024. My presentation on relationships between administrators, teachers, SROs, and parents/stakeholders received enthusiastic reception at the National School Safety Conference, emphasizing the profound influence I’ve had on the educational landscape.

A Commitment to Lifelong Learning

My academic achievements include a Master of Education (M.Ed.) from Goucher College and a Bachelor of Science (BS) from Towson University. I hold certifications as a Principal, Assistant Principal, and Teacher in Maryland, exemplifying my commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth.

Join Me in the Journey

My journey in education has been a transformative one, and it continues today. If you’re looking to create safer, more nurturing school environments, consider partnering with me. Whether it’s consulting, training, or professional development, I’m here to help you navigate the complex landscape of modern education. Together, we can ensure that K-12 public schools provide a secure and orderly environment where all children, especially yours, can truly thrive.

For more insights and resources, contact me at [email protected] and let’s embark on the journey towards transforming education for generations to come.

With passion, dedication, and a track record of success, I’m here to help you make a difference in education. Let’s connect and collaborate for a brighter, safer, and more nurturing future for our students.