A Tale of Two Principals
Our Journey Toward Teamwork
By Dr. Gerald Paterson and Jason Danley, Principals from New Jersey
“Life is beautiful not because of the things we see or do. Life is beautiful because of the people we meet.” -Simon Sinek
Teamwork, working through adversity, and having a positive outlook is truly the key to success. This school year has presented some historic challenges in the North Hanover Community and the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst; however, principals Jason Danley and Gerald Paterson approached these challenges together. Below is a story told by them and how they addressed some unconventional challenges in their schools.
Jason’s Story
I was nervous when I met Dr. Gerald Paterson for the very first time. My palms were sweating, and I was experiencing numerous emotions before being introduced to the BOE. Although I knew nothing about Jerry prior to our meeting, I knew we would get to know one another rather quickly as our district’s philosophy and structures are built on collaboration as the driving force for success.
Being a first-year, and first-ever, principal of Endeavour Elementary School in the North Hanover Township School District has allowed me to continue to work with the district’s amazing staff, community, and students. As the former Health and Physical Education teacher in the district and briefly the Vice Principal of Clarence B. Lamb Elementary, the past eight years have paved the way for this new undertaking. Although some may say being an administrator is the loneliest position in the school, but with an esteemed team and educational visionaries like Jerry, in my district, I am surrounded by individuals with similar core values.
The opening of a brand new school with a 100 percent military student population, the resignation of my co-principal, gaining a novice principal, and finally the task of implementing remote learning due to COVID-19, all started my journey of a principal down an unbeaten path. The excitement of revealing a new school takes strategic planning with numerous stakeholders. Over the summer of 2019, my co-principal and I worked with great effort to create everyday procedures, collaborate with local law enforcement on safety plans, and ensure Endeavour’s staff was a cohesive unit.
“Every student, every day” is my goal statement and it means that I want every student to see me at least once during their school day.
To accomplish this, I am greeting students during morning arrival, learning alongside students in their classrooms, and interacting with students during lunches and recess. Knowing the importance of building an immediate positive school community, we have built a “Blast Off” committee that organizes monthly school-wide morning meetings and a spirit committee that brilliantly establishes a positive culture and climate. With everyone’s goals aligned, we will continue to grow and succeed at Endeavour Elementary School.
Jerry’s Story
Jason and I met each other in May of last year when we were both BOE-approved as principals in our respective schools. I didn’t know what to initially think about him but I knew if we were to be successful we needed to work together as a team. This is my first year as the principal of Clarence B. Lamb Elementary School in the North Hanover Township School District; however, my 11th year as an elementary principal. Prior to joining this district, I was an elementary principal in another school district in New Jersey for 10 years. Last April, I found out that my position was being eliminated due to financial constraints and a decrease in enrollment. Though I was upset at the time, I found a new sense of purpose. Coming to the North Hanover Township School District has allowed me the opportunity to work with a new administrative team and staff.
At the start of my new journey, Clarence B. Lamb Elementary School had gone through a paradigm shift and turnover at the principal position. This school had four different principals in the past four years, as well as previously educating township and military students in grades first through fourth to now educating children living in the township from preschool through fourth grade. My first goal was to forge a connection with the PTO, staff, and most importantly the students. During my first year, we developed a school spirit day on whom the school was named. On this spirit day, we unveiled our new school vision, which was developed by staff and students. This provided us with direction and a pathway that will allow us to be the best that we can be for the betterment of student learning.
Collaboration, communication, and caring have truly been the 3C’s that have helped both of us in our first year as principals. Dealing with adversity, conducting ourselves as the consummate professionals, and leading with a positive frame of mind has set a clear pathway for our students and staff.
Andrew Carnegie once said “Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” We look forward to many years of inspiration, conversation, and advice while leading our respective schools.
Jason Danley has been in education for nine years. He previously taught Health and Physical Education for students PRE K through sixth grade, and is currently the building principal at Endeavour Elementary School, located on Joint Base MDL. While not being at school, he enjoys playing with his two children, Lucia and Joseph, cooking with his wife, going to the gym, and reading. Connect with Jason via Twitter @jasonjdanley.
Dr. Gerald (Jerry) Paterson has been an educator for 24 years. He has taught elementary and middle grade, served as a curriculum supervisor, and is currently the building principal at Clarence B. Lamb Elementary School, in North Hanover Township School District. He is a college professor at Temple University and Holy Family University, both in Philadelphia, PA. He is an avid reader of American and World history, oil painter, and enjoys fishing with his teenage son. Connect with Jerry via Twitter @DrPatersonCBL.
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