A look into John Weinshelâs motto
âTake risks, because thatâs when change happens.âÂ
This is John Weinshelâs motto while working over 37 years in education, leading him to new opportunities in a wide variety of roles, including a staff development teacher, an International Baccalaureate (IB) coordinator, and an elementary and middle school teacher. âYou just kind of move from position to position as things are offered to you,â he says, now as Blairâs new acting assistant school administrator (ASA). âWhat I tell people all the time is âwhen new opportunities come your way, just say yes.ââÂ
Before pursuing education, Weinshel majored in mathematics for a short period of time at the University of Massachusetts Amherst with dreams of becoming a math teacher. But, after taking calculus for math and engineering majors, he didn't really connect with the class, and switched career paths. He became a multicultural education major and elementary education certified which led him to this career.Â
For Blair students who donât know the career they want to pursue yet, Weinshel tells them not to worry. âIf you donât know what youâre doing yet, thatâs exactly where youâre supposed to be,â he says. âTry lots of things and see what you like.â Weinshel hopes more students go out of their comfort zone and meet new people to find new perspectives. âNowâs the time to take some risks and join a club that you might not have thought to join before and see what those kids are about,â he advises.Â
Weinshelâs motto has also led him to work at Blair, even though he retired in July. He isnât familiar with the students or the culture of Blair, but he does his best to help and make others' jobs easier. âI have lots of experience, but people don't know me. So itâs up to me to let people know what I can do for them and how I can help them.âÂ
With staff and students joining and leaving Blair at different times, it is inevitable that the journeys of those at Blair will end at some point. Weinshelâs journey at Blair will unfortunately be short, as his contract ends in late December. However, Weinshelâs contributions at schools including Blair will last much longer as he encourages staff and students alike to try something new.
Joyce Fang. Staff writer More »
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