Northview — Tony Quinn is the new director of the Northview Next Career Center, but is no stranger to the district, having served as principal of West Oakview Elementary School since 2019. We spoke with him about making the switch, and goals he has for his new position.
What are you most excited for in this new role? “The things that come immediately to the top of my mind are to work with staff who are so passionate about what they do, and also to develop relationships with students and support them in whatever way that they might need it.
“I got into education because I love helping other people and I love the idea that I can impact students. I feel like Northview Next is very unique from the standpoint of how impactful adults can be in their lives, so to have the opportunity to play a small role in that really was, selfishly, a huge draw for me. To be able to think that I can help kids on a daily basis really fuels my desire to be there.”
What are your top goals for your first 12 months? “As an administrator, my first goal is to make sure I don’t change too many things that are already established (at Northview Next). The amazing staff and the leadership that came before me have really created an atmosphere of success, and all I want to do is support that.
“Number two is to get to know the students, get to know their needs, get to know how I can be of help to them. (The position of director is) really just about being another adult there to help them navigate through difficult things; I just want to be that adult.”
Describe your leadership style in seven words or less: “A servant leader who loves others.”
Read more from Northview:
• ‘I need to teach. I need this job, here in this place, with these students’
• Same family, different major goals
