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Administration: Superintendent
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I
am honored and excited to be the new superintendent of the Canton
Public Schools. This is my 37th year as an educator, a career
that began with teaching mathematics in East Boston. After almost
a decade in the classroom, I became intrigued by the impact of
emotions on learning, and this led to |
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graduate work in psychology and to a position as a guidance counselor in Carlisle, Massachusetts. My career journey next led me to an interest in leadership and its ability to affect the culture of a school community. I have been a principal in two different districts, Westford and Wellesley, as well as an instructor of aspiring leaders, and a consultant to educators across the Commonwealth. Along the way, I earned my doctorate at UMass where my research helped me to understand how adults can influence a child’s view of what it means to be “smart.” How children view their intelligence, in turn, can shape their effort and perseverance - two vital factors that strengthen achievement. Nearly forty years of teaching has shown me that educating young people requires the cooperation and support of an entire community. Our children are now part of a global network that demands a solid grounding in the traditional three R’s as well as a new set of skills that will insure their success in a world that is characterized by fast-paced change, cutting-edge technology, and daunting amounts of data. What served us well as students, just a few decades ago, is now simply a starting point in today’s schooling. Ultimately, what will provide young people with the capacity to navigate a 21st century terrain is the ability to be curious and reflective about the world around them and to have the determination, self-discipline, and empathy to act responsibly. Creating well-educated students now means helping young people learn to make good judgments for themselves, for their community, for their nation, and even, for our planet. In order to provide our children with the best chance of obtaining this kind of education, the staff in the Canton Public Schools will need your support and assistance. I look forward to engaging in this vital work with you. My first priority is to better understand the school system and those who work in it and to support its operation. To reach this goal, I have begun a series of individual interviews with staff members, parents, administrators, school committee members, and other town officials. These interviews are focusing on priorities for the future, areas of concern, and ideas for strengthening our schools. I hope to complete this process in early November and share with the community what I have learned and what goals have emerged from this endeavor. If you are interested in sharing your perspective with me, please call Susan McGowan at 781-821-5060, extension 134 to set up a mutually convenient meeting time. Sincerely, John D’Auria, Ed.D.
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Dr.
John D'Auria,