Episode #89 - 90 Days of Stress by Superintendent Dr. Joe Gothard

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Dr. Joe Gothard to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Dr. Gothard, became the leader whose story comes full circle in the very community that called home. A proud graduate of Madison (WI) LaFollette High School, Dr. Joe first made his mark as a standout high school football player, eventually being recruited by the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. But when a nagging knee injury from his senior basketball season ended his dream of playing college football. His life took him in a new direction—one that would lead him to come home twice.Returning to Madison, Dr. Gothard began working at local schools and coaching youth football. His principal, Dr. Michael Meissen recognized his natural leadership and encouraged him to pursue a degree in teaching. Inspired, he earned his degree from Edgewood College and returned to his high school alma mater as a Biology teacher. From there, his career path led him to serve as dean of students and principal at LaFollette High School. From there, he would become superintendent at two different Minneapolis–St. Paul school districts.The 2019–20 school year would test Dr. Gothard’s leadership skills like never before. In just 90 days, he navigated a teacher strike, the COVID-19 school shutdown, the tragic death of George Floyd, and the loss of a school board member. He managed all this while keeping the district moving forward.In May 2024, Dr. Joe Gothard returned home to become superintendent of the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD), bringing his wealth of experience and unwavering love and commitment to the students, staff, and families of his hometown.Today, he joins us to share his journey from athlete to educator to leader. He will share his suggestions for surviving and thriving that can be applied to any situation or professional experience. You won’t want to miss this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN’T WAIT!!!