Troubled Student turns Superintendent: Episode #01 w/Dr. Brian Nichols

Brian J. Nichols If you recount on the gazillion memories from your childhood, we’re sure at least a quarter of those would involve your favorite teacher. And that’s part of the reason why they say a teacher can quite remarkably change your life! Today’s guest is Dr. Brian Nichols, a lifelong educator and currently the Superintendent at New Kent County Public Schools, Virginia. He digs into his childhood and experiences growing up, explains how he fell in love with teaching, and how his favorite English teacher at school saved his life as a kid. We also discuss the power of the community, life as a Superintendent, and learn how he coaches teachers and educators to become a superintendent themselves. Give yourself a little more reason to love and respect your teachers even more -- join in to the episode today! Shoutout to our Sponsor, Morgan and Co.: www.morganandcorealty.com About Brian! Brian Nichols is the Superintendent at New Kent County Public Schools. He’s been an educator all his life and continues to share his knowledge to serve the community and kids in the best way he can -- after all, great work happens in the community! Connect with Brian! Instagram: @brianjnichols Connect with Me! Instagram: @drkwashingtonSuccess Leaves Clues Podcast Instagram: @successleavescluespodcast  Time Stamps [00:00] A Sneak Peek into the episode[00:38] About our Sponsor, Morgan and CO[01:30] Meet Brian Nichols, Superintendent at Team New Kent County Public Schools, and our guest for today’s episode[01:51] How Brian was saved by Miss Hoffman, his English teacher at school. In his words, “Change is not this magical thing, it can be a moment, we remember moments. She's my moment. And she's why I behave the way I do, why I have the way I do, I try to, you know, pour into people the way I do.”[05:00] Why great work happens in the community, in conversations, at work[06:41] Brian defines his joy[07:42] How the job of a Superintendent at New Kent looks like and how they make sure that kids achieve and have opportunities.[09:56] How does a teacher positively influence the lives of their students?[11:47] How Brian overcame his life’s most challenging times to become who has become today[13:03] How to accept your flaws and become comfortable in your skin[14:15] Brian details his interest in sports and why he believes that athletics are a huge part of why kids come to school and stay connected.[17:14] Brian and his team -- why they believe that ‘smart is something you'd become’[18:47] What is the average tenure of a Superintendent in Virginia?[20:39] Brian on being a ‘people person’[21:22] How does Brian manage over 2000 people?[23:09] Brian talks about his way of having ‘focussed months’[23:44] How can you, as a teacher, learn to become a superintendent?[28:09] What can parents do to support the school system and teachers better?[29:58] Why every kid needs to be in a career that gets them excited[32:15] Why you should not put yourself or any other individual in a strict lane in life[36:49] The challenges of being a superintendent  Thank you for tuning in to Success Leaves Clues PodcastAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy