Getting Creative to Build Connections
In a small New Jersey school district, one superintendent is proving that leadership rooted in service and connection can make a lasting impact. As Superintendent of Weymouth Township School District in Dorothy, New Jersey, Dr. Al Lewis has earned national recognition for his leadership in small schools. During our recent conversation, he delved into initiatives that define his approach to education, from promoting respect and civility to championing teacher and student well-being.
One of the standout programs in his district is the “Week of Respect,” an initiative aimed at cultivating pro-social behaviors among students. “We do different theme days, bring in speakers, and partner with organizations like Atlanticare and NJ4S for school-wide assemblies on healthy relationships and social skills,” Dr. Lewis explained. Activities such as wearing pajamas to symbolize “putting bullying to bed” make the lessons both engaging and memorable. For Dr. Lewis, these efforts are about more than just fun: “We want to do our part to bring some civility and friendship, encouraging people to stand up for each other and stick together.”
Dr. Lewis firmly believes in starting these conversations early. Reflecting on the challenges students faced during the pandemic, he observed, “Our second and third graders missed crucial social development during remote learning. The earlier you can teach these pro-social skills and build deep relationships, the better.” He noted that students exposed to these programs early on develop stronger friendships and social skills, which help them navigate the often-turbulent middle school years.
Beyond fostering respect among students, Dr. Lewis emphasizes creating a culture that supports the well-being of teachers and staff. He views leadership as service, a philosophy rooted in his faith. “I believe I’ve been called to serve,” he shared. This commitment manifests in tangible ways: the district partners with organizations like Teacher Coach for mental health and wellness initiatives, offering resources such as small group therapy sessions and financial wellness programs. “If teachers are not cared for and energized, they can’t be as effective in front of the kids,” he said, drawing on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to underscore the importance of meeting foundational needs first.
Dr. Lewis extends the principle of service to the district’s families and community, leveraging tools like social media to foster connection. “Our parents consume most of their information through social media,” he noted. By sharing snapshots of daily school life, the district helps parents feel more engaged and reassured. One particularly memorable moment involved inviting families to share photos of their snow day activities. “It’s about creating a two-way conversation where the community feels involved,” he said, emphasizing that small towns like Weymouth thrive on these personal touches.
This holistic approach to leadership also guides the district’s commitment to social-emotional learning (SEL). Programs like Second Step and Hey Kiddo equip students with the skills they need to manage relationships and emotions. Dr. Lewis stressed, “If we don’t teach these things to our children, they won’t learn them by magic. It’s our mission to care for the whole child and the whole employee.”
When asked about broader challenges facing education today, Dr. Lewis highlighted the rising mental health needs among students and staff. He noted that while the destigmatization of mental health issues is a positive trend, educators must remain vigilant in providing support. Additionally, he advocated for fair compensation for teachers, celebrating his district’s substantial pay raise for educators as a step toward addressing burnout and financial stress.
As the conversation turned to preparing students for the future, Dr. Lewis expressed optimism about integrating emerging tools like AI into education. Comparing it to the evolution of Wikipedia, he remarked, “AI is here to stay, and we need to train our kids on its ethical and responsible use.” He shared an example from his wife, a college writing professor, who uses AI to challenge students to stand out in their job applications. “AI can get you 80-90% of the way, but it’s up to you to own that last 10-20%,” he said, underscoring the importance of personal accountability in an AI-driven world.
As our conversation drew to a close, Dr. Lewis reflected on the teachers who inspired his journey. He credited his high school math teacher, Mr. Oppmann, with showing him how joyful teaching and learning could be. “It was the first time I realized just how fun and engaging education could be,” he shared with a smile.
Dr. Al Lewis’s dedication to respect, service, and community is evident in every aspect of his work. His thoughtful approach serves as a reminder of the profound impact that compassionate leadership can have on schools, students, and the broader community.
To hear more from Dr. Al Lewis, tune in to the Education Leadership Edge podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.