Dr. Dan Maas has worked in education for over 20 years as a Math and Science teacher, Directory of Technology Services, Chief Information Officer, and currently as the Chief Operations Officer for Thompson School District in Colorado. He earned his BS and graduated Cum Laude from Adams State University, his MS from Nova Southeastern University and his Doctor of Education from the University of Northern Colorado. Dan has been featured in and written several publications in regard to technology and leadership.

 

Dan shares a little about his family, background, and hobbies, including running track for Adams State University, and being #193 of the 400 Americans who’ve run a mile in less than four minutes (2:06)

Dan’s very unusual career path from training to try out for the Olympics to where he is today, including “getting discovered” while working as a medical transcriptionist, and a bomb threat on his first day of teaching, and becoming the “tech guru” by default along the way (3:42)

What brought about Dan’s decision to move from teaching into administration, and some important things to think about if you’re thinking of making the same move (15:31)

Some of the struggles you might face when you move from teaching to admin, and some ways to adapt to the challenges (20:21)

Some unusual and memorable leadership advice(28:04)

To be a successful administrator, you have to be able to both work within the system and break paradigms (29:05)

Dan talks about two books he’s gotten a lot out of (32:10)

Dan’s advice for school administrators on working with students (33:20)

Dan’s advice for admins on working with teachers (34:35)

Dan’s answer to the time machine question (35:52)

 

Books mentioned in this episode

Emergenetics: Tap Into the New Science of Success

A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future

The Fourth Turning: An American Prophecy – What the Cycles of History Tell Us About America’s Next Rendezvous with Destiny

 

 

About EducatorsLead:

Educators Lead is a podcast created to help launch educators into the next level of leadership. This show is for you if you are interested in educational leadership as an assistant principal, principal, superintendent, teacher or someone who hopes to be a school leader one day. Educators Lead offers inspiration and practical advice to help you lead more effectively. Jay Willis interviews school leaders three days a week to discuss why and when these educators made the decision to move into school leadership, challenges along the journey, and stories that made it all worthwhile. Educators Lead is a great resource for any educator looking to make a greater impact.

Educate. Inspire. Lead.

www.educatorslead.com