Dwight McHazlett Believes Leadership and Communication Make the Difference in Students' Learning at Medina Valley HS

Dwight McHazlett began teaching as a science teacher and a coach. "As a former athlete, coaches were a strong influence on my becoming a teacher," McHazlett explains. From his early years he learned to respect his teachers' commitment, sacrifice and nurturing demeanor. By continuing his educational and professional development, Dwight personally sets a standard for his students. He recently completed his Masters in Educational Leadership. He models leadership in everything he does.

In his classroom he has increased communication and responsibility that students must take for learning. He created agendas for each class period and involved parents by creating a "Physics and Chemistry Science News Groups" email. He encouraged parents to review the agenda for the classes at home.

McHazlett believes a teacher has the responsibility to create a safe and comfortable environment for students to learn. He reaches out to every student to give them what they need, as well as reaching out to the parents who may have had limited educational success in their past. He maintains a high level of expectation for every student. He tells them, "If you want something you never had, you must do something you have never done." They're apparently listening!