This month’s National Renaissance Staffulty of the Month is Brad McCloskey from Robb Elementary School in Lock Haven, PA. His many nominators wrote:
Mr. McCloskey is committed to the continued improvement of our school culture at Robb Elementary School and goes above and beyond to make sure students and staffulty feel seen, heard and loved. Through Mr. McCloskey’s commitment to our students and staffulty we have seen regular school attendance improve by 10%, office discipline referrals (majors) are down 45% and 84% of our students at Robb Elementary received ZERO office discipline referrals in the 23-24 school year. This year Mr. McCloskey and our PBIS committee planned an opening day celebration for students that included greeting students and families on the first day with a bounce house obstacle course and an inflatable tunnel that had our mascot on the side for all to see and be proud of. Mr. McCloskey has also committed is own time and money to improve the physical building and spaces where students gather to make sure the aesthetics of the building match our mission to ensure kids feel loved! .
What do you teach? Are you involved with anything else at your school?
I am a facilitator at Robb Elementary. I help students K-4 who may be struggling to follow our “4B’s” ( Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Kind ). I also work with our Tier 1 team to organize school events such as monthly celebrations and monthly student data meetings/dance parties.
What is something you appreciate about your school’s culture?
I appreciate how positive and patient our Staffulty is, even through the stresses of new curriculum and students with high levels of need (SEL and academically). I appreciate how our Staffulty and students are idea-driven. Never afraid to try something new and exciting! Finally, I appreciate the love and kindness that you feel when you walk through our doors from EVERYONE.
What’s a favorite Renaissance moment for you?
During one of our Recognition Rallies last school year, students from our special needs classes performed in front of our whole school. Not only were the performers amazingly talented, but our whole student body went absolutely insane showing their incredible support for our fellow Wildcats!
How has Renaissance affected you personally?
In a word: mindset. Renaissance has helped me realize that anything in life can go well, or not-so-well, based on your mindset. Renaissance has also shown me how simple little acts, like telling a first grader you love their light-up shoes, can make a student feel seen, heard, and loved long after the 10-second conversation in the hallway. Finally, Renaissance has opened my eyes to see that when the Staffulty feels appreciated (seen, heard, and loved), that feeling bleeds into their students…which bleeds into the families at home!
What is something you are “All In” for inside or outside of school?
I’m “All In” for public education and the potential it has to become an asset that every Staffulty, student, and community member is proud to say they are a part of! Outside of school, I’m “All In” for my beautiful wife and my two intelligent and kind daughters! I’m “All In” for my whole family and my church… Love God. Love Others. It’s what we do as educators!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be more committed to things in their life?
Dream BIG. Start small. Most importantly, find/build a team! (Family, Friends, Co-workers) There is power in numbers! Find something you’re passionate about and focus on the positives! Don’t let negative talk or obstacles deter you from your passion!
Brad will receive a coffee tumbler and a lapel pin in recognition of his achievement.
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