Trzeciak, Mark - Dearborn Public Schools
Are you an incumbent?
No
Brief Intro of Candidate
My name is Mark Trzeciak and I am currently seeking a position on the School Board in my hometown of Dearborn, MI. I am currently employed as a Middle School STEM teacher in Plymouth Canton and have had various roles including but not limited to Department Head, Administrator, Liaison, Coach, and Mentor. In the past, I have worked for River Rouge, Dearborn, Bloomfield Hills and now P-CCS. Additionally, I spent 10 years as an Adjunct Professor at EMU in the Colleges of Technology and Education. This cadre of experience separates me from my running mates as my experience allows for a holistic perspective as well as a comprehensive understanding of the education system as a whole.
I also have a daughter who had been diagnosed with ADHD and ASD, therefore I have a very good understanding of the educational process as it relates to non conventional learners. My hope is to share my understanding with the board and help those who do not have the acumen better gain the services and support they deserve. My key points are transparency, accountability and quality of education.
Endorsements
I am seeking AFT/NEA. I am currently endorsed by many School Enployees as well as University Professors and Parent Groups
Top financials Contributors
Website and social media links
Individual donors at this point (personal acquaintences)
How would you engage and include parents, caregivers, community members and students in decision-making in your district around things like curriculum, budgeting and district policy?
My approach would be to wholeheartedly listen to the needs and concerns of the stakeholders and do my best to offer them pragmatic solutions to their issues. I would also be a strong advocate for parental and community involvement in the decision making process as it relates to local education. Additionally, I would take into account the stakeholder’s values/cultural needs into account as well, as their needs may be driven by a background different than mine. Being approachable, available, understanding and empathetic are key attributes I exhibit in my work.
What are your thoughts on school discipline and the way it is exercised in your school district? What are your thoughts on restorative practices?
School discipline is an essential component to a comprehensive education, and quality education. I feel every student/staff/administrator should be held accountable for their actions and behavior at all times while not neglecting to take into account each student’s individual circumstances. Students deserve the right to an education free from distractions caused by repetitive behavioral issues and more importantly they deserve to feel safe in their learning environment despite whatever circumstances they may be personally dealing with. My feeling on discipline is simple, it needs to be consistent and predictable so the student/staff/administrator knows this negative action will cause this outcome, and further incidents cause for progressive discipline. Restorative practices are a great first step, and are a great tool to help stakeholders gain a better understanding of how their actions impact the learning community, however I feel we should not rely solely on this as a form of correction.
What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health
Mental health is a concern that should be taken seriously, and a component of the educational process that should NOT be compromised. Students/Staff/Administrators need to feel comfortable, safe and supported in life, and most importantly in school. Every Student/StaffAdministrator should have readily accessible resources available to them for whatever issues may be impacting their ability to thrive. Supported stakeholders thrive, and become more aware of themselves as a person, allowing each person to be their best selves. Additionally, family support is an important component to this as well. Sometimes individuals backgrounds do not allow for them to identify issues that may be present, or may not know how to navigate the situations as effectively as they could be. For this reason we need a very diverse team of professionals available to help assist without compromising cultural and individual values when necessary.
What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?
Black and minority achievement is a very important subject and is on the forefront of Educational Theory in present times. The most effective means to bolster and improve achievement is to support these students, meet them where they are at, and give them the tools necessary to thrive and succeed. One of the most valuable tools to help accomplish the aforementioned is to have staff that come from the same diverse backgrounds as the minority and black students and let students see what success looks like first hand. Also, it is important to understand the cultural differences present in a school setting and do your better than your best to respect and operate with a great understanding and appreciations for everyone’s background and experiences.
What are your thoughts on how to ensure that all students and their families, regardless of race, gender identity, sexuality, disability, religion, income status, etc., feel safe and included in your district?
As mentioned earlier, a safe and accepting environment is a critical component of a successful educational environment. Students need to be supported no matter their identity or affiliation. A supportive and welcoming environment as well as a respective community should be fostered and demanded. If a person feels disenfranchised for any reason, it is incumbent upon the school/district to first listen to their concerns, and help them achieve the educational outcome every student deserves. Understanding and respecting our differences help us foster a welcoming and productive environment, where everyone is free and provided with the opportunity to thrive.
What are your thoughts on how to recruit and retain staff, particularly staff of color, in your district with regard to pay, benefits, and working conditions?
When is comes to staff retention and recruitment of minorities, and non-minorities, pay and benefits are important, but not as important as a safe, welcoming, supportive environment. Staff will oftentimes pass up extra money, and benefits to work in a district that supports its staff/students/administrators. Staff need to feel valued, listened to and invited to the table during the decision making process. Far too often, decisions are imposed upon staff, overlooking their input when the negative consequences directly impact the staff. This makes them feel not valued, and not supported. The educational process is a team effort, not a dictatorship and needs to be inclusive and predictable. Lastly, student behaviors are a huge factor in this area as well. Teachers and staff are passionate about doing their jobs, and fostering positive relationships in their respective classrooms. When they are faced with a recurring behavioral issue that is not squelched, it impacts their ability to effectively instruct and rather it makes them become behavior managers. When this becomes apparent and the norm, people become disenchanted and seek positions in more stable and “stress free” environments, effectively bleeding districts dry of potentially high quality instructors and having a revolving door of people using the district as a springboard.