PMP449: Inclusive and Supportive Schools for Every Learner with Dr. Eric Mace

A Quick Note to Listeners:

—- The Question of the Week is supported by Summer Pops Math Workbooks. Principals, when students practice math over the summer, math scores go up. What’s your summer math plan this year? A great way to start is by ordering FREE summer workbook samples at Summer Pops Workbooks.com. —-

Before this week’s interview, Will Parker answers a question from a student in Jen Schwanke’s graduate class at OSU.

The question is: What role did coaching and ongoing professional development play in improving staff performance and morale at your school? (Elizabeth Warvel, Teacher, Student in Education Master’s program at the Ohio State University)

Listen in to hear his response and thank you for doing what matters!

Meet Eric Mace:

Eric Mace, Ed.D., is the proud principal of Manorhaven Elementary, a diverse K-5 school on Long Island. His leadership journey began in the Marines, where he learned the value of teamwork, service, and resilience. After earning degrees in education and leadership, including a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Liberty University, Mace spent a decade in middle school before transitioning to Manorhaven, where he focuses on opportunity, innovation, and community. Outside of school, he is a husband and dad of two, and enjoys coaching, cooking, and exploring historical sites with his family.

Jen Schwanke Interviews Dr. Eric Mace:

Dr. Eric Mace, the principal of Maynor Haven Elementary, a diverse K-5 school on Long Island, shares his leadership journey and some of the things that excite him most about the future. His path to education was non-traditional, beginning with his service in the Marines. He credits his military experience with instilling in him the values of teamwork, service, and resilience, skills he now applies in his role as an educator and leader. The GI Bill provided him the financial means to pursue higher education, leading him to earn multiple degrees, including a doctorate in educational leadership.

Mace’s passion for history and his desire to make a difference led him to teaching. He spent a decade teaching middle school social studies, where he learned the importance of prioritizing relationships and student engagement over curriculum. He emphasizes that middle school is a critical period for students to explore their passions and discover different avenues for success. He encourages educators to offer a wide variety of programs, including athletics, clubs, technology, and the arts, to help students find their interests.

Mace’s transition to elementary education was inspired by his daughter starting kindergarten. He was drawn to the energy and enthusiasm of younger students and saw an opportunity to make a greater impact on their early learning experiences. He became the interim principal at Manorhaven and was quickly appointed to the permanent position. He describes the school as having a diverse student body with a significant percentage of students from low-income families and English language learners.

One of Mace’s key initiatives at Manorhaven is fostering an inclusive learning community. He believes in providing all students with equal access to resources and opportunities. Recognizing the importance of literacy, he worked with the PTA to implement two impactful programs: ensuring every child received at least two books from the book fair, and introducing a book vending machine where students can earn tokens for positive behavior and redeem them for books. These initiatives aim to promote a love of reading and provide students with a valuable resource for learning and enjoyment.

Mace’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident in his approach to leadership. He emphasizes the importance of ongoing learning through podcasts, audiobooks, conferences, and collaborating with his experienced teaching staff. He recognizes the value of seeking diverse perspectives and being open to new ideas. His leadership style is characterized by transparency, communication, and a genuine desire to support both his staff and students in reaching their full potential. He aims to create a school culture that is inclusive, supportive, and focused on the growth and well-being of every learner.