Northview — Ben Garlets, formerly the assistant principal at Crossroads Middle School, has been tapped as the new director of Northview Next. In this role, he oversees both the district’s Career Center, an on-site career and technical education program, and the Learning Center, which supports the district’s online students. Based at the Career Center, he also acts as principal, and occasional counselor, and “all the things,” he said.
“It’s been like drinking from a fire hose, learning a lot and preparing to take on everything … but I’m excited to continue broadening what we have to offer students and keep our teachers rocking and rolling in what they do,” Garlets said of the new position.
What drew you to Northview Next? “When (former director) Tony Quinn kind of unexpectedly retired, (Superintendent) Dr. (Christina) Hinds approached me for a conversation, and it felt like a thing to be curious about. A lot of the things that happen at Northview Next — non-traditional teaching practices, career focus, project-based learning — those are all things that I have utilized and valued as an educator. Even though I had only been in the district for a year, it seemed like the proper alignment of passion and fit.”
How does your work change in moving from middle school to high school? “I think it changes my perspective on what we’re working toward. Students in the secondary world are trying to get to the finish line. … We’re having real conversations about what steps they need to take and how we can help them cross that finish line.
“In middle school, some kids were running the race way ahead of the pack, some kids were walking, some kids weren’t even doing the race yet. It’s wild, but all the while you’re still helping and coaching them through whatever stage they’re in.
“Things have changed for me (at Northview Next) in that our students can see the finish line, and they’re asking us to help them get there. It’s really cool because everybody that comes here has a unique story to tell and different journeys and that’s a beautiful thing. We can help finish some of the goals that these kids set.”
What are you most excited about in this new role? “To get to a routine where all people in the building are getting exactly what they need — students, our teachers, even myself. That everybody feels taken care of and at peace. And that we’re offering this unique and wonderful program to as many kids as possible.”
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