John Denk
Education: Success Begins Here and Now!
"We do not need magic to change the world; we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better."— J. K. Rowling
​If we empower each individual, change will happen.
Contact John Denk:
The best education practices are student-centered.
Education is meant to prepare students for the future. That future must involve helping students learn to help themselves.
The classroom should be the testing ground for great thoughts and practices.
The best education practices are student-centered.
Meeting the Mark: John Denk
My name is John Denk. I have been a district level administrator for the past four years, a building level administrator for the past twenty-five years, and a building-level educator for thirty-two years in total. I have recently retired, and I am looking for the next in my career. I wish to implement the skills in my wheelhouse. My wife, a technology instructor at Smoky Valley High School, and I have two children: Connor, twenty-nine; and Claire, twenty-four. I believe in education, family, and community. I believe that people change programs, and I am the person to make those innovations happen.
Key Concepts:
A Character Perspective
I couldn’t imagine life in any other way: being
morally sound, honest, and confident in myself. In turn this leads to treating myself and others with respect and being courteous to those around me by being organized and prompt in my dealings with work and life. I live a life that reflects my beliefs, not only for myself, but for my family as well. I couldn’t be a good father if I didn’t live a life of moral integrity and honesty. As an former educator and retired educational leader, it is my job to set an example in my community. If one doesn’t respect others, it’s easy to be lax in being prompt; however, this is not who I am. I find the strongest relationships are built on mutual respect. As a retired educational leader I see the need for all people to be treated with respect. Finally, I possess a healthy sense of self. As I’ve grown as an educational leader, my skills, experiences, and life lessons have only strengthened this.
Different Students
Require Different
Approaches to Learning
All students bring individual needs to the classroom. I believe it is essential to meet those needs. This year more than ever before we have witnessed the value of individual development. I have made it my job to research and explore best instructional practices while implementing these on a large scale within my former school districts.
Communication Skills and Open Channels
Communication is a vital component in any role of leadership; it is crucial in education. It is the job of any consultant or team leader to unite
community, schools, parents, teachers, and children with one mission: the welfare and education of our most valuable resource---our
children. Communication must be the core of this mission. I feel that my communication skills are a strong part of my abilities to lead. I feel that I can turn most situations into positive contacts simply in defusing emotions and logically approaching issues. I feel that I can place others at ease by making them feel comfortable. In addition, I feel that my public communication skills have also greatly improved. I feel comfortable presenting and speaking in front of groups. It has been a constant part of my experience to do just this: share with the public the progress, events, and issues of my district. As a former district leader, these skills are vital to create a culture of open interaction for my former teachers and staff. All of my communication skills have been especially significant during my time of leading my former districts in the Kansas CAN Redesign Project Gemini.
Meet John Denk
John and his wife Laurie on a recent vacation to the Grand Teton National Park.
