Today, we’d like to introduce you to an expert you should know.
- What is your name, title, and the name of your company or organization?
Dr. Marc A. Medley, Principal (Paterson Public Schools) and Radio Talk Show Host (88.7 FM Brave New Radio).
- What do you do, and who do you help?
I am an educational leader helping students, staff and community stakeholders
- What inspired you to pursue this work?
Teaching has always been my calling. I have been teaching and working with children since I was a child.
- Tell us a little about your professional background and journey.
I have a multitude of experiences in many varied areas. I have been a custodian, secretary, telemarketing manager, church organist, jet engine mechanic for the United States Air Force, Consumer Marketing Manager, Adjunct Professor, teacher and radio talk show host. No experience is ever wasted and each one culminates and supports to whatever I am currently doing. Even the experiences of being a custodian and secretary helps me currently as a school principal.
- What problem are you most passionate about solving?
Uplifting and educating especially from a social justice perspective.
- What makes your approach or framework unique?
It’s probably not unique, however, it is my genuine love for human beings/mankind. What drives me is “If it can happen for me, an African American male from Paterson, New Jersey (urban) I can help make it happen for any child if he/she wants it.” In too many instances the question is asked, “can anything good come out of Paterson?’” and my answer to that question if a resounding, yes! It’s about relationship building and having a compassion for others.
- What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it?
In my view, my biggest challenge is an extension of question 6. I want everyone to want it. It’s frustrating for me to work with children or families to not even know they should want more or can have more. I had a student tell me once, that we [the teachers] wanted it more for him than he wanted it for himself. That has stuck with me, and I have to accept the fact that not everyone wanted to succeed in the manner I did and still do. It doesn’t matter if I want it for my students if they don’t want it for themselves. It’s a challenge for me to accept that.
- What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I can’t say I have any one accomplishment I am most proud of. That’s like asking me which one of my children I love most. I love them all.
- Can you share a success story or transformation from a client, customer, or community you serve?
Recently one of my eighth-grade students earned his way into a private high school boarding school in Middletown, Delaware (St. Andrews School). The tuition for that school per year is $72,800 per year and the student received a full four-year scholarship. His mother attributes that to her son attending my school and the leadership me and my team provided her and her son.
- What are some common misconceptions people have about your industry or area of expertise?
Too many people think that anyone can teach. There is no other profession I know of that when people lose their jobs or get laid off, they say, ‘Oh well, If I can’t do anything else or find anything else, I’ll teach.” There is no other profession where people make that statement. If teaching is made to look easy, it’s because someone puts in the work. Being an educator is so much more than holidays, summers off and leaving at 3:00 p.m.
- What trends are you seeing right now that people should pay attention to?
Artificial Intelligence (AI), hands down. It is a wonderful tool, however, there is a lot of potential for misuse and abuse.
- What advice would you give someone who wants to achieve similar success?
Be passionate about what you do. Follow your own path and not the one someone else wants for you and put in the work.
- What projects, events, books, programs, or initiatives are you currently working on?
Outside of my “day job” of being a school administrator is the hosting of my radio show The Reading Circle with Marc Medley. The show is heard on Saturdays from 6-9 a.m. EDST on gobrave.org and 88.7 FM. I’ve hosted this show for 25 years beginning in 2001.
- What is your vision for the future?
Helping African Americans/Black and Brown people understand they come from greatness and they are greatness. Black excellence is not an exception. We must continue to fight the ever-rising injustices we are being confronted with. This must be done strategically and our not feeding into the plethora of stereotypes about Black and Brown people.
- If you could leave readers with one key message, what would it be?
Make life better for others.
- How can people connect with you and learn more about your work?
Website: marcamedley.com
Email: professormedley@gmail.com
Business Number: 1-800-588-6192