In this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Dr. Dan Cox, the Superintendent of Schools in Rochester Community Unit School District 3A in Rochester, Illinois. In his 16-year education career in the state, he led the Staunton Community Unit School District and the Jasper County Community Unit 1 School District. He also served as an Assistant Principal and Principal at East Richland Elementary School in Olney. He is active on many boards at the local, regional, and state levels, including the State Assessment Review Committee for the Illinois State Board of Education.

Some Questions We Ask:

• Can you tell us more about your career as a superintendent? (01:25)
• What aspect of your career is most rewarding? (02:18)
• What are your thoughts about the RAND research and how important wellness is to you in coping with stress? (04:04)
• How do you feel scrutiny of the superintendency has changed over the years? (05:45)
• What are key factors in unifying the community to support your vision? (09:34)
• How much do you think your experiences align with those of superintendents in your state or across the country? (07:11)
• How are you able to share and communicate your stories with the community? (12:39)
• What advice can you give to other school leaders who are struggling in building a community? (15:21)
• Why is it important for people to see superintendents as human beings? (18:23)
• How can the community support superintendents? (20:20)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Dr. Cox’s career in education (01:36)
• Rewarding aspects of his career (02:29)
• The importance of wellness in coping with stress (04:15)
• Scrutiny of the superintendency (05:53)
• Developing a single vision for the community (09:56)
• Thoughts on communication and storytelling (12:54)
• Advice on community-building for fellow school leaders (15:43)
• Humanizing the role of superintendents (18:35)
• Advocating for superintendents (20:26)

Quotes:

“We had a pandemic, and it was our responsibility as superintendents to bring a sense of hope, but also a sense of peace and calm and renewal—and then bring in joy and love: the joy of education and the love for what we do and who we serve, which is our kids and our communities.”

“If I was to break it down and just really be authentic and vulnerable about it, [my advice for wellness] is to know who you are at your core and don't identify yourself with your profession.”

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