Valley Preparatory's John Black Discusses 'Developing the Whole Child'

Head of School John Black is the face of Valley Preparatory School, an independent institute devoted to the individualized development of students in grades PS-8. Implementing the International Baccalaureate (IB) and STEM/STEAM programs in an effort to provide holistic education, the school fosters the singular philosophy of building skills necessary to succeed in the global community.

Patch: How did you first get involved in education?

Black: My first teaching position was with the Peace Corps in Central Africa, where I taught high school mathematics. Upon returning from Africa, I completed my master’s degree in education and formally began my teaching career. I taught middle school math and science for 10 years before moving into administration. I have served as the head of K-8 and K-12 schools for the past 20 years, both in the U.S. and overseas.

Patch: What is the core philosophy of Valley Preparatory School?

Black: Valley Preparatory School was founded in 1957 by Mary Jane Auerbacher. A long-time resident of Redlands, Mary Jane envisioned a school which promoted a holistic view of education, whereby students were exposed to art and music in addition to their core subjects. To further realize her mission and vision, Valley Prep is currently implementing the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program, which is a curriculum framework designed for students aged 3 to 14. It prepares students for the intellectual challenges of further education and their future careers, focusing on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside.

Patch: What’s the best piece of education-focused advice you've ever received?

Black: I wish someone had given me this advice early on in my career. But sadly, I had to learn it for myself. School administrators (and leaders in general) often micromanage, not trusting their employees to complete assigned tasks without significant oversight and interference. While the task may get done, you are creating a culture of dependence, rather than independence. This approach stifles innovation and creative-thought. By their very nature, teachers tend to be creative. If you want them to perform at their highest level of ability, you have to empower them so they can take initiative and make decisions to solve problems and improve their own performance in the classroom. One of the hallmarks of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, which Valley Prep is currently implementing, is its emphasis on helping students to develop their own skills of problem-solving and critical-thinking. If teachers feel empowered, they are more likely to pass-on that same mindset to their students, which then serves to fulfill an important aspect of the IB program.

Patch: What is the key to running a successful preparatory school?

Black: School leadership is basically the same regardless of whether it’s a large K-12 school or a small, independent PS-8 school, such as Valley Prep. You have to empower your teachers and be willing to listen to their needs. In this way, they are more likely to work cohesively and collaboratively, all focused on a common vision.

Patch: If you had to recommend a book, what would it be and why?

Black: I recently read What Connected Educators Do Differently by Todd Whitaker and Jimmy Cassas. They show how using social media to connect with peers across the country and even across the globe can greatly enhance your own success in a school or classroom. Educators can easily become isolated in their classrooms, so being able to create a personal and professional learning network to share resources and ideas is a great way for teachers and administrators to stay “fresh.”

Patch: What is your definition of success?

Black: American culture always seems to equate success with financial gain. While everyone wants to make lots of money, I tell my own children that true success is making the best of your own particular talents and doing so in such a way that respects yourself and those around you.

Patch: What questions should parents ask when looking for the right preparatory school for their child?

Black: In many ways, it is the school’s responsibility to provide what each child needs to be successful. But in large public schools, where you have 30+ children in a classroom, this is difficult to achieve. Valley Prep maintains small classes of less than 20 students. If we do our job properly, we can identify a child’s strengths and weaknesses and develop an individualized program that meets these needs. One advantage of the IB program is that it is designed to encourage children to find their passion and develop the skills needed to reach their individual goals.

Patch: Does Valley Preparatory have anything special planned for the holiday season?

Black: The IB program encourages students to look beyond their immediate and familiar surroundings to the world-at-large, starting in their own communities. To further this message, we ensure that our students have numerous opportunities to support local charities and perform community service. This also serves to bring the school closer to the community, rather than waiting for the community to learn about the school. It’s a win-win for both the school’s reputation and the children’s growth and development into caring and engaged citizens.

Patch: What's the best thing about working with students?

Black: Children typically say what they mean. Adults, not so much. If you want to get an honest assessment of a new project or initiative, ask a student. Not only are you empowering the student, but you’re getting feedback from the very people who you are attempting to serve. We don’t always give children enough credit for their opinions. From my experience, the opinions of the children are often more valuable than those of their parents.

Patch: What advice would you give to someone looking to become an educator?

Black: I often hear teachers say that their profession is a “calling.” I must admit that I never heard that voice. I got into education in a backwards sort of a way through my experiences in the Peace Corps, but I feel that I’ve made the most of my own abilities. So, I consider myself successful. Regardless of why you first chose teaching as a career, you have a responsibility to the children to give it everything you have. After all, they are the future!

Patch: How can readers contact you or learn more about Valley Preparatory School?

Black: Please visit our website, and learn more about the International Baccalaureate Program at www.ibo.org. We also have an open house scheduled for Feb. 25 at 10 a.m.

Photo courtesy of Valley Preparatory School