Ben Graeber, also known as that one really tall guy. We all used to know him as that cool teacher that taught in the English hallway. However, we now are getting to know him as the newest School Improvement Leader (SIL).

Graeber taught for fourteen years before his decision to move up. “I loved teaching and still do. But over the past 6-7 years I kept finding myself in leadership situations where I was working.”

Graeber hit the books and got a Ed Leadership degree this past year. Late last school year, he was asked to be interviewed for the job. When asked if it was a hard decision to move up, he simply said “Definitely. What made it easier was the fact that I got to stay at North and stay with these students.”

He admits he will always miss teaching. “It is one of the most important jobs in the world. Even though you get paid for teaching, it’s like community service—you’re helping for the better good.”

When asked what class he will miss most, he says Newspaper. He adds that there is so much joy in watching students produce something real. “I grew up an athlete and a student journalist. I would get the same feelings playing a big game and producing a newspaper for my high school or college community to see.”

Graeber said he absolutely loves North when asked if he would ever switch schools., he said, “Honestly, it is the perfect place for me to be. Just like Mrs. Gogerty and Mr. Smith, it is a reality that people move on to other schools. When you work in a district as large as the DMPS, change is often needed to make the system work better. However, I would love to stay at North for many more years to come.”

So far, he believes he’s doing a good job as a(n) SIL. All he’s doing right now is getting schedules perfect for the student body. His actual developing strategies and working with teachers doesn’t start till the beginning of September.

He admits there is room for improvement. He wants to connect more with parents and families. He also is in charge of all seniors and he really wants “every senior to have a great year building up to May 23, 2015 — graduation day.”

Graeber jokes about being a hermit in his office when asked where he will be throughout the year. He says he will be in classrooms a lot to help with his strategies on improving classes for everyone.

The impact of his new job on life is rather difficult. He tells of how his oldest son said just the other day, “Dad, you work a lot.” He says he is determined to find a nice balance between work and family. “Being a dad is the greatest thing in my life — the most rewarding — and I’m never going to lose sight of how important my wife and two sons are.”

In the midst of moving up to a(n) SIL, Graeber was to help choose his replacement. For those who do not know, Ms. Dryden is this replacement. No, she is not crazy tall, and a male, but she is spunky like Graeber and determined to make a difference. She’s also well organized, which helps a ton in the classroom.

“Dryden has the drive and the passion to make for an amazing journalism teacher. I loved working with her over the summer and I’ve enjoyed watching her take off to start the school year. It truly would have been heart-breaking to not have someone like her in the position I left behind. Y’all are in good hands!”