Patrick Biggerstaff is the director of the Area 31 Career Center. He reflects on his career in education.
What made you decide to focus on education and help the students with these career paths that are provided at school?
“My personal philosophy is that we develop skills and understanding so we are better prepared to serve in our community. I worked in business before transitioning into the education field. My experiences helped me to understand opportunities in the workforce and the need for qualified employees. I have felt fulfilled working in this area because the work connects my passions for business, education, and community service.”
What difficulties have you had as the Director of Career and Technical Education?
“The most challenging parts of my job are hiring qualified teachers when we often can’t be wage competitive with industry and working with others to expand building space for new programs. There is a lot of activity that happens behind the scenes when working to build quality programs with instructional leaders.”
What are your achievements as the Director of Career and Technical Education?
“My achievements are truly the achievements of Area 31 staff members and students. During my tenure, Area 31 has expanded to serve double the number of students in advanced 3-hour programs. We have increased the number of work-based learning experiences, dual credit attainment, and industry credentials received. We have also been recognized as an Exemplary Early College by the Center of Excellence in Leadership and Learning (CELL), a Purple Star School for military support, and Indiana Department of Education certified STEM school, and a recipient of Indiana’s Educational Excellence in STEM Award.”
How did you know which career center classes topic to give Ben Davis for the students?
“The decision to offer new programs is driven by student interest surveys, requests from industry partners, and wage & employment data from economic development partners. Any new Area 31 Career Programs must also be approved by the Area 31 Governing Board which includes the eleven superintendents from our participating school districts.”
How many years have you worked for Ben Davis?
“This is my 18th year in Wayne Township.”
Why did you choose to work at Ben Davis?
“I was recruited into Wayne Township by my former university professor who served as a school principal at what was the Wayne Enrichment Center (now Wayne Preparatory Academy). I was excited to join a district with a strong reputation for professional development, academic excellence, and community support.”
Any past schools that you have worked with?
“Prior to working in Wayne Township, I volunteered at the Plainfield Boys School and worked at the Indiana Developmental Training Center.”
What are your long term goals?
“This is not a “SMART goal,” but my desire is to continue learning and serving to the best of my ability. The educational landscape is ever changing, so I’m not sure exactly what the future will look like. Still, I will remain committed to supporting the education and aspirations of others.”
What features make a good leader? Would you describe yourself as a good leader and why?
“There are many factors that affect leadership such as caring for others, listening skills, creativity, education, problem solving, thoughtful reflection, and collaboration. I think my greatest strengths as a leader have been working hard, learning from others, building a professional network, and hiring great people.”
What was the most challenging task that you faced in your career so far, and what did you learn from it?
“See #2. Over the course of my career, I have learned a lot about the importance of relationships and planning. It takes time and effective communication to accomplish any goal.”
How do you work with people whose ideas differ from yours?
“I don’t know that I make any professional decisions in isolation. I very strongly believe that we benefit from considering the ideas of others and that no decisions should be made without speaking to the people who will be most affected by a decision. There are certainly times when I make decisions that others disagree with, and when others make decisions I disagree with, but I always strive to understand the perspectives of others and respect them as individuals.”
Who inspires you? Why?
“I find inspiration everywhere. As examples, I am inspired when a teacher is recognized for her service and when a student cheers for his local sports team. I am encouraged when people work hard to pursue their unique passions and when they show support for others.”
What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example?
“When a conflict has arisen in my career, I have generally requested a face-to-face meeting and begun researching information that might have affected the situation. For example, when a university partner expressed frustration about how slowly a teacher responded to emails I collected and reviewed email records, met personally with the university partner to discuss the issue, and then reinforced communication expectations with both the instructor and the university partner.
Any other activities you do after school?
“In my free time, I read a lot, ride motorcycles, watch soccer, and spend time with family and friends.”
