Message:
Over the past four decades, I’ve had the privilege of dedicating my career to transformative work in education, driven by a deep commitment to addressing every aspect of our students’ needs. Under my leadership, I’ve guided school districts through profound shifts in educational outcomes and equity, always with a holistic approach that considers the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical well-being of our students. Creating lasting, positive momentum in these education systems has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.
One of the achievements I’m most proud of is the dramatic increase in 3rd-grade reading proficiency in the State’s largest school district, where we saw a surge from 42% to an impressive 91%. This success was the result of innovative strategies and a dedication to enhancing literacy through multitiered initiatives. I’ve also worked to expand English as a Second Language (ESL) services to support non-English language learners from 114 different nations, reflecting my unwavering commitment to inclusivity and educational access.
Throughout my career, I’ve focused on addressing achievement gaps that affect economically disadvantaged students, differently abled students, students of color, and other disenfranchised populations. It’s been my mission to drive unprecedented progress in closing academic disparities, both individually and collectively. My dedication to preserving and expanding arts education, along with developing career technical pathways, is part of my comprehensive approach to fostering student development and engagement.
Bio
Dr. Don Good coordinates the principal and superintendent licensure programs for the College and provides coaching and support to leaders and governance bodies of Ohio school districts and education agencies. He is a former teacher, principal, superintendent, and state education department executive. Good has a bachelor’s degree in Early & Middle Childhood Education, a master’s degree in Education Administration, and a doctorate in Education Theory & Practice.
Dr. Good’s strategic partnerships with businesses, non-profits, and community organizations have bolstered support and resources for districts. His focus on enhancing faculty diversity, operational efficiency, and overall school climate demonstrates a commitment to creating a more inclusive and effective educational environment. The demography of Dr. Good’s staff and employed vendors often reflects the demography of the communities where he serves.
In the realm of specialized education, Dr. Good’s efforts to increase staff and provide specialized training significantly improved support for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). His creation of a nationally recognized Gifted and Talented program stands as a hallmark of his vision for academic excellence. And the student mentoring program Dr. Good co-created was named by President Obama as one of the ten top programs in the nation. These programs continue to flourish today.
Dr. Good’s achievements have been recognized by many including the United Way who named him their Champion of Children. Dr. Good is a leader with a leadership style that empowers all children, all students, all learners to not only attain their educational objectives, but in fact, exceed their career aspirations. Dr. Good’s transformative impact sets a very high standard for educational excellence and equity. Dr. Good joined the faculty of the College of Education and Human Ecology in August 2023.
