Richard M. Hayzler, Principal
Growing up in a family of educators I often heard the words "responsibility, accountability, dedication, patience and understanding" in conversations at the dinner table. My parents loved their jobs. My mother was a high school Business teacher and my father was an Assistant Principal and Director of Student Personnel Services. I could not have asked for more supportive, loving, caring parents who dedicated their lives to the success of their children and their students. To me, they were always teaching, always learning, always supporting, always caring.....always present.
Now, as a father of two children, my wife and I aim to be the parents that I was fortunate to have growing up. We are their biggest advocates, their number one fans, there to support them, nurture them, challenge them and help them navigate through the obstacles that life can throw at them. We are a family working together toward a common goal.
One of my favorite movies is "Remember the Titans." As a sports fan it is an excellent sports movie. However it is more than that. It is a story about leadership, collaboration, teamwork, respect, community, relationships and overcoming adversity. It strikes at core values of citizenship, honesty, fairness, caring and trustworthiness. At the heart of the movie is a team who turns into a family, committed to a common goal, relentless in the pursuit.....a myopic focus on excellence.
As a Principal and a father, this is the hope that I have for schools......a collaborative team effort by staff, students and community members dedicated to excellence, inside and outside of the classroom. Our students are growing up in a world with everything at their fingertips. Positive relationships and communication skills are critical. As a school we must be passionate about meeting our students where they are and providing them with the necessary tools to be successful far beyond the classroom walls.
Over the past 22 years I have been blessed with the opportunity to be a high school Business teacher (6 years), coach, High School Assistant Principal (5 years), a Middle School Principal (7 years), and currently the Principal of Pequannock Township High School in Morris County, New Jersey. With each opportunity it has strengthened my passion, my commitment and my responsibility to the students, staff and community. It is an exciting time in education. It is one that requires leadership, collaboration and innovation. I am grateful to work with amazing educators and learn from so many in my PLN. It is time to make our dreams become reality. The world is depending on "us." Let's do it together!
“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too.” --The Alchemist
Now, as a father of two children, my wife and I aim to be the parents that I was fortunate to have growing up. We are their biggest advocates, their number one fans, there to support them, nurture them, challenge them and help them navigate through the obstacles that life can throw at them. We are a family working together toward a common goal.
One of my favorite movies is "Remember the Titans." As a sports fan it is an excellent sports movie. However it is more than that. It is a story about leadership, collaboration, teamwork, respect, community, relationships and overcoming adversity. It strikes at core values of citizenship, honesty, fairness, caring and trustworthiness. At the heart of the movie is a team who turns into a family, committed to a common goal, relentless in the pursuit.....a myopic focus on excellence.
As a Principal and a father, this is the hope that I have for schools......a collaborative team effort by staff, students and community members dedicated to excellence, inside and outside of the classroom. Our students are growing up in a world with everything at their fingertips. Positive relationships and communication skills are critical. As a school we must be passionate about meeting our students where they are and providing them with the necessary tools to be successful far beyond the classroom walls.
Over the past 22 years I have been blessed with the opportunity to be a high school Business teacher (6 years), coach, High School Assistant Principal (5 years), a Middle School Principal (7 years), and currently the Principal of Pequannock Township High School in Morris County, New Jersey. With each opportunity it has strengthened my passion, my commitment and my responsibility to the students, staff and community. It is an exciting time in education. It is one that requires leadership, collaboration and innovation. I am grateful to work with amazing educators and learn from so many in my PLN. It is time to make our dreams become reality. The world is depending on "us." Let's do it together!
“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too.” --The Alchemist
Speaking Engagements/Workshop Presentations
January 2018- "Making Google Sites Meaningful" Techspo Workshop Presenter
January 2019 "From Technology to TeAchnology": Getting an A in Blended Learning Techspo Workshop Presenter
October 2020 "From Technology to TeAchnology": Getting an A in Blended Learning NJPSA Conference Workshop Presenter
January 2020 " Using Vlogs & YouTube Channels to Increase Student Engagement" Techspo Workshop Presenter
March 11, 2021 - "Answering the Call: Teaching Leading and Learning in Unprecedented Times" NJECC Conference Keynote
October 8, 2021 - "Answering the Call: Teaching, Leading and Learning in Unprecedented Times" Pequannock Tech Summit Keynote
- "Disruptive Thinking: Reimagining Education Today" Pequannock Tech Summit Workshop
February 22, 2022 -Exploring Careers in Education University of North Carolina Education Panelist
January 2019 "From Technology to TeAchnology": Getting an A in Blended Learning Techspo Workshop Presenter
October 2020 "From Technology to TeAchnology": Getting an A in Blended Learning NJPSA Conference Workshop Presenter
January 2020 " Using Vlogs & YouTube Channels to Increase Student Engagement" Techspo Workshop Presenter
March 11, 2021 - "Answering the Call: Teaching Leading and Learning in Unprecedented Times" NJECC Conference Keynote
October 8, 2021 - "Answering the Call: Teaching, Leading and Learning in Unprecedented Times" Pequannock Tech Summit Keynote
- "Disruptive Thinking: Reimagining Education Today" Pequannock Tech Summit Workshop
February 22, 2022 -Exploring Careers in Education University of North Carolina Education Panelist
Publications
"Setting Sail On An Adventure." Lead Like a Pirate Blog March 2018 leadlikeapirate.net/author/leadlikeapirate/page/63/
"Embracing A Culture As a Stepping Stone for Success." Educational Viewpoints: The Journal for NJPSA Spring 2018
"Creating Curious Disruption in Schools." DisruptEd TV Magazine May 2018. medium.com/@richard.allen/disrupted-tv-magazine-97e018c99c1e
"A Moment with Ted Dintersmith" DisruptEd TV Magazine May 2018 https://medium.com/@richard.allen/disrupted-tv-magazine-271007b9e6f7medium.com/@richard.allen/disrupted-tv-magazine-271007b9e6f7
"Morning Messages that Motivate." NJSPA Spotlight April 2020 http://njpsa.org/morning-messages-that-motivate/
"Embracing A Culture As a Stepping Stone for Success." Educational Viewpoints: The Journal for NJPSA Spring 2018
"Creating Curious Disruption in Schools." DisruptEd TV Magazine May 2018. medium.com/@richard.allen/disrupted-tv-magazine-97e018c99c1e
"A Moment with Ted Dintersmith" DisruptEd TV Magazine May 2018 https://medium.com/@richard.allen/disrupted-tv-magazine-271007b9e6f7medium.com/@richard.allen/disrupted-tv-magazine-271007b9e6f7
"Morning Messages that Motivate." NJSPA Spotlight April 2020 http://njpsa.org/morning-messages-that-motivate/
Videos
Leading and Learning in a Climate of Curiosity and Innovation https://youtu.be/ulqhZfHMQ3c?si=SSzNhSZjfC90Ksub. 2019
- Rich talks with DisruptEd TV on the topic of creating classrooms focused on curiosity and innovation
- Rich talks with Dr. Michael Portas, Superintendent of the Pequannock Township School District, about how culture plays a key role in the success of an organization