Every January 1st, Facebook reminds me of a quote from Benjamin Franklin that I first came across roughly a decade ago:
Be at war with your vices,
at peace with your neighbor,
and let each new year find you a better man.
(Poor Richard’s Almanac, 1755)
While many of you have no doubt already returned to your schools and districts, we are still in the new 2024 season – a time when our Resolutions are still firmly on our minds. And, while some people frown on setting goals beginning in the new year because of how cliché they’ve become, I think the pursuit of “better” is something that should never be marginalized.
In light of that, we as educators, have such an opportunity lying before us in the new year. Many high school teachers have new students and we all are fresh coming back from a break. This is an opportunity for us to reflect on our practice and answer the question: “How will I be better than I was before?” As leaders, it’s important that we ask this of ourselves, but also of the people we are charged with leading in our buildings.
As a teacher, I always surveyed my students about my practice. I didn’t always get answers I was comfortable with; but, those were the ones that made me grow the most. Here’s an example of those questions:
If you haven’t already made some goals for yourself, allow me to challenge you to consider how you might get better this spring semester.
Here’s to a new year, a better me, a better you, and better schools!
“Education? You don’t want to do that with your life. You’ve got other plans.” That’s what Angelo DelliSanti’s high school counselor told him his senior year. And she was right—at first. Angelo had spent three years preparing to become a U.S. Navy officer. But an internship with a math teacher during his senior year changed everything. Helping struggling students master algebra sparked a passion for education that would shape his career.
Over the next 15 years, Angelo served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal, returning to his alma mater to teach World History and later advancing to leadership roles. As a principal, Angelo implemented the Capturing Kids’ Hearts process, leading to remarkable academic gains, increased scholarships, record-breaking graduation rates, and improved school culture. These achievements earned him recognition as the Rowan-Salisbury Schools Principal of the Year in 2018.
In 2022, Angelo joined Capturing Kids’ Hearts as a Leadership Solutions Strategist where he is dedicated to working together with school leaders to create remarkable schools. He holds a Bachelor’s in History and Secondary Education from UNC Charlotte, where he was a North Carolina Teaching Fellow. He also completed a Master’s in School Administration and completed all the required coursework for a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from his alma mater, earning the Outstanding Student Philip Morris Educational Fellowship in 2017.
Angelo lives in North Carolina with his wife, Kasey, whom he married in 2008. Together, they enjoy escapes to the mountains and beaches. Angelo’s passions include golf, non-fiction books, cooking, and sharing meals filled with laughter and connection around the table.
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CHOOSE TO BE GREAT 