To My PSA Family

To my PSA family,

While I was having a hard time a few months ago imagining how I would finish up my tenure at PSA, no one could have predicted the way it has actually played out. It feels very surreal, like something out of a sci-fi novel. However, when I think back over the last six years, I am flooded with so many beautiful memories. Words cannot express the depth of the love and gratitude I feel for all who have touched my life during this time. The students, parents, and staff that I have been blessed to work with all these years will hold a special place in my heart for the rest of my life. I am so proud of the school community that we have all created.

Moving on comes with a whole spectrum of emotions. I feel a sense of loss and, simultaneously, a sense of peace as I turn over the reins. I have always hoped that when this time came, the culture and heart of PSA would be firmly established in the DNA of the school community. I believe wholeheartedly this is true today. Our new principal, Corrigan Rutherford, has had to start in the midst of a firestorm and has shown she is a strong and capable leader. In the years I have worked with her, she has continually exemplified the characteristics of a master educator. There is no doubt that she will be the type of principal who inspires the school to new levels of success.

Just as important, though, is the need for each member of the PSA family to take responsibility for sustaining and growing what makes PSA what it is. Here are a few characteristics that I believe make our school special:

·       Relationships are our first priority. Everyone in the building needs to know they are loved and seen.

·       We value and celebrate our diversity in all its manifestations.

·       Social and emotional needs are equal with academic needs and each is addressed with intention and purpose through the best practices of gifted education.

·       When we work, we work hard. When we play, we play hard. We know both are important.

·       The end goal of education for us is not for our students to attain a prescribed list of knowledge and skills so that they can perform well on tests. Rather, it is about empowering them to discover their strengths and talents and equipping them to find ways to make a difference in the world.

Over the past 35 years of my career, I have seen a wide range of schools, some that have thrived and some that have struggled. PSA stands at the top as an exemplar of how a school should be. It is incredibly important to remember that our success is a collaboration of all of us. For PSA to grow, everyone must continue to nurture and feed the heart and soul of the school. I am passing on the torch to the next generation with a full heart and utmost confidence. I look forward to seeing what new heights PSA will attain in the years ahead.

I am not sure what the future holds for me completely at the moment, but for now, my wife and I are launching our new business, Gott Coaching and Consulting. I will be doing educational consulting for other schools and providing life coaching for students and adults. If I can be a help or support to anyone going forward, please feel free to contact me. My personal email is tim.gott@wku.edu, our business email is info@gottcc.com, and our website is www.gottcc.com. We invite you to connect with us on social media as well. You may follow us on Facebook at GottCC and on Instagram @Gott.CC. In whatever way, I hope we can stay in touch. Until then…