Michael Hynes

Superintendent - K12 Educational Thought Leader

Michael Hynes

Superintendent - K12 Educational Thought Leader

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Biography

Dr. Michael Hynes is the Superintendent of Schools for the Port Washington School District, is a Fulbright Specialist and an associate professor of education and leadership at Long Island University and Stony Brook University. His mission is to spread the message of the importance of a holistic approach to educating children. He emphasizes the importance of play, recess in schools, mental health and mindfulness in the classroom as showcased in the documentary Chasing Childhood. Dr. Hynes is a former assistant superintendent, principal and classroom teacher.

Hynes is also a public-school advocate, TEDx and keynote speaker. He is the author of the book Staying Grounded: 12 Principles for Transforming School Leader Effectiveness, in its 2nd edition, and has published numerous articles and featured on numerous interviews and podcasts on school leadership.

Hynes received his undergraduate degree in psychology from Bethany College and his masters and doctorate in educational administration from Dowling College. He has undergone professional training to integrate organizational learning and school leadership into programs at New York University, Stony Brook University and Harvard University. Dr. Hynes has been awarded the “Friend of Education Award” and the “Distinguished Leadership Award” by Phi Delta Kappa as well as numerous other awards related to school leadership.

Speaker Videos

TEDx: Why PEAS Are the Key to a Successful Education

Mission Recess

Speech Topics

Leadership: Creating a Vision, Mission and Core Value for Your Organization

Purpose of Education and the Importance of Recess/Play: Discussing and Exploring (PEAS) Physical, Emotional, Academic and Social Growth

Maximizing the Talents and Potential of the People/Students you Serve

21st. Century Education: A Look and Discovery of School Systems Around the World

12 Principles for School Leader Effectiveness: The Art & Science of Staying Grounded

Testimonials

“You are holding in your hands an extraordinary story about education, leadership and change. But this is not just another book for leaders how to transform their schools. Dr. Michael Hynes takes you to an experiential journey in which he outlines a dozen practical principles of leading schools for unpredictable future. ‘Staying Grounded’ is backed by his own practical school experience, leading school leaders, and exploring insights from other countries that make this an empowering reading experience. Take this book with you and share it with others. It is a must-read for those engaged in making a better place for us all by transforming schools with heart and mind.”

- Pasi Sahlberg

“Is there some way a school administrator, sitting on high, can make sure every child’s potential and talents are recognized, so school becomes a place of joy and growth for everyone in it? Believe it or not, there is. And you’re holding the instruction manual.”

- President of Let Grow

“Michael Hynes is a visionary superintendent and Staying Grounded lays out a core set of principles to guide school leaders. In focusing on the inside work defining the leader’s attitude and purpose, the outside work of creating a compelling philosophy of education, and the future work of understanding where we are going, he creates the architecture for a just and humane school system. By starting with a foundation built on a sense of purpose, relationships, and taking care of yourself, he reminds us of Oscar Wilde’s famous aphorism: ‘Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.’”

- President of the National Superintendents Roundtable

"Michael Hynes is one of America’s most respected educators. A celebrated teacher and visionary superintendent, he is driven by a deep conviction that education must address the whole child – mind, body and spirit – and that leaders and administrators have crucial roles on making sure it does. He knows exactly how taxing those roles can be and that, whatever the pressures, they have to be guided by humane principles and compassionate practice. Staying Grounded is a trove of ethical and practical wisdom for managing the system as it is and for leading the changes that are needed for all our children to flourish as they must."

- Sir Ken Robinson

“Michael Hynes gives me hope for the future of our schools. He recognizes that education is more than test scores, that happiness is a prerequisite to learning, and that play is essential to children’s healthy social, emotional, and intellectual as well as physical development. He is a courageous innovator and leader in today’s educational world. I am proud to be part of his world”

- Peter Gray, Ph.D

“Dr. Michael Hynes is one of the most brilliant and inspirational education leaders in the United States. This provocative, insightful book should be read by everyone interested in helping our children and our schools improve and thrive.”

- William Doyle