Catching up with Deborah Gist

When did you know you wanted a career in education?

At 13, I was an eighth-grader at Nimitz. I did a project for Mr. Henderson’s civics class about a career as a preschool teacher.

After a year on the job in your current position, what do you see as the biggest impact you’ve had on education in Rhode Island?

Not intentionally, but people have noticed that education is a major focus in the state. People are paying attention to it, discussing issues, raising awareness. We have also implemented an educator evaluation system, eliminated seniority and created a new funding formula for education.

Tell us your involvement with the Rhode Island principal who fired all of her teachers.

When I began my service as commissioner, I made it clear that we could not tolerate having persistently low-achieving schools in Rhode Island. In January (2010), we identified our lowest-achieving schools, including Central Falls High School, where half of the students fail to graduate. Following our protocol for intervention, the superintendent selected the “turnaround model” for improving Central Falls High, which entailed letting go of the entire professional staff and rehiring no more than half of the staff members. Ultimately, when the teachers’ union agreed to a number of reform provisions, such as a longer school day and rigorous evaluations, the superintendent agreed to rehire the (entire) teaching staff at the school. I supported her decision. My one commitment has been to ensure that we provide the best possible education for the students at Central Falls High School.

What made you Teacher of the Year for schools in both Fort Worth and Tampa?

I was selected by colleagues, and that meant a lot to me. I always worked very hard to be a good colleague and focused all my energy on my students.

How are U.S. schools going to gain ground on other countries for academic excellence?

We have to have world-class standards. There is nothing more important that we can do than to increase teacher quality — supporting the teachers we have, developing teachers, recognizing teachers and moving out people who shouldn’t be there.

What was your reaction to being named one of Time magazine’s Most Influential People?

I felt honored, but I was most happy for the people here in Rhode Island. It was an honor for the state and being recognized for the work you’re doing there.

What’s the one thing you’ve done in your career that has influenced policy or education?

The years I spent in the classroom. I know how hard it is to be a great teacher. It’s the most wonderful job in the world.

As one of the Most Influential People, what one aspect of education would you like to influence most?

I’d make sure every single child in our country had the quality of teacher that could raise their achievement significantly.