Humans of Blair: Just say yes

John Weinshel

Photo: John Weinshel, Blair's acting assistant principal.

John Weinshel, Blair's acting assistant principal. Photo courtesy of Thea Womack.

“Take risks, because that’s when change happens.” 

This is John Weinshel’s motto while working over 37 years in education, leading him to new opportunities in a wide variety of roles, including a staff development teacher, an International Baccalaureate (IB) coordinator, and an elementary and middle school teacher. “You just kind of move from position to position as things are offered to you,” he says, now as Blair’s new acting assistant school administrator (ASA). “What I tell people all the time is ‘when new opportunities come your way, just say yes.’” 

Before pursuing education, Weinshel majored in mathematics for a short period of time at the University of Massachusetts Amherst with dreams of becoming a math teacher. But, after taking calculus for math and engineering majors, he didn't really connect with the class, and switched career paths. He became a multicultural education major and elementary education certified which led him to this career. 

For Blair students who don’t know the career they want to pursue yet, Weinshel tells them not to worry. “If you don’t know what you’re doing yet, that’s exactly where you’re supposed to be,” he says. “Try lots of things and see what you like.” Weinshel hopes more students go out of their comfort zone and meet new people to find new perspectives. “Now’s the time to take some risks and join a club that you might not have thought to join before and see what those kids are about,” he advises. 

Weinshel’s motto has also led him to work at Blair, even though he retired in July. He isn’t familiar with the students or the culture of Blair, but he does his best to help and make others' jobs easier. “I have lots of experience, but people don't know me. So it’s up to me to let people know what I can do for them and how I can help them.” 

With staff and students joining and leaving Blair at different times, it is inevitable that the journeys of those at Blair will end at some point. Weinshel’s journey at Blair will unfortunately be short, as his contract ends in late December. However, Weinshel’s contributions at schools including Blair will last much longer as he encourages staff and students alike to try something new.