John Wink is a nationally renowned author, presenter, and leadership consultant. His work as a school improvement leader and practitioner have garnered some of the highest accolades in state accountability. His work and writing about Excellence in Every Classroom have transformed numerous school districts into high performing schools, and his simplistic approaches to saving and supporting teachers have generated national notoriety.
John currently serves as coordinator for new schools and policy for Longview ISD. He previously served as superintendent of schools for Carthage Independent School District from 2018 - 2020 and guided them to immediate growth in student achievement with his Excellence in Every Classroom framework and Excellence Support System. Prior to that, John was superintendent of Blue Ridge Independent School District in Blue Ridge, TX where he led from 2016 - 2018. In his time at Blue Ridge, student achievement saw tremendous gains and the district quickly became an A rated district under his system. The culture for learning transformed the hearts and minds of students, staff, parents, and the community at large. Currently, this small but fast-growing district is on the cusp of being one of the high-performing districts in North Texas.
Prior to John's roles as superintendent, he served at the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment for the Tatum Independent School District in Tatum, TX from 2014 to 2016. In his time there, student achievement increased significantly, and the district saw academic distinctions on standardized tests increase from 2 to 10 in one year and a significant increase in students earning dual credit hours and CTE workforce industry certifications.
As a campus principal, John served as principal at Gilmer Elementary School (2011-2014) where he led the school from being in school improvement status to earning 2 of 3 academic distinctions in 2 years. As principal of Hallsville Middle School (2002-2008), HMS moved from Acceptable to Exemplary status in 4 years, and as principal of Hallsville High School (2008-2011), he led the school to become one of the top academic high schools in Texas.
Prior to John's roles as superintendent, he served at the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment for the Tatum Independent School District in Tatum, TX from 2014 to 2016. In his time there, student achievement increased significantly, and the district saw academic distinctions on standardized tests increase from 2 to 10 in one year and a significant increase in students earning dual credit hours and CTE workforce industry certifications.
As a campus principal, John served as principal at Gilmer Elementary School (2011-2014) where he led the school from being in school improvement status to earning 2 of 3 academic distinctions in 2 years. As principal of Hallsville Middle School (2002-2008), HMS moved from Acceptable to Exemplary status in 4 years, and as principal of Hallsville High School (2008-2011), he led the school to become one of the top academic high schools in Texas.
In all of these schools, student success improved dramatically due to the focused leadership structures, outstanding teachers, and a collaborative philosophy that collectively empowered all educators to create a positive school culture, design instructional structures to support students, and eliminate ineffective and inefficient instructional practices. The result of these actions led teachers to focus on learning by focusing on the adult learning first. Every campus achieved greatness in its own unique way because the strategies capitalized on the staff's strengths, the campus traditions, and the campus’ commitment to its mission of guaranteeing excellence for all.
Family is first in John’s life. He and his wonderful wife, Carolyn, are the proud parents of 4 children. When they are not busy chasing and supporting their children, they enjoy spending time together, helping people in need, supporting their church, and traveling.
