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Public School Insights is taking a bit of a hiatus between the holidays. In the meantime, we're re-publishing some of the dozens of interviews we've conducted with visionary education leaders.

(Originally published March 11, 2008.)

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Michael de Vito and Carmen Macchia of Port Chester Middle School, one of the many successful schools we feature on this site.

De Vito and Macchia told me the remarkable story of how they and their colleagues created:

• A safe and positive school climate; 
• A richer, broader curriculum focused on literacy and aligned to state assessments; 
• A commitment to literacy across the curriculum; 
• Intensive collaboration among school staff; and 
• Strong support for teachers' work.

A central piece of their strategy: a focus on reading across the curriculum. DeVito and Macchia describe how their school-wide focus literacy has actually enriched their curriculum, rather than narrowing it.

One of Principal Macchia's insights bears repeating: It takes time to effect real transformation in schools.  Though the political environment may favor instant turnaround, Macchia urges educators to settle in for a much longer haul. He advocates for multi-year plans to effect true systemic change.

Do you have a story about your school's transformation? Leave us a comment below, or share it through our story tool.

In the meantime, the full interview is really worth a listen. De Vito and Macchia combine insight with real humility in the face of their inspiring achievements.

You can hear the entire interview here:

You can listen to a 3 1/2-minute excerpt here:

Alternatively, you can listen to the following excerpts:

• Overview (4:15). Teacher Michael de Vito summarizes Port Chester's trajectory towards success, from efforts to improve school safety and discipline to an initiative to reform the school's academic program.

• Creating the Climate for Success (3:10). Principal Macchia describes Port Chester's efforts to create a constructive social, academic and instructional climate in the school.

• Finding the Patience to Work Collaboratively towards Results (1:05). Mr. Macchia insists that real change takes time and sustained, whole-school collaboration to create a culture of success.

• Improving the School's Social Fabric (2:08). Mr. de Vito discusses the programs that helped Port Chester's staff initiate students into a positive and productive school climate.

• Enriching the Curriculum (2:30). Mr. de Vito describes Port Chester's success in crafting a more rigorous, richer, broader curriculum.

• Meeting the Needs of Students by Meeting the Needs of Teachers (3:38). Mr. de Vito and Mr. Maccia describe how Port Chester supports teachers' efforts to ensure student success.

• Inviting Help from the Outside (1:50). Mr. Macchia explains the role of outside help in supporting Port Chester's achievements.

• Sharing Port Chester's Story (4:00). Mr. Macchia reviews Port Chester's strategy for sharing its story with other schools and districts. He also reminds those who would like to emulate Port Chester's work that true transformation takes time.

• The Lessons of Port Chester's Success (2:38). Mr. de Vito and Mr. Macchia contemplate the most important lessons of their success: effective school leadership and true staff collaboration.