Dr. Nihat Güvercin, CEO of iLearn Schools, discussed his journey from Turkey to the U.S., where he became a physics teacher and eventually led the expansion of iLearn Schools from one to 21 campuses across New Jersey and New York. He emphasized the importance of STEM education starting from kindergarten and the role of character education. iLearn Schools serve 6,500 students, with 70% eligible for free or reduced lunch. The network’s high school programs consistently rank among the top in New Jersey. Güvercin highlighted the challenges of facility and staffing, the success of their internal leadership program, and the importance of AI in education.
Outline
Early Career and Education Background
- Ember Reichgott Junge introduces herself and the purpose of the interview with Dr. Nihat Guvercin, CEO of iLearn Schools.
- Dr. Nihat Guvercin shares his background, starting from his passion for science and technology in high school, leading to a Bachelor’s degree in physics from Middle East Technical University.
- He discusses his decision to become an educator instead of a physicist, teaching advanced physics in Albania, and his desire to pursue higher education in the United States.
- Dr. Guvercin talks about his teaching experience in Texas with Harmony Science Academies and his journey to obtain a master’s degree.
Transition to the United States and Bergen Arts and Science Charter School
- Dr. Guvercin explains his move to the United States for higher education and his interest in providing educational opportunities to underserved communities.
- He describes his application and acceptance as the lead person at Bergen Arts and Science Charter School in 2007-2008, starting as a school principal.
- Ember Reichgott Junge inquires about Dr. Guvercin’s prior knowledge of charter schools, and he explains his understanding and appreciation of the charter school model in the United States.
- Dr. Guvercin discusses the expansion of the charter school model to other locations, including Passaic and Patterson, and the challenges and rewards of this expansion.
Formation of iLearn Schools
- Dr. Guvercin explains the formation of iLearn Schools as a non-profit organization in 2015 to better manage and support the expansion of charter schools.
- He describes the transition from a cost-shared agreement between charter schools to a professional managerial organization, which improved resource allocation and problem-solving.
- Ember Reichgott Junge asks about the greatest challenges in creating the network, and Dr. Guvercin lists facility challenges, staffing, and administrative challenges as major hurdles.
- Dr. Guvercin highlights the establishment of specialized departments within iLearn Schools to address these challenges, such as facility, academic, innovation, human resources, and operations departments.
Internal Leadership Program and Community Engagement
- Dr. Guvercin discusses the internal leadership program, I Lead, which trains future administrators through an eight-month training program.
- He emphasizes the importance of internal growth and the vision of hiring graduates of iLearn Schools to take leadership roles in the future.
- Ember Reichgott Junge and Dr. Guvercin discuss the engagement of graduates in the central office and the importance of community involvement in the school’s mission.
- Dr. Guvercin shares examples of community support programs, such as the Eye Care Program and cultural celebrations, to foster a sense of family within the school community.
Demographics and Student Success
- Dr. Guvercin provides demographic information about the students served by iLearn Schools, noting that they reflect the diverse needs of their communities.
- He highlights the success of iLearn Schools in terms of student achievement, with high school programs consistently performing well and students excelling in AP courses.
- Ember Reichgott Junge and Dr. Guvercin discuss the importance of character education and the role of values in student success.
- Dr. Guvercin shares examples of how the school supports students and families in times of need, such as providing assistance during emergencies and financial hardships.
Challenges and Future Vision
- Dr. Guvercin reflects on the challenges faced in the early years of iLearn Schools, including budget cuts and the need for collaboration with other educational institutions.
- He advises aspiring leaders in the charter school movement to have a clear mission and to be prepared for the challenges that come with expanding educational programs.
- Dr. Guvercin discusses the importance of embracing innovation and technology, such as AI, to improve educational outcomes and close achievement gaps.
- He expresses his gratitude for the opportunities provided by the United States and his commitment to inspiring students to become productive citizens and leaders in their communities.
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