This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Schools

Cup of Joe with Jim Collin

Spend a few minutes with the assistant superintendent of Suffield Public Schools.

Most everyone knows a teacher in their life who made a difference.

For Jim Collin, it was a high school guidance counselor and a teacher who inspired him to pursue teaching.

“They saw something in me, a quality, that an educator might need,” he said. “I remember that connection vividly.” 

Find out what's happening in Suffieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Collin was hired this year as Assistant Superintendent for Suffield Schools. He previously served as a principal at Watertown Public Schools.

Collin jumped right into the job this fall and into the intense change in curriculum to the Common Core State Standards. He oversees the shift in teaching and testing and he recently presented the framework not only to staff but to parents during community forums. 

Find out what's happening in Suffieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

While he sometimes misses the in-depth connection with kids that one gets on a daily basis as a teacher, he is excited to help lead from the top, especially during this transition period.

”I’m connected at a very abstract level,” he explained, adding he can set the tone for change and help make sure everyone involved is given the tools he or she needs to succeed.

“It really is about what you can do to impact (a student’s) future and their skill set,” he said.

As he was once guided by mentors, he too has taken students under his wing.

“The beauty of the job is when you see kids in need or someone struggling, you can help,” he explained. “It’s an opportunity to shape someone’s future.”

Collin, who lives in New Britain, is a “weekend warrior” on the golf course and continues to run regularly although it’s been some years since he ran the Hartford, Marine Corps and Cape Cod Marathons.

His two children inspire him daily. Lauren is in graduate school and Keith is a sophomore at his alma mater, Central Connecticut State University.

He is celebrating his 25th anniversary with wife Kris, an intensive care nurse.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?