In honor of Black History Month, we wanted to recognize African American leaders who exemplify City Year’s refreshed organizational values.

2) Students First, Collaboration Always. The success of the young people we serve is our preeminent goal, best achieved by working in partnership with others who are dedicated to the same cause.

Dr. Carol R. Johnson, Superintendent of Boston Public Schools and a strong City Year champion, exemplifies this value. Dr. Johnson has been serving as the Superintendent of BPS since August of 2007, where she oversees the quality of education for 57,000+ students. She has dedicated her life to public education, and has a wealth of experience as a teacher, principal, and district administrator.

To learn more about Dr. Carol R. Johnson, click here.

For the month of December, we are going to talk about our work in literacy. Each Friday, we are going to post a photo of a notable City Year community member getting caught reading!

This week, we caught Charlie Rose, Dean of City Year, reading in his office!

What are you reading?

John Adair’s 100 Greatest Ideas for Effective Leadership. I had the chance to meet John at the International Leadership Association Conference in London this past October. He is one of the greatest leaders – he created action centered leadership. This book provides accessible and practical exercises for understanding the dynamics of leadership including team leadership and goal setting.

What do you like about it?

I like how straightforward and simple it is. One of my favorite sections is the short course on leadership, in which he lays out the most important words a leader can say:

6 most important words: “I admit I made a mistake”

5 most important words: “I am proud of you”

4 most important words: “What is your opinion?

3 most important words: “If you please”

2 most important words: “Thank you”

1 least important word: “I”

Why is reading important?

Reading matters because it is relaxing and mind expanding. The more you read, the more you are able to ask important questions and get the answers you need. We need that creativity and escape in our lives. Reading can take you anywhere.

Michael Brown with corps members from City Year Boston, City Year New Hampshire and City Year Rhode Island who came to Head Quarters for the New England Leadership Academy, or NELA.