Dissecting Dr. Strine: Devoted Dad Develops TSD’s Destiny
JB Student Media sat down with new superintendent, Dr. Matthew Strine, to discuss fatherhood, family, sports, and helping students find their passion.
Basketball star. An every-day Michael Phelps. Dad. Superintendent. These are just some of the many designations that set Dr. Matthew Strine apart from the stereotype of just being the head honcho at Tuscarora School District.
There is so much more to the man behind the desk than just enforcing rules and promoting educational reform. Like any other average Joe he has interests and a family.
Family plays a significant role in Strine’s life, and his drive for educating stems from that.
“My mom was a teacher, my dad was a teacher, my sister was a teacher, I married a teacher, it’s kind of like the family business,” Strine said.
Whether it is the educator or father in Strine, he encourages both his children and students to find their purpose.
¨I want my kids to find what their passion is and what they are excited about,” said Strine, “ just like I want you all to find your passion and what you’re excited about.¨
When Strine is not in his office, he is raising his three children Julia, 14, Jillian, 13, and Joven, 7, alongside his wife, Karen. They carefully chose the names of their children and they all mean youthful.
I just want them to stay young, have fun, and enjoy life,” Strine explained.
I want my kids to find what their passion is and what they are excited about just like I want you all to find your passion and what you’re excited about.
— Dr. Matthew Strine
He keeps his own kids in the back of his mind as a motivating influence, questioning, “Is it good enough for them?” when thinking about what he implements at TSD.
“My job as a superintendent is to make sure we can read, write, listen, and speak effectively in multiple disciplines… and help connect you with your passion or purpose.”
Strine considered himself a student-athlete as he balanced academics and athletics.
Despite that, Strine stressed that studies always came first. “It is always, student-athlete in that order,” he said.
While his mind was on his grades, his heart was in sports. Strine started his love for sports from swimming and branched off to basketball when his high school coach recruited him for the team. He started every basketball game with the same number, 44, on his back.
“I heard that double digits were kind of lucky to have,” said Strine of his basketball number.
Even though Strine is a sports man, he wants all students to have the best academic experience that is possible.
“Who’s to say that the next greatest invention or humanitarian effort doesn’t start with a 15-year-old or a 12-year-old, or an 18-year-old, or, heaven forbid, a forty-whatever-year-old,” said Strine.
Despite Dr. Strine’s sizeable height, authority, and intelligence, he is your typical man. And the best news? He wants YOU to find your passion, purpose, and love for learning just like he did.