To the editor:
I am writing in support of Phil McQueen for re-election to the Lynnfield School Committee.
For more than a decade, I have had the privilege having worked with Phil McQueen at Lynn Classical High School. I had seen him embody what a teacher leader looks like during those first few years, taking on leadership roles and supporting his colleagues within and across departments.
I have personally had experience with him as an instructor for important professional development, where he was helping new and struggling teachers learn modern classroom techniques to both engage students and empower those educators, and he did so with expertise and compassion.
Since becoming our English Department head, Phil has exemplified what one wants in a school leader — content mastery, empathy, high standards and high expectations, as well as a progressive and unrelenting pursuit for better outcomes for all in our school community.
Unequivocally, Phil will continue to bring all these experiences to his role on the Lynnfield School Committee and these experiences are what make him an asset to the town of Lynnfield.
School committees benefit from having an educator’s voice together with other stakeholders when shaping district-wide policies — someone who has been on the frontlines with students, seeing the struggles and successes of hundreds of thousands of students, rather than just a data point in decision making.
Phil McQueen has been and will continue to bring his passion for education and commitment to equity for all students to his role on the Lynnfield School Committee and I enthusiastically encourage all to go out and vote for him on April 13.
Alyssa Smiley
Alyssa Smiley holds a master’s degree in education and teaches science at Classical High School in Lynn.
