Youngstown City School District - Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future

From the Office of Jeremy Batchelor, Superintendent

As the new school year begins, I am reminded daily of why public education is so powerful. It’s not the buildings, the schedules, or even the policies that shape the future—it’s the people. Great teaching is an art form, and when it is done well, it inspires, transforms, and sets the stage for scholars to reach their highest potential.

On the second day of school, I had the privilege of stepping into Mr. Marc Ellis’s classroom at Volney at McGuffey Elementary School. What I witnessed was nothing short of a master class in the art of teaching and learning.

A Classroom Alive with Purpose

From the moment I entered, I saw standards being taught with precision and clarity. Expectations were not only visible but lived out in the way scholars engaged with the material. Scholars weren’t passive—they were active participants, questioning, thinking, and demonstrating understanding.

It was clear that routines had already been established. Even this early in the year, his scholars knew what was expected of them, and they responded with focus and energy. That type of culture doesn’t happen by accident; it’s the result of preparation, intentionality, and belief in what children can accomplish.

The Impact of High Expectations

What impressed me most was the level of engagement. Mr. Ellis’s delivery was seamless, balancing rigor with encouragement. He pushed his scholars to think critically, while also showing them the care and respect that makes learning feel safe.

In just a short visit, I could see that his scholars understood they were in a place where excellence was not optional but expected. That combination of warmth and high expectations is the essence of the art of teaching.

A Model for Public Education Everywhere

What I saw in Mr. Ellis’s classroom is not just an example of excellence in Youngstown City Schools—it’s an exemplar for what outstanding teaching and learning should look like in public education anywhere. His work reminds us that when teachers bring passion, skill, and commitment to their craft, the results are profound.

In Youngstown, we are proud to have teachers like Marc Ellis who embody the spirit of Defending the Y. But beyond our district, his classroom stands as a testament to the transformative power of teaching done well.

A Note of Gratitude

To Mr. Ellis—and to every educator who pours themselves into this art form—thank you. Your work is not just about lessons and tests. It’s about shaping futures, opening doors, and proving every day that public education can and does change lives.

This school year, we all celebrate and elevate the art of teaching. Because in the end, it’s the teachers who make the difference.

With pride and purpose,

Jeremy J. Batchelor

Superintendent, Youngstown City School District