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As Aventura welcomes a new principal to lead the youth of the community at Don Soffer Aventura High School, it seemed only fitting to sit Dr. Geoff Mckee down for an interview and learn more about where he came from and what he cares about. Dr. Mckee grew up an all around high school scholar at Ransom Everglades, claiming presidency over the key club, editing the sports section of the newspaper, and leading the basketball team as captain. His initial pique for education was inspired by the small class sizes, motivated teachers, and attention to detail at Ransom. Although, his fondest memories consist of boat rides to school and free periods.
After high school graduation, Dr. Mckee attended Brown University. Going into university undecided, he was able to get a feel for everything, studying math, science, psychology, and sociology while competing on the rowing team.. A common thread through all subjects, however, is that Dr. McKee loved to learn and write. He enjoyed being a dedicated role model for kids, and acted upon it by becoming president of the Big Brother Program’s community outreach. He decided then to focus on educational studies and sociology as his major.
Dr. McKee then planned on becoming a missionary; and on every visit he always gravitated towards teaching children and inspiring kids through small interactions. Because of this, he began working in a system for court committed youth that were involved in gang activity and drug trafficking. The impact Dr. Mckee had on the middle schoolers that were released from incarceration only augmented his love for motivating children.
Dr. Mckee’s educational career began by obtaining a masters in fine arts in the FIU educational leadership classes. Originally, he anticipated his occupation to be as a social worker or therapist, but when he was introduced to teaching kindergarteners in liberty city, everything changed. The school was number one for break-ins, only being held together by a principal who genuinely cared and nourished the educational community. When she unfortunately left the school, Dr. McKee saw the dramatic impact she left on the community, and made the decision he wanted to have the same reach.
Dr. McKee committed to earning his masters in elementary education at Nova Southeastern University and for administration at the University of Miami. After working as a teacher and then as assistant principal, he finally became the principal at Spanish River. Teaching felt right for McKee as education has always been in his life from coaching basketball with his brothers in highschool to teaching Sunday school at church.
The way Dr. Mckee plans to make the impact he desires in education is through two philosophies: 1, the greatest excellence of student experiences is at the intersection of their talent, opportunity, and passion, and 2, do everything we can to help our students learn, grow, and accomplish their dreams – in that process we can never lose sight of their needs to be respected and love.
With these aphorisms in mind, Dr. Mckee wants to start the year off by tackling pressuring procedural issues at Don Soffer Aventura High School. Getting into it, he wants to change the school day to provide a late start option, have a blended model of block-regualr, provide opportunities for clubs/extracurricualrs throughout the day, and one lunch time. On top of this, Dr. McKee aims to increase the opportunities for club and athletic involvement, test preparation, college planning, and continuing in the most rigorous coursework.
Dr. Mckee is focused on building resumes and presenting opportunities for students. His approach is to increase the odds for college admission through leadership, athletics, extracurricualrs, internships, incoprporating help from counselors, and testprep.
To finish off the interview, I asked Dr. McKee a few fast fun questions.
Favorite book: Genesis, I have read this book over 100 times and I have learned something new each time.
Favorite Movie: Brother Sun, Sister Moon
Role Model: Nick Vujicic with whom I spent a day in 2015. Nick was born without legs or arms and has led an amazingly impactful life.
Favorite Quote: Students wil forget many of the lessons they were taught, but will never forget the way you made them feel.
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Mocha Almond Fudge
