In September, EOS announced our inaugural class of Opportunity Champions, who are recognized for doing exceptional work in transforming their school or district’s advanced academic pathways.  

This month we are highlighting David Hollander, Director of Social Studies at Uniondale Union Free School District in New York.

Hollander employs a “unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking” in finding new ways to increase access to advanced courses, said EOS Partnership Director Candice Morris, who nominated Hollander.

“His innovative approaches and thoughtful strategies ensure that every student has the opportunity to excel and reach their full potential,” she said. “By breaking down barriers and opening new pathways for students, he empowers them to aim higher and achieve more.”

We asked Hollander about the mission that drives his work, and the impact he has seen the EOS partnership have on his students.

What drives you to continue to do the work of creating access and opportunity in your district? What has been your favorite part of the work this year? 

Creating access and opportunity is core to my values and beliefs in the power of education and the responsibility of educational leaders to open doors for all students. At the same time, while living those values, it’s always important to keep communicating with the students, families, and communities we serve to find the best ways to do the work. I always try to remember that achieving a target metric is exciting, but each metric represents a child in this district. As a leader, I believe our responsibility is to reimagine our systems and structures to allow the amazing educators we have to create every opportunity so our students can excel.  

My favorite part is seeing the impact of the work on the students who are now taking Advanced Courses and never did before. I also love talking with teachers who are teaching AP classes for the first time now because there is more demand AP courses and seeing how excited they are to engage with the students in their classrooms. 

How has EOS served as an essential support to student success? 

EOS has been an excellent partner in this process. Their ongoing support helped us focus and refine many of our plans for the school year. Additionally, the data we received is unparalleled. This year, for the first time, our school counselors have been engaged in conversations around advanced coursework with ALL students, armed with the Student Insight Card from EOS. This has provided us with a tangible and meaningful tool to engage in authentic conversations with students about their academic coursework that is based on their own interests and strengths. The additional data from EOS has also helped shape many of our planning conversations for the coming year. 

Tell us about a time when you witnessed the impact of the EOS work on you, your colleagues or your students? 

We saw a noticeable increase in the number of students enrolled in AP courses this year, with even larger increases for our young men of color, which was a primary focus of ours. Our collaboration with EOS has played a significant role in this. Some students were initially undecided about taking AP classes, but after seeing their Student Info Cards, including the number of teachers who recommended them, many decided to enroll for the first time. In addition, the Trusted Adult information allowed us a great way to follow up with students who were still on the fence.