On Saturday, December 18, 2004 Rick Spurling was graduated from East Tennessee State University with a Doctorate of Education. He was hooded by his chairman Dr. Louise MacKay professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis with a graduating class of over 1100 students. Spurling finished the four-year course of study with a 4.0 Grade Point Average and received highest honors at the commencement ceremonies held at the Mini-Dome in Johnson City, Tennessee. Over the last 20 years Spurling has earned a BS, MEd., Ed.S, and Ed.D at this university. He also was a 3-year starter for the ETSU Buccaneer football team in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Dr. Spurling author of It Is Time…To Be Bully Free! An Anti-Bullying Guidebook for School Leaders (Dec. 2006) has been inspirational in providing schools direction in developing, establishing and implementing anti-bullying programs. His newest book is based on his dissertation, “The Bully-Free School Zone Character Education Program: A Study of Impact at Five Western North Carolina Middle Schools” (Dec. 2004). Spurling’s book can be accessed on his website at www.bullyfreezone.info. His studies have allowed him the opportunity to present his findings to over 20,000 educators detailing his program to concerned educators and school leaders in Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Spurling has also keynoted at several state conferences over the last three years and continues to share his findings through in-service training.
In his 23 rd year with the Mitchell County Schools he has served as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal and now currently is the assistant superintendent and Career Technical Education Director. He also is teaching night classes at East Tennessee State University as an adjunct professor in the educational leadership department and principal preparation program.
Dr. Spurling resides in Spruce Pine, NC with his wife Felicia a media specialist with the Mitchell County Schools and their two children Madison and Max.
Dr. Spurling’s Belief System
“My belief as a school leader is student safety must be the top priority. Throughout my career as an educator I have seen firsthand the trauma and chaos created by unattended bullying in the school. I feel it has been a long time coming for educators to begin to understand the tremendous strain that bullies have on the school culture. This mistreatment of others drains the energy of the school and impacts the heart, mind and the body of all involved.
Bullying is also a direct link with aggressive and violent behavior that is occurring more frequently in our schools. As leaders of our schools we must be hands-on in dealing with bullying behavior that exists within the school community. Our influence is crucial in setting the tone for the day through our actions, example and understanding of bullying and what it does to a school’s moral.
I have been blessed to witness over the years (as a practitioner and presenter) the tremendous change in the dynamics of interpersonal relationships in our schools as a result of anti-bullying programs. The program’s effectiveness is shown through improved interaction between student-student, student-teacher, teacher-teacher, parent-teacher and most importantly school to community. Creating a bully free environment is an awesome responsibility for teachers, school leaders, and parents who all play key roles in providing a positive model for this program.
We must do all that we can in “Building A Community From Within” by being Active, Alert, and Involved in the lives of each student on a daily and consistent basis. Having a school wide belief that every child should have the opportunity to come to school daily excited, enthused, and ready to learn and enjoy their day. Where we all feel respected and work together in effectively dealing with bullying, accept and appreciate differences, and care and look out for one another.”