Timothy R. Goodwin promotes a unique style of education that incorporates the whole family and community in the learning process. His relationship-based and place-based approach relies on helping children and families identify their purposes, passions, and desires as avenues for academic engagement and growth. By lessening the focus on standardized test scores, getting students out of their seats and into the world, and increasing the belief in each child's unique gifts and talents, Timothy has seen great increases in student learning at all levels.Timothy has worked as an educator for over 30 years, including 18 as a classroom teacher and public school administrator, and 12 years founding and directing high performing non-profit organizations in the Hartford region. Under his leadership, Hartford Youth Scholars and Community Farm of Simsbury were founded and developed into strong and sustainable non-profit organizations. Currently they have provided educational access to thousands of Hartford children, improving the lives of countless families. As the Dean and then Principal at the Culinary Arts Academy at Weaver High School from September 2012 through June 2015, Timothy oversaw several school wide improvement initiatives, including an enrollment increase of 19%, MAP Test score increases of over 250%, behavioral referrals down 70%, attendance up 8%, and chronic absenteeism down 16%. Timothy's latest initiative in collaboration with several community partners is Community First School, serving North Hartford Promise Zone children and families. The elementary school opened on time and in person during the middle of the pandemic in August of 2020 and is currently in its third year. The goal of the unique place-based and relationship-based model is to prove that all students from some of Hartford's most challenged neighborhoods can succeed at a high level when provided with an education built to meet their specific needs. Community First School boasts an attendance rate of over 90%, individualized learning plans for each child, a 100% parent participation rate at monthly family dinners, and all students working toward grade level. As of the fall MAP testing 2022, 71% of students were proficient or above in Math, while 67% were proficient or above in Reading.