Dear Lansing Educators,
My name is Paden Stalter, and I am honored to serve as the Senior Director of Student Success for the Lansing School District. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving in a variety of roles within this district as an elementary teacher, instructional coach, and both a school and district-level leader. I bring to this role a deep commitment to the growth and achievement of every student we serve. These experiences have shaped my belief in the power of strong instruction, collaborative leadership, and a shared vision for student success. I am excited to continue working alongside our dedicated educators to build on the strong foundation we've created and help every student thrive.
As we stand at the beginning of a new school year, I want to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude for the work you do every day. Teaching and supporting students is not easy, but it is the best job in the world!
In the Lansing School District, we are dedicated to providing a high-quality education in a culturally safe and nurturing environment that supports all students to live purposeful and fulfilling lives. That mission is lived out through your passion, commitment, and daily efforts in classrooms, hallways, and across every corner of our schools.
Over the last several years, we have been diligently working to refine our instructional practices to better support our students. Together, we are becoming more intentional, more focused, and more responsive in our approach to learning and it is making a difference.
Staying Grounded in Best Practices
- Posted daily “I Can” statements or learning targets are not just a routine — they’re a powerful tool. They keep our instruction laser-focused and help students anticipate and engage in the day’s learning. When targets are visible, reviewed, and revisited throughout a lesson, students begin to understand what success looks like — and strive for it.
- Daily formative assessments, aligned directly with your learning targets, give you the clarity you need to understand not just what was taught, but what was learned. These quick checks help you make real-time instructional decisions, allowing for timely and targeted adjustments that support every learner.
- High-quality, grade-level instruction is the foundation of equity. Our pacing guides and curricular tools are designed to ensure all students have access to rigorous content. Across years of student focus groups in our district, one message rings clear: our students are eager to learn. They are ready — and they rise to the expectations we set.
Your Learning Matters, Too
While our minds often turn to student learning, academic and behavioral, I want to highlight another essential part of the equation: you. Your learning, your growth, and your collaboration matter deeply. You are not in this alone. Within your school and across the district, there is a network of support, rich with experience and insight.
Make time to connect with your colleagues. Ask questions. Share what’s working. Learn from one another. These conversations amplify our collective expertise and unlock more opportunities for our students to succeed.
One School, One Family
Every person in our school communities, teachers, principals, instructional assistants, custodians, parents, office staff, is part of the educational experience. We are in this together.
I challenge each of us to go beyond seeing only “our class” as our responsibility. Instead, see every student in your building as your student. When we act with that mindset, we foster a schoolwide culture of care, shared responsibility, and high expectations.
A Commitment to Growth
We are a Lansing School District family. The Instructional Team is committed to student learning, and just as importantly, to our own learning as adults. We are growing alongside you, constantly refining, reflecting, and improving to ensure our students receive the high-quality educational experience they deserve.
I look forward to visiting your schools, seeing your classrooms in action, and celebrating the incredible work you are doing.
Here’s to a year of purpose, partnership, and powerful learning for our students and for ourselves.
Sincerely,
Paden Stalter, Ed. D.
Senior Director of Student Success
