Every person has the privilege of encountering both extraordinary leaders and poor leaders. Michael Yamin, Superintendent of Region 16 Schools, says that he strives towards many characteristics that would make him an extraordinary leader.  

“There are many different qualities that can make you a great leader,” said Yamin. “Leadership is holding a consistent vision, and being able to have empathy towards people. It is also about making yourself available, accessible, and approachable.” 

Yamin believes that a great leader is someone who is strong, calm in the face of crisis, and supportive during difficult times. 

Throughout the pandemic, Yamin faced many challenges. He had to learn to juggle new adversities each day, balance out the needs of the students and teachers, and follow the Connecticut guidelines. Many of these adversities changed who he was as a person and as a superintendent.

“Communicating effectively and efficiently was a challenge,” Yamin said. “The most important thing was making the best decisions for the children because there wasn’t a one sided fix for any issue. As real as I feel COVID is, there is a reality that became very political with heightened personal positions and biases from people which affected the ability to make the best decisions for children.”  

Throughout the pandemic, Yamin became more understanding, flexible, and patient. He knew that COVID was affecting each person differently. 

If Yamin could change something about the world, he would give everyone equal opportunities, professionally, emotionally, and civically. He wishes to live in a world where everyone is given an equal chance at success.

Success can be measured differently by each individual. To some, success is about how much money is in the bank, and to others it is about how many likes or shares a post gets. Yamin; however, believes that success is measured by relationships and family.

“I would consider myself successful when I have positive, meaningful relationships,” said Yamin. “My greatest successes are my two children, Andrew and Alexis, who are both really good people.”

He believes that being successful stems from your ability to make the people around you better, and your ability to start and maintain substantial connections. 

Yamin has created many substantial connections in his life. One of which was his basketball coach during his years in elementary school. Another one was a high school principal who recruited him to VP principal. However, one of the most important connections in his life is his connection with his mom who received a doctoral degree from Yale University.

“She raised us four kids while working a full time job, and going to school,” Yamin said. “She is strong, and has the ability to overcome any burden.”

At a young age, Yamin had a passion for carpentry. During highschool, he thought he would end up working as a carpenter, but many years later he became a superintendent. 

“Overall, I am proud of my career and accomplishments,” Yamin said. “But through the years I am gaining wisdom and experience, so I strive to continue to always do a better job.”

One of Yamin’s great qualities is his ability to listen. While he cannot agree with everyone, Yamin takes pride in returning everyone’s messages and coming down to visit the schools frequently.

Yamin, before becoming the superintendent of Region 16, worked as the superintendent for the Waterbury school district. During his time in Waterbury as a high school principal at John F. Kennedy in Waterbury, he took his students to Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans to work on rebuilding what was damaged. He worked his way up to become a superintendent, and after deciding he needed a change after 21 years in the Waterbury School system, Yamin came to Region 16.

“My ability to make decisions for the Region is always clear. There weren’t any personal connections,” Yamin said. “I am proud to say that when I make a decision- I do it for Region 16 and I do it for the kids.”