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Igor Gorbatovski, Assistant Principal of Cleveland Elementary, has been named Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) 2022-2023 Assistant Principal of the Year.
Born in Russia, Gorbatovski first visited the United States in 1997, as part of the American Belarusian Relief Organization, a relief organization for children living in areas contaminated with radiation from the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. By bringing the children to the United States, they were able to detoxify and receive much needed medical care.
He brought a group of K-12 students who were invited by local churches in Johnston County to come and stay as part of a summer camp. Gorbatovski was the interpreter for the group, and, as a result, made a lot of friends who invited him back to Johnston County every summer after that to visit.
In 2000, Gorbatovski moved to the United States permanently, and in 2001 landed a position with Cooper Academy as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, where he taught for 12 years. He was then promoted to Assistant Principal at Cooper and served in that role for three years. In 2016, he was offered the assistant principal position at Cleveland Elementary and has been there ever since.
“It’s a great big community here in Johnston County.”
Gorbatovski went to Minsk State Linguistic University, where he received both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in teaching foreign languages, which prepared him to be able to effectively communicate with individuals in various languages. His specialty was English and German. Once in the United States, he went to Western Carolina University for his post-master’s certification in school leadership.
What Gorbatovski likes most about working in JCPS is seeing familiar and friendly faces everywhere he goes. “Our county is growing but still not that large,” he said. “It’s a great big community here in Johnston County.”
When friends ask him what is the most remarkable thing that has happened to him since coming to the United States, he doesn’t reply with a trip to Disney or to the beach. He said, “It’s the people that I’ve met here in Johnston County. I’ve made so many good friends who have treated me like family.” Although he and his friends here were born on different continents Gorbatovski has found they have more similarities than differences.
“I’ve made so many good friends who have treated me like family.”
Now a 22-year veteran of JCPS, coming to school every day and seeing the smiles of the children keeps Gorbatovski positive. He also said that being recognized for his work motivates him. “In elementary school, the kids always make nice cards and posters. You’re kind of like a celebrity,” he remarked. No matter how he is feeling, that puts a smile on his face.
Another motivation for Gobatovski is realizing that his work matters. Working with a child and seeing the progress that child has made inspires him to do more and be better.
Being named Assistant Principal of the Year is a great recognition for Gorbatovski, but he sees it more as a recognition for the whole school. “Leadership is very important and without great leadership the school isn’t going to thrive,” he said.
“At Cleveland Elementary we keep the best teachers in our school. We make them feel appreciated,” Gobatovski said. He believes that the administration creates an environment so the teachers enjoy their job and grow professionally to support the kids.
When asked why education was important to him, Gorbatovski referenced a quote from Martin Luther King, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character–that is the goal of true education.”
“Leadership is very important and without great leadership the school isn’t going to thrive.”
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Gorbatovski said education is not just the exchange of knowledge, but it’s an opportunity to share knowledge and learn from each other. He learns from his peers, the children at Cleveland Elementary, and their families. Educating children at the elementary level is the foundation to become successful in life, according to Gorbatovski.
As the assistant principal, his overall vision for Cleveland Elementary is aligned with the district’s goal of every school in JCPS to be an A, B, or C grade. Gorbatovski believes it is just as important to teach compassion, empathy, and innovation through personalized learning. “We make sure our teachers are teaching the kids the skills they will need in the future,” he said. “Critical thinking skills are crucial. If they have this foundation, they will be able to succeed in life no matter what they choose for a career.”
As far as his heroes go, Gorbatovski said, “Honestly, I see heroes every day at my school.” His hero is the custodian who realizes he is the only one for the day, and has to keep the school clean; or the bus driver who ends up driving the morning and afternoon shift, making it a 12 hour day. “They do things that are not necessarily in their job description, but because it needs to be done. They always keep our children in mind,” he remarked.
The one thing he wants people to know about him is that he has a wonderful family and they are the center of his universe. Although days can be hard and long at work, it makes it all worthwhile because he has his family waiting at home to give him hugs and love. “Family is very important to me,” he said.
His love for children and their success is one of the reasons he was named JCPS Assistant Principal of the Year. JCPS looks forward to working with Gorbatovski for many years to come.
All principles should be noticed thank you for your hard work
No matter where you are from
Now if only Johnston County Public Schools could have functioning reliable school buses. Thankfully, our kids don’t need to ride the bus, but, being on the phone tree I’d get the ‘bus delayed’ call almost daily. It’s so bad, they’ve actually said they are doing away with the calls regarding delayed buses & you now need to check the website daily. Elementary children getting home from school at 6pm due to bus delays. It’s outrageous!