“ O T HER D UTI ES AS ASSIGNED” “Other duties as assigned” – four words job-seekers often overlook at the end of the job description; four words leading to Pandora’s box of surprise responsibilities, and the four words that distinguish a Wesleyan employee. A Wesleyan employee is one who does not measure value in bullet points fulfilled, but rather measures value in relationships cultivated. A Wesleyan employee is one who embraces those four words instead of avoiding them.
The hiring process at Wesleyan is thorough to say the least – cover letters, resumes, applications, essays, phone calls, in-person interviews, teaching samples, and more. Wesleyan job descriptions reflect the rigor and dedication required, but the “secret sauce” may be found in the final words of the job description – “other duties as assigned.” In 1996, when Wesleyan School opened its doors in Peachtree Corners, the school employed 74 pioneers eager to establish a culture of excellence. Nestled in the corner of a modular education unit was the office of Headmaster Emeritus Zach Young, and though Young’s lengthy list of responsibilities was demanding, he could rarely be found in his office. Instead, Young was volunteering to vacuum a new staff member’s office on his first day. He was dressing up with students on themed spirit days. He was picking up miscellaneous trash and trimming bushes while insisting on grateful stewardship of our campus. He was sweeping sidewalks and literally paving the way for students and teachers to do their best work each and every day.
“Zach’s example set the tone and established the expectation that every Wesleyan employee will also embrace the commitment to be a Christian school of academic excellence. Filling in around campus is part of supporting that mission.” CHRIS CLEVELAND, HEAD OF SCHOOL + While serving as headmaster, Zach Young dressed as a Wesleyan student and students dressed as Young, carrying brooms.
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