Dr. Spurka's Approach
Practical Solutions, Not Just Inspiration
I believe in practical solutions, not just inspiration. While motivational quotes have their place, what teachers and parents need are actionable strategies they can implement today.
My approach draws from three decades in education, working at every level, from counselor to Head of School. I don't share theories from textbooks—I share what I've seen work in real classrooms and homes with real teachers and families.
Whether working with a school district to improve teacher retention or with parent groups to strengthen parent-teen relationships, I focus on creating lasting, sustainable changes. I understand that educators and parents are already stretched thin, so my methods are designed to simplify, not complicate.
The goal is always the same: to help teachers rediscover their passion, to empower parents to guide their teens effectively, and to create environments where students can excel.
Programs and Consultations
How We Can Work Together
For Schools and Districts
Professional Development Workshops
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Customized workshops designed to address your school's specific challenges with teacher morale, retention, and school culture. These interactive sessions provide practical tools teachers can implement immediately.
School Culture Assessment and Strategy
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A comprehensive review of your school's culture, followed by actionable recommendations to create an environment where teachers feel valued and supported.
Leadership Coaching
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One-on-one coaching for principals and administrative teams focused on creating supportive environments that retain great teachers while advancing student achievement.
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Small Group and One-to-One coaching for teachers and school leaders to better understand their gifts and talents and how to apply them to their position and their school.
For Parents and Community Groups
Parent Workshops
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Interactive sessions designed to give parents practical strategies for navigating the high school years, improving parent-teen communication, and supporting their child's academic success.
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One-to-one consulting with parents and students to understand their child’s natural gifts and talents and how to apply them to their academic path, college selection, and future vocation.
Speaking Engagements
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Engaging presentations for PTAs, parent groups, and community organizations on topics ranging from teen motivation to college preparation.
For Conferences and Events
Keynote Presentations
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Inspiring, content-rich presentations that provide actionable takeaways for educators or parents, tailored to your event's theme and audience.
Breakout Sessions
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Interactive workshops that dive deeper into specific strategies for teacher retention, school culture, parent-teen relationships, or student success.
Who We Serve
Educators
Educational Conferences and Summits
School District Professional Development Events
Teacher Development Programs
School Leadership and Administration Teams
Staff Training Days and Faculty Meetings
Parents
Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs)
School Parent Organizations
Community Parenting Groups
College Prep and Student Success Workshops
Educational Podcasts and
Media Featuring Parenting Experts
"Dr. Spurka constantly showed that he valued my voice. He made regular time in his schedule to meet with teachers from all grade levels to hear what was on our minds and to listen to our input and perspective on school issues."
—Michelle Della Rocca, Lower School Teacher
"Dr. Spurka even took time to meet with people who applied for jobs they weren't certified for because
he had a big heart for helping people. He provided advice on how to become certified and
even gave people opportunities to join his staff in jobs that could help them become certified."
—Mary Ross, Former Parent and Assistant
"Whenever someone on our faculty had a personal loss or was going through a daunting situation,
Dr. Spurka shined and showed his compassionate and humanistic side. I always appreciated
his calmness and always knew he was there for me!"
—Brian Wynne, Math Teacher
Certified Highlands Consultant
Discover Your Natural Abilities Now
Dr. Edward J. Spurka is a Certified Highlands Consultant with extensive experience helping educators, students, and professionals discover their natural abilities through the Highlands Ability Battery.
As part of a global network of over 300 trained career professionals, Dr. Spurka brings deep expertise and personalized guidance to help you understand your unique talents and align them with your career path and life goals.
What is the Highlands Ability Battery?
The Highlands Ability Battery (HAB) is a comprehensive aptitude assessment that measures your natural abilities and problem-solving styles. Unlike skills that can be learned, these innate aptitudes develop by age 14 and remain constant throughout your life. The HAB helps you understand your unique talents through a "Whole Person Model" that examines eight key factors: Goals, Career Development Cycle, Abilities, Skills, Interests, Personal Style, Family, and Values.
The Highlands Difference
What sets the HAB apart is the 90-minute personal debrief with a certified consultant. This isn't just another online assessment—it's a transformative experience that connects your results directly to your life and career goals. As the Highlands Company's Director of Training and Research, Dr. Dori Stiles, notes: "Nobody forgets their feedback session. The debrief connects the results of the assessment directly to the client, which can feel both validating and empowering."
Why the HAB Matters
For Educators
Teachers and administrators who understand their natural abilities experience greater fulfillment in their careers and deliver better results for their students. When educators work from their strengths, they create more effective learning environments and experience higher job satisfaction.
For Students
High school, college, and graduate students gain clarity about their educational path and career direction based on their natural talents rather than passing interests. This scientific approach helps families make confident decisions about one of their biggest investments—higher education.
For Professionals
Whether you're feeling stuck in your current role, considering a career change, approaching retirement, or seeking greater work-life balance, the HAB provides objective insights to guide your next steps.
How We Can Work Together
Individual Coaching
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Comprehensive HAB assessment
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90-minute personalized debrief session
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Strategies to leverage your natural abilities
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Career and life planning guidance
Team Coaching
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Enhance team productivity and communication
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Develop a common language for leadership
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Improve teacher retention and student achievement
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Support new teacher onboarding
Student Services
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Individual or small group assessments
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College and career pathway planning
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Parent-student communication strategies
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Academic performance improvement techniques
Personal Vision Program
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An online course that helps you develop a Personal Vision Statement—a detailed description of how you want to live your life that integrates all eight areas of the Whole Person Model.
Ready to Discover Your Natural Abilities?
Don't spend another day wondering if you're in the right career or education path. The Highlands Ability Battery provides the clarity and confidence you need to make life-changing decisions based on your inherent strengths. Take the first step toward a more fulfilling career and life. Contact Dr. Edward J. Spurka today to begin your journey of self-discovery through the Highlands Ability Battery.