Education is both a calling and a challenge, and Ben Anderson, superintendent of South Central Community School Corporation, has embraced it wholeheartedly. Anderson has dedicated his career to fostering student success and strengthening his school district. With a background in teaching and leadership roles within both elementary and junior-senior high schools, Anderson brings a unique, hands-on approach to education. His commitment to visibility, collaboration, and innovation has helped shape a supportive and dynamic learning environment for students, teachers, and families. As both a leader and a community advocate, Anderson strives to ensure that South Central remains a place where education thrives and connections flourish.
"Growing up, probably by junior high school, I thought about becoming a principal," he said. "Even then, I knew I wanted to be in education. In high school, I had a couple of influential teachers who really pushed me toward teaching. I looked up to them and appreciated what they did for me, and I wanted to do the same for others – to give back to my community."
Anderson’s career began in 2010 as a teacher, and over the years, he has climbed the ranks, first becoming an assistant principal and athletic director, then principal of both South Central Elementary and Junior-Senior High School. In 2022, he stepped into the superintendent role, utilizing his prior experience to lead the district.
"My leadership style has definitely evolved over time," he said. “We are constantly changing, as are the kids, so we have to meet their needs and keep up. I started teaching in 2010, and things are a lot different now in 2024. I take what I’d call a democratic approach to leadership. I value and consider input from others because it’s important to me to understand what our teachers, students, and families need. Leadership is about listening and adapting."
Anderson’s office is uniquely situated within the South Central school building. This proximity allows him to maintain a strong and visible presence throughout the school day, providing him daily opportunities to engage directly with students, teachers, and families.
"I try to be as visible as possible. My office is in the building, which is great because all of our students, pre-K through 12th grade, are under one roof,” he said. “I make an effort to be out in the mornings when kids are getting dropped off, in the parking lot as they leave, or in the hallways and lunchrooms. It’s important to keep those connections, even as a superintendent, and I’m fortunate to have that opportunity since my office is right here. Many superintendents don’t have that luxury. Having been the principal of both the junior-senior high school and the elementary school gave me the experience to transition into this role, and it’s helped me foster the connections I’ve made over the years."
Anderson’s commitment to being present extends beyond school hours. When he’s not working, he regularly makes an appearance at events held throughout the school year.
"I enjoy supporting our students here, and while it’s technically work, it doesn’t feel like it," he said. "I love attending our theatre performances, band concerts, and basketball games - you can usually find me at some kind of event outside of school hours, cheering on our kids."
Anderson's hands-on leadership is backed by a strong support system within the district. He describes his school board as highly dedicated, always prioritizing the well-being and success of students. The staff is committed to collaboration and excellence, and with collective effort, they create a positive environment for the school. This strong foundation enables the district to consistently focus on its mission of supporting student achievement and growth.
"We have a great school board that is very supportive of our community, teachers, and students,” he said. “They always have the students’ best interests at heart, and it starts there. Our staff is incredible. Everyone pitches in to help our students succeed. We’ve got a good thing going here, and I feel really fortunate to be a part of it."
Anderson’s approach to leadership and education is influenced by the idea of taking calculated risks for the betterment of the district.
"One quote I like to use is from Michael Jordan: 'You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.' I find it impactful because sometimes you have to put yourself out there. You have to be a risk-taker, willing to face challenges to make change happen or move your school and district forward. Education is very competitive right now, especially when it comes to attracting students, and you have to take risks to make your school better. Sometimes, you just have to take a shot and hope for the best."
Anderson encourages others to consider careers in education, noting both its rewards and challenges.
"Education can be incredibly rewarding, especially if you’re fortunate enough to be in a good school system,” he said. “I loved my time teaching in La Porte, and I love South Central. I’d encourage anyone interested in education to pursue it. It’s a very rewarding career, but also a challenging one. There are a lot of demands on teachers these days, and it can be daunting, but in my opinion, it’s worth it. If I had to do it all over again, I’d choose the same path."
Reflecting on his journey, he expressed gratitude for the opportunities he has had and shared what it means for him to be able to make a positive impact.
"I like to call South Central the best-kept secret in La Porte County," he said. “This is a great place, and I feel very fortunate to be here and be a part of it. I'm very thankful for the opportunities I've had and for the chance to make a difference.”
As South Central continues to grow and adapt, Anderson looks forward to what the future has in store as he continues to implement his values of collaboration, support, and connection in shaping a successful school community.