Executive Director’s Exchange: Happy Spring from OAESA
S
pring brings the promise of a fresh start, renewal, change, and energy. The Principal Navigator promises to bring you stories of purpose with inspiration, strategies, and resources you can implement today in your work as a leader. This issue continues our yearlong theme of The Magic of Why: Stories of Purpose. For this issue, we asked for article submissions illustrating how you work your magic in your role and to tell us what gives you purpose in your work. We also asked for reflections on who has worked magic in your own career path. Read on for what you and your colleagues had to say. OAESA board member, Carrie Sanchez, proudly leads the dream team of nationally recognized Port Clinton Middle School. Sanchez shares that without a doubt her main contribution to her school is removing barriers and solving problems. And, when it works, it’s magic!
unrecognized throughout our country. Maria Goodman and Mike Janatovich’s engaging article illustrates their point that true leadership is simply bringing out the magic in others. They build a strong case that one administrator can make small changes, but a staff can make collective changes, resulting in greater impact. I also believe that collective change creates more sustained change. Dr. Rebecca Hornberger’s article, “The Story of Us,” examines how teacher leaders enrich schools and enhance educator professional practice. She affirms many of the same points that Goodman and Janatovich share in their article. As part of her dissertation journey, Hornberger had the opportunity to interview many teachers, bringing their stories of professional growth to light. She also charges leaders with encouraging those within whom we see leadership potential to take that next step!
Our colleague, Julie Gulley, writes that her students are her purpose and shares her two-year journey of intentionally connecting with her students through a student leadership team. Dr. Mary Crabtree also affirms the priority of students stating, “magic happens when lessons are in tune with the learner.” She challenges us to “bring it” each and every day for our kids. Paul Hohlbein inquires about the magic that causes one to be an educator. He builds a good case that it is the collective belief that education builds the future one student at a time. I note a theme of student-centered purpose emerging from our authors.
I know that many of you now have early childhood programs within your schools for which you are responsible. If so, I encourage you to read Ann Connelly’s article, “Early Childhood Education Resources,” which provides links and information for your use.
Do you agree with Simon Sinek who said, “If a movement is to have an impact it must belong to those who join it, not just those who lead it?” Jack Hunter does! Hunter is the principal at Chase STEMM Academy in Toledo, Ohio, an ODE-designated School of Momentum. Read his school’s journey as they shifted the learning process in mathematics from teacher-directed instruction to the gradual release of teacher control. I was also excited to read Hunter’s reference to Dr. Lisa Hinkelman’s book, Girl Without Limits, as Hinkelman is one of the keynote speakers for our upcoming March 4-5, 2020 conference, Elevate: Women on the Rise!
OAESA exists to passionately advocate for our members, and I suggest you review Barbara Shaner’s article about the newly elected 133rd Ohio General Assembly. OAESA Board members, Mark Jones, Barbara, and I had the privilege of again representing you in Washington, D.C. during NAESP’s National Leaders Conference. We met with representatives from several Ohio legislative offices.
Paul Young also has been influenced by the work of Simon Sinek, citing Sinek’s much-watched TED talk describing the search for the “why” as what drives us to do what we do—better. I loved Young’s analogy of magicians to principals. Read his bulleted list, and I’ll bet you see yourself and your colleagues.
How do we do the magic we do at OAESA? With all of you, of course! We are giving a special shout out and appreciation to our many members of OAESA’s six Service Teams (page 14) and the wonderful OAESA Board of Directors (page 6)!
I was thrilled to see that many of our authors wrote about the power of collaboration and teacher leadership. As a former teacher leader myself, I believe in the impact and power of teacher leadership— formal or informal. I believe teacher leadership is underutilized and
A special thank you to the OAESA members who did our book reviews for this issue. You will find both children’s books and professional books reviewed for your reference. OAESA attorney, Dennis Pergram, provides timely information on non-renewals, reductions in forces, and termination in the Legal Report.
Like what you’re reading? Then be sure to attend the OAESA Annual Professional Conference. When applicable, we have noted conference presenters, clinic titles, and session times alongside the article.
Happy Reading! I hope to see you at the conference. Julie Davis, Ed.D. OAESA Executive Director spring 2019
3
