From the Desk of our Associate Executive Director

FROM THE DESK OF OAESA’S Associate Executive Director

Celebrating the Next Generation of Leadership

BY MARK JONES

Here’s the understatement of the year: “In these Perhaps this is why I am always so excited each spring to host our uncertain times, school administrators hold incredibly annual Preparing to Lead Institute for aspiring administrators. challenging jobs.” As true as that notion was before the Each year, these hopeful administrative candidates come in to coronavirus pandemic engulfed our this event wide-eyed and curious, society, it is even more apparent now than ever. I doubt there is a school “As I reflect on that but still eager to take on the responsibility of being a school principal in Ohio who hasn’t been told by a teacher or parent, “Boy, I sure group of hopeful leader. We do our very best to educate them on all the critical wouldn’t want your job!” administrators, aspects of the job, trying to set them up for success as they begin their Although I heard that sentiment new careers. And, we are careful expressed to me often, I was never quite sure how to respond to those recalling their passion, to present things in a realistic way, ensuring that each participant has comments. Were those statements meant to convince me that I had made their spirit, and a full understanding of both the potential challenges and essential a really poor career choice? The reality was that I loved my job as a school their commitment, skills needed to meet them. principal! Sure, assuming a leadership role requires one to shoulder additional I cannot be anything This year, the timing of the event could not have been more burdens that others are spared, but it also offers incredible rewards, too! other than optimistic relevant. Preparing to Lead was held Thursday, March 12, the very If you are a school principal, I am about the future day that Governor DeWine called for a statewide closure of our certain you understand exactly what schools beginning the following I mean. During my many years as a building administrator, I attempted to of our schools.” week. We urged the attendees to watch carefully, as the coming days, counter this notion in two ways. First, weeks, and months would provide I always wanted to portray the attitude of a “happy warrior.” countless examples of leadership from which they could take I definitely wasn’t oblivious to the many challenges in front many lessons. of me, but I wanted others to see me eagerly meeting each one, and confident in our collective ability to succeed. And As I reflect on that group of hopeful school administrators, second, I always tried to take a long-range view by intentionally recalling their passion, their spirit, and their commitment, I fostering the leadership potential in others. Specifically, I actively cannot be anything other than optimistic about the future of encouraged the most talented members of my staff to think our schools. Clearly, it is a reality worth celebrating! about becoming a school principal, too!