United ISD Is Making Good Decisions Based on Good Data
The sky’s the limit when districts make instructional decisions based on accurate, actionable assessment data. United ISD experienced the impact of using i-Ready data to guide instruction when they began using it in the 2022–2023 school year. They saw positive changes—not only in the students—but also in the teachers.
“We love being able to make good decisions based on good data from i-Ready.”
—Emma Leza, Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, United ISD
Read about how United ISD uses i-Ready to promote growth and enhance instruction.
Texas Elementary Principals & Supervisors Association
Cindy Tierney President-Emeritus, Lufkin ISD
Cooper Hilton President-Elect, Coppell ISD
Dana Harley Boyd Vice President, El Paso ISD
Gerrie Spellmann Member At-Large, Alamo Heights ISD
Jaci Underwood Member At-Large, Lubbock ISD
Annette Sanchez NAESP Representative, Beeville ISD
Harley Eckhart TEPSA Executive Director
Standing Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs
Elodia Witterstaetter Advocacy Chair, Texarkana ISD
Magdalena Garcia Advocacy Vice Chair, Grand Prairie ISD
Veronica Delgado Membership, Marketing & PR Chair, Crowley ISD
Lorena Carrasco Membership, Marketing & PR Vice Chair, Pasadena ISD
LaToya Patterson Programs & Services Chair, Spring ISD
Lindsey Clayborn Programs & Services Vice Chair, San Benito CISD
Yolanda Delaney Nominating Committee Chair, Canyon ISD
Julie Gauthier Nominating Committee Vice Chair, Port Neches-Groves ISD
Region Presidents
Nora Lamas La Feria ISD (1)
Lori Maldonado London ISD (2)
Yasmina St. Jean Victoria ISD (3)
Rachelle Ysquierdo Sheldon ISD (4)
Jennifer Fisher Silsbee ISD (5)
Donna Bairrington College Station ISD (6)
Brittany Eldred Quitman ISD (7)
Liliana Luna Texarkana ISD (8)
Jared Jacobs Wichita Falls ISD (9)
Erin Whisenhunt Grand Prairie ISD (10)
Celina Goss Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD (11)
Carol Whitley Rogers ISD (12)
SueAnna Thomas Wimberley ISD (13)
Alana McClure Jim Ned CISD (14)
Curt McKneely Miles ISD (15)
Amy Meek Canyon ISD (16)
Amy Estrada Idalou ISD (17)
Maxine Barrera Gonzales Midland ISD (18)
Jonathan Flores Socorro ISD (19)
Associate Executive Director for Marketing & Communications
Heather
Belinda
Todd
What an honor and a privilege it has been to serve as the president for this dynamic association! Serving in this capacity has afforded me the opportunity to meet great friends and network with other school and district leaders across our great state and nation. In addition, I have had multiple opportunities to gain knowledge and grow my skills and abilities as a leader. My involvement in this association is one of the major highlights of my career!
As you know, the presidential theme this year was “Ride the Wave.” In our organizations, we sometimes need to guide our teams through stormy seas. These situations enable us to build our capacity as leaders, as illustrated in the following quote:
A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.
-Franklin D. Roosevelt
This year, each of the TEPSA News articles focused on a strategy that successful individuals utilize to thrive in the face of adversity. These strategies are summarized below.
Exceptional leaders:
• embrace change as they navigate through difficult situations.
• communicate effectively through active listening and by using clear and concise language.
• remain focused by reflecting on professional and/or personal goals, prioritizing tasks, and taking regular, short breaks throughout the day.
• display adaptability by reviewing progress, focusing the team, and aligning the actions of the team with the goals of the organization.
• build resilience as they focus on gratitude, prioritize kindness, and engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation.
The final characteristic that we will focus on is fostering collaboration. We have heard it said that the smartest person in the room is the room itself, and there is no greater truth! Inviting feedback illustrates that you value the opinions of others and provides additional insight into the perspective of those around you. Collaboration facilitates well informed decisions and inspires teamwork within the organization.
As I draft my last article as president, I encourage each of you to get involved with TEPSA in your region. This could include attending regional TEPSA events, networking with others, or recruiting future members in your area. Make sure you attend the Region Meetups during Summer Conference on June 13. This will be a wonderful opportunity to connect with others in your region. The success of TEPSA relies on strong, supportive leadership at the regional level.
Ride the wave, y’all!
TEPSA News TEPSA President-Emeritus/Cindy Tierney
regions coincide
regional
Staff Harley Eckhart Executive Director Joni Carlson Director of
& Governance Cecilia Cortez Marketing & Communications Manager Kristina Jaimes Exhibits & Student Leadership Manager Anita Jiles
Amy Malone Comal ISD (20) TEPSA
with
education service center boundaries.
Events
Trae Kendrick Chief Operating Officer
Coordinator
Elizabeth Kernan Membership Services
Loomis
Events Services Coordinator
Neal Associate
for Instruction
Executive Director
Nesloney Director of
& Strategic Leadership
Silvas Web Content Specialist
Terry Deputy Executive Director TEPSA News Published six times a year by Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association. Subscription is included in TEPSA membership dues. Postage paid at Austin, Texas. Articles may be reproduced by TEPSA members without written request, provided that duplication is for an educational purpose at a nonprofit institution; copies are available without charge; and each copy includes full citation of the source. Copyright © 2024 by the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association Contact TEPSA 501 East 10th Street Austin, TX 78701 512-478-5268 800-252-3621 Fax: 512-478-1502 www.tepsa.org Follow on social media @TEPSAtalk Executive Committee
Culture
Louis
Mark
The Importance of Rest and Ways to Give Your Brain a Break continued
from page 1
Three Ways to Give Your Brain a Break During the Workday
1. Don’t eat at your desk during your lunch break. To help give your brain a break during the workday, make sure to actually take your lunch break—without eating at your desk.
Studies show that prolonged sitting leads to a heightened risk of heart disease, stroke, and other physical and mental health issues. However, one survey shows that individuals who take a lunch break away from their desk are happier with their jobs and feel more productive at work.
Plus, eating lunch at your desk means you’re more likely to respond to any incoming work-related tasks versus actually taking the time for yourself. It also becomes harder to pay attention to what you’re eating, which can lead to the potential to overeat or feel hungrier earlier in the afternoon.
Ways to take a more mindful lunch break:
• Use part of your lunch break to take a quick walk around the block or a nearby park.
• Dine at a nearby cafe or restaurant instead of your office.
• Grab a bite with a coworker in the break room (without talking about work).
• Silence work-related notifications during your lunch break.
• Read a book or listen to a podcast instead of doom scrolling on your phone.
2. Schedule smaller breaks throughout your workday. To ensure you have adequate time to rest during the workday, it can be helpful to schedule short breaks ahead of time.
Whether it’s a quick stroll around your neighborhood or office or calling a friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with, try to take a short break every 90 minutes or so in order to provide your brain with a break and enhance productivity once you return to work.
How to schedule time for breaks into your workday:
• Identify common milestones throughout your workday to set yourself up for success. For example, take a break every time you finish responding to all the emails in your inbox or after a recurring weekly meeting.
• If you have back-to-back meetings all day, set the expectation that you’ll need to hop off 5 to 10 minutes early to provide you with a much-needed moment of peace before your next commitment.
• For any meetings you schedule going forward, try to set them for 25 instead of 30 minutes or 50 minutes instead of 1 hour.
3. Actively rest during breaks from work.
When you actively rest your brain, you avoid focusing heavily on certain thoughts or tackling complex tasks related to your job or goals. So when you take a physical break from work, make sure you also take a mental one by leaving any work-related thoughts at your desk.
Of course, they will certainly be waiting for you once you return—but actively resting your brain will help you tackle them head on.
How to unplug from the workday and practice active resting:
• Set clear boundaries for the start and end of your work day and do what you can to schedule and stick to breaks. To unplug and help signal to your brain that you’re done working, you can try creating a relaxing routine that you follow at the end of each workday, such as taking a walk, journaling, or exercising.
• Silence all work-related notifications during breaks or the end of the workday.
• Practice mindfulness by meditating and focusing on your breath and bodily sensations.
Final Thoughts on the Importance of Rest and Ways to Give Your Brain a Break
When you have limited free time, you have to schedule it in—or else your mental well-being will pay for it down the line.
So as you move throughout your workdays and embark on your plans for the new school year, may you find more rest, relaxation, and time for yourself.
Anne Grady is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, and an expert in building resilient teams, leaders, and organizations. She is a two-time TEDx speaker, trainer, survivor, optimist, and inspirer. She is featured in Harvard Business Review, Entrepreneur, Forbes, Fast Company, SUCCESS Magazine, and more.
Learn more from Anne during her keynote "Resilience Reset" at the TEPSA Summer Conference June 12-14 in Round Rock. Visit tepsa.org for details!
Reprinted with permission from Anne Grady. Copyright Anne Grady Group. This article originally appeared on the Anne Grady Group blog at https://www.annegradygroup. com/the-importance-of-rest-ways-to-give-your-brain-abreak-during-the-workday/
4 May/June 2024
Whether you’re an early-career or seasoned administrator, get the boost you need to advance your practice and enrich student learning. Featuring keynotes by Darryl Bellamy, Jr., Anne Grady and Drum Cafe.
TEPSA Summer Conference
June 12-14, 2024
Round Rock Kalahari
Conference: Member $489/Nonmember $728
Conference + Master Class: Member $738/ Nonmember $1,027
Learn with Experts During Master Classes
Explore AI, behavior, school culture, relationship building, stress management, sustaining success, and creating high performing teams. Separate fee applies.
Scan QR code or visit tepsa.org to learn more and register!
More than 100 sessions on trending topics. Interactive exhibit hall with the latest educational products and services. Fun opportunities to build your professional network and more! Special Thanks
TEPSA News 5
Leslie Garakani, EdD
Hayward R. Jean Stephanie McConnell
Tia McIntosh
Adam L. Saenz, PhD
Dan St. Romain
Ruby K. Payne, PhD
Anne Grady Resilience Expert and Author Drum Cafe
Darryl Bellamy Jr., Fearless Inside Founder
Save the Dates and Budget Now for 2024-2025
To help you plan your budget, below are TEPSA membership and event fees for the upcoming year.
2024-2025 Membership
• Basic: $376
• Comprehensive: $426
• Aspiring: $99
• Associate: $199
• Retired: $299
• TEPSA/NAESP: $685
TEPSA Summer Conference
June 10-12, 2025
Round Rock Kalahari
Member Conference Rate: $499
Member Conference + Master Class: $748
TEPSA School Leadership Academies
An entire year of continuous support from masterlevel administrators. Creative and customizable packaging to fit your specific budget needs. See page 14 for more information.
TEPSA Leadership Edge Series
Earn CPE credits at your own pace with short PD modules available on-demand. Presented by leading practitioners Danieli Parker and Cristi Parsons, the modules include self-paced video training and motivation and tools sent directly to your inbox. Fee includes on-demand access to modules until April 30, 2025.
• Member – $299
• Nonmember – $499
Caissa K12 Customer Service Training
Train your front office staff with online customer service training designed especially for schools.
• Member – $209
• Nonmember – $299
Learn more https://bit.ly/3vvBUpP
How to Host a “Masked Reader” Event at Your Campus
This past fall, I received a great opportunity to organize and host a “Masked Reader” event at our campus to accompany our Family Literacy Night. I knew I was on to something, but I had no idea what a hit it would be with students, their families, and staff alike, so much so that I have been asked to host another Masked Reader event this school year. I look forward to hosting Part II! If you are interested in hosting a Masked Reader event at your campus, check out the necessary steps and lessons I learned below.
1. Secure a date, time, and location that can accommodate a large group of students, their families, and school staff members. Also, ensure that this location has good acoustics, and preferably, a sound system. Pro Tip: You may want to check out the show “Masked Singer” to get an understanding of what the “Masked Reader” event was patterned after.
2. Make a cool flyer to create hype around the event. The Microsoft Word “Mardi Gras” template came in clutch here, but you can also find great templates via
Canva. Pro Tip: You may want to send out the following link with your flyer to give your Masked Reader invitees a gist of what the event is: https://bit. ly/48YKcVz
3. Choose a mixture of school district leaders, community members, and campus staff to be Masked Readers and invite them to participate using your flyer. This is a great opportunity to engage your school board members and site-based decision-making team. I found the sweet spot number of Masked Readers is 3-5. Let the Masked Readers choose their favorite book to read aloud as well as their costume, with the caveat that the costume is student-friendly and covers them completely, making it more challenging to guess who they are. Lesson Learned: Invite 1-2 back up Masked Readers if one of the other participants gets sick or has a family emergency.
4. Once all Masked Readers have been confirmed, develop a clue package for each Masked Reader with 3-4 visuals that will help students, their
) page 8
TEPSA News 7
Guest Column/Kadoria Burgess
Photo: The unveiling of Masked Reader #1, Fort Worth ISD Board Member Wallace Bridges. Photo courtesy of Fort Worth ISD Media & Communications.
Guest Column continued from page 7
families, and staff members guess who the Masked Reader is. If the Masked Reader participant is not as well-known by the campus, find easier clues that can point more directly towards the participant, and if the Masked Reader participant is well-known, go more abstract. Post these clues on all your social media accounts as well as announce them during morning announcements the week leading up to the Masked Reader event. You may even send the clues via phone and email blast to create even more hype and curiosity.
5. The night of the Masked Reader event, be sure to have a table set up for all Masked Readers to sit while reading and a screen one can use to project the clue package for each Masked Reader before, during, and after reading their book aloud. Lesson Learned: Because some costumes are more elaborate, you may need an amplifier device to help increase the volume of the read aloud. Also, if you can do so, you may want to project a copy of the cover of the book and pages being read aloud to ensure that the literacy focus is at the forefront.
6. After each Masked Reader has read their book aloud, review their clue package and go to the audi-
ence and select a few different individuals, including students, family members, and staff, to guess who they think the Masked Reader is. Be ready for some interesting guesses!
7. After a few guesses, ask the Masked Reader to unveil him or herself as well as share a few words about his or her book that was read aloud and anything else they would like to share with the school community.
8. Enjoy the laughter, joy, and excitement around reading that the Masked Reader event brings to your campus!
TEPSA member Kadoria Burgess is a passionate and equity-focused Assistant Principal in Fort Worth ISD. She loves being a lead-learner, supporting student and teacher learning, and engaging families in the education of their students.
8 May/June 2024
Dynamic Duos: Principal and Assistant Principal Team
Batman and Robin. Mario and Luigi. Woody and Buzz. These dynamic duos are composed of two people with unique traits that create positive and influential results when they work together. In the field of education, there is no better duo than the Principal and Assistant Principal. They stand by each other's side through the challenges and successes of their school community.
As a principal/assistant principal duo, we've been asked, “How do y’all do what you do?” In an environment where students and teachers are the priority, we choose to support one another to ensure a solid foundation and strive for the same goal each day.
A working relationship entails respecting boundaries and understanding your own responsibilities. There are instances where needs on campus are urgent and all other priorities for the day have to be set aside. Managing crisis or priorities comes with an understanding that teamwork can solidify the end goal. During times when a situation may require one or the other's undivided attention, one of us may have to quickly pivot to juggle multiple priorities.
Another important component of a successful working relationship is acknowledging the importance of our
personal lives. Many extracurricular activities turn into family gatherings. When you’re able to create a friendship, it creates a stronger bond, as family does. This allows us to show appreciation and understanding that those extra long hours are a family effort too.
Dynamic duo and TEPSA members, Lindsey Clayborn and Dr. Reynaldo Rodriguez, serve as Assistant Principal and Principal, respectfully, in South Texas ISD. They have both served on the TEPSA Region 1 Board. Lindsey is the current vice chair of the Programs and Services Committee.
TEPSA News 9
Notes from the Field/Reynaldo Rodriguez, EdD and Lindsey Clayborn
Election Dos and Don’ts
In February 2024, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued two elementary principals in Denton ISD for allegedly violating state election laws.1 He also sued the Castleberry ISD superintendent, Aledo ISD, Denison ISD, Denton ISD, Frisco ISD, Huffman ISD, Hutto ISD (and possibly others since the time this article was written), all for allegedly violating state election laws.2 What are the issues involved in these cases and how can you avoid being the next target of the Texas A.G.?
Why Did the A.G. Sue These Employees and School Districts?
The lawsuits allege that school employees, or the school districts themselves through their social media posts, unlawfully used public funds to campaign for a candidate or a ballot measure. In state law this is called “electioneering,” and it is a jailable misdemeanor, although the A.G.’s suits are civil, not criminal.3 The allegations in these cases involve the contentious issue of school vouchers, where public school funds would be used to finance private schools, a very important issue to Governor Greg Abbott. When vouchers failed to pass in the regular session in 2023, and failed again in several subsequent special sessions, the governor promised to campaign against fellow Republicans in their primary elections who refused to support the voucher legislation.
It was during the March 2024 primary season when some school employees sent emails encouraging fellow staff members to vote to “support public schools,”
showing a list of candidates who do or do not support public education funding. Hutto ISD posted on social media a statement saying, “For every 100 Hippos lost to [vouchers], Hutto ISD could face a $1.15 million decrease in [funding.]”⁴ The cases above involve some variation on this theme.
An Aside About School Bond Issues
Let’s put aside contentious state politics for a moment and talk about school bond elections, because this is usually the place where school employees and districts get into trouble. It is obvious that a school board wants the bond issue to pass, but the board and its employees must be careful in its messaging to the public and to each other. The board may use public funds to produce and distribute strictly factual information (e.g., flyers, mailers, billboards, etc.) about the bond package, but it may not use public funds to campaign for or against the bond. That is best done by a private political action committee using private funds.
Here is what the law says:
An officer or employee of a [school district] may not knowingly spend or authorize the spending of public funds [to support a candidate or ballot measure]. [This] does not apply to a communication that factually describes the purposes of a measure if the communication does not advocate passage or defeat of the measure.⁵
10 May/June 2024 Legal Ease/Kevin Lungwitz
In a recent case, a superintendent told the principals to send an email to staff: 1. To remind them to vote; and 2. To encourage them to vote for the bond. It’s the second part of this directive that is problematic. When the principals followed the directive, they were subjected to an unnerving TEA disciplinary investigation. Though the principals were eventually absolved of wrongdoing, it is best to avoid this activity in the first place.
May a Public School Employee Send an Email Encouraging Others to Vote for a Candidate or Ballot Measure?
Of course, we are talking about using school district time and equipment, not whether you can do these things from home. Short answer: Maybe. Longer answer: It is problematic, so just don’t do it.
The Texas Ethics Commission, charged with enforcing election laws, apparently got tired of complaints involving emails. So, they passed a rule exempting “an individual … email or text message” from the scope of the law that prohibits using public funds to electioneer.⁶ As a practical matter, public employees send emails and text messages the way we used to chat in a breakroom, and breakroom talk is still legal. It may be legally defensible to send an email from your public computer to one or two friends saying, “Vote for this candidate or for the bond,” because there is no more calculable public funding that can be attributed to these emails than there would be for a quick phone call or breakroom chat with those same people. Note, however, it is illegal to send public emails to campaign if the cost of the emails surpasses normal tech and staff costs; meaning, don’t run a campaign operation from your public position. Also, beyond the election code prohibitions, there is another layer of educator ethics involved when a supervisor “directs” subordinates to vote for or against a candidate or ballot measure that you must avoid.
Is Asking People to “Vote for Public Education” Considered Electioneering?
Recall it is only illegal to use public funds to support a specific candidate or a specific ballot measure. “Vote For Public Education” is neither. But these days, a politician’s support for public education, or lack thereof, can be a defining trait. This makes the once generic and patriotic battle cry, “Support Public Education!” sound oddly issue or candidate specific. This, in turn, is likely to draw the attention of the Texas Attorney General as it did in the cases mentioned above. Was Hutto ISD in violation of the electioneer-
ing laws when it published facts about how vouchers would hurt its funding? In this author's opinion, not likely, because vouchers were not on the ballot, only candidates; and Hutto ISD did not say to vote for or against a specific candidate. But since the candidates’ positions on vouchers more or less defined the recent primary season, Hutto’s message certainly rubbed some important people the wrong way.
Conclusion
Here is the take-away: Do all of your campaigning [“electioneering”] at home, on your own time, from your own computer, phone, yard sign, etc. You have a First Amendment right to be politically involved. You just can’t use any public resource or your public position to do so. Finally, you and your staff should not wear candidate or issue buttons to work, but you can wear “I voted” stickers, and you should encourage others to go vote.
Endnotes
Learn more from Kevin at the TEPSA Summer Conference June 12-14 in Round Rock. Visit tepsa.org for details.
1Mohamed, Ikram, February 23, 2024, “Texas AG Ken Paxton sues Denton principals for electioneering on district emails,” Texas Tribune, [https://www.texastribune. org/2024/02/23/ken-paxton-sue-denton-isd-texas/] 2Attorney General Ken Paxton press release: “Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues Two More Texas School Districts for Illegal Electioneering,” February 29, 2024. 3Tex. Elec. Code Sec. 255.003(a); Sec. 251.001(16) & (19).
⁴Al-Shaikh, Sarah, March 5, 2024, “Texas AG Ken Paxton sues Hutto ISD for ‘illegal electioneering’” KXAN News, [https:// www.kxan.com/news/local/williamson-county/texas-agken-paxton-sues-hutto-isd-for-illegal-electioneering/] ⁵Tex. Elec. Code Sec. 255.003(a), paraphrased and brackets added for clarity.
⁶1 Texas Admin. Code §20.1 (1) & (11)
Note: Information from Legal Ease is believed to be correct upon publication but is not warranted and should not be considered legal advice. Please contact TEPSA or your school district attorney before taking any legal action as specific facts or circumstances may cause a different legal outcome.
TEPSA News 11
Kevin Lungwitz practices law in Austin and is a former Chair of the School Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.
Empowering Principals: Navigating End-of-Year Challenges and Cultivating Success
Supporting Principals at the End of the School Year
Our purpose as area chiefs is to support our principals in all aspects of school leadership, such as building an inclusive, safe campus culture and fostering a strong sense of support for teaching and learning. Most importantly, we want our principals to feel valued and empowered, and we want them to be challenged to grow and achieve their professional goals. Throughout the year, we prioritize spending time on campuses with our principals. This results in a strong professional connection.
Because we regularly spend time with principals, we have an opportunity to become familiar with their distinctive campus dynamics. This knowledge is the basis of the meaningful, personal support we provide. This support model translates to principal efficacy and overall growth of staff and students at each of our schools.
EOY Conversations with Principals
During the spring semester, we have sustained conversations with principals about high-yield leadership strategies that align with high expectations and school accountability goals. In our role as support staff for principals, we focus on providing targeted experiences, professional development, and opportunities for personal learning. The individualized approach we use strengthens principals’ leadership capacity by helping them reflect, set goals, focus on restoration, and grow through change.
Reflecting
One of our most important end-of-year tasks is to guide principals in reflecting on the current school year. The support we provide principals during the year can vary, but a strong emphasis on self-reflection can lay the foundation for greater success in the next school year. As the end of the school year approaches, we have targeted conversations with our principals about the personal leadership skills they have exhibited up to that point; we also discuss other components of instructional management and areas of focus that will contribute to school success for the following year. You might say that we are the blinking light in our principals’ blind spot, alerting them to leadership skills that need strengthening, based on our observations and the interactions we have had with them. These end-of-year conversations are not meant to simply point out the need to improve; they are about awareness and collaborating to create a support system that fosters ongoing growth. Simply put, the goal is to strengthen leadership skills so principals can experience increased success as they go forward in their careers.
Setting Goals
At the end of every school year, it is important to work with our principals as they set goals for the next year. Some of these goals are geared toward professional growth, such as specific leadership skills. They can also be centered on soft skills such as developing
12 May/June 2024
in
The "S"
TEPSA/Alisha Crumley and Suzy Meyer, EdD
relational capacity or building resilience—no doubt one of the most important skills in today’s educational environment. Conversations about the need for selfreflection can also help principals set goals in the area of student and teacher growth such as curriculum management or school culture. Connecting campus leaders’ goals for success and tailoring support systems to their distinctive needs are the pinnacle of our work as supervisors of strong leaders.
Focusing on Restoration
We believe being a principal is one of the most difficult jobs in public education. As supervisors, we emphasize the importance of taking time during the summer break for both personal and professional restoration. Of course, we encourage our principals to seek out those unique activities that bring them personal, physical, and mental renewal. We also promote activities that will renew and reset the relationships and dynamics within their campus leadership teams. Our intent is not only to support a happy, healthy lifestyle for leaders throughout the school year, but to support a balance between home and school. We believe focusing on balance and restoration will have a decidedly positive effect on school culture.
Growing through Change
Educators know one constant in education is change. Every summer brings significant changes, including staffing, district and campus leadership changes, policy changes, and more. We believe an important part of leadership is walking towards change with positivity and courage, accepting and embracing the responsibility of leading change, and being resilient in the face of obstacles. We support school leaders through change by modeling timely, accurate communication, showing we understand the effects of change, helping manage the anxiety that accompanies change, and providing opportunities for questions and input along the way. Patience and trust are key components in adjusting to change, and we seek to provide those to our principals.
Campus leaders who embrace change discover who they really are as leaders. This is true because change takes them out of their comfort zones and into the zone of learning and growth. Leaders who can successfully manage change can propel their organization forward and accelerate their professional growth. A leader's response to change does not go unnoticed by school stakeholders. That response can provide a sense of security through change, or it can amplify anxiety. Our responsibility as supervisors of campus
leaders is to determine levels of support for each principal and to help him or her navigate change.
Conclusion
As area chiefs of school leadership, our mission is to provide unwavering support to our principals, especially as they navigate the complexities of the end of the school year. We believe in cultivating inclusive, safe campus cultures while empowering principals to cultivate environments that are conducive to teaching and learning. Our primary goal is to ensure our principals feel valued, empowered, and challenged to grow both personally and professionally. We recognize the challenges inherent in the principalship role, and we emphasize the importance of restoration, encouraging principals to prioritize personal and professional rejuvenation during the summer months. Additionally, we help campus leaders embrace change with courage and resilience, modeling effective communication, understanding, and patience throughout the process. In essence, our collaborative efforts with principals at the end of the school year lay the foundation for continued success in the subsequent academic year. We provide targeted support by cultivating reflection, setting meaningful goals, promoting restoration, and navigating change. We strive to empower our principals to lead with confidence and effectiveness, ultimately fostering thriving school communities.
Longtime TEPSA members
Alisha Crumley and Dr. Suzy Meyer are Area Chiefs of School Leadership in Grand Prairie ISD. Together, they bring an impressive 61 years of combined service to Texas public schools, with 51 of those years dedicated specifically to roles as campus administrators.
In their capacity, Mrs. Crumley and Dr. Meyer are tasked with providing comprehensive support to campus principals, guiding them in leadership development, effective campus management, and assisting them in achieving their professional aspirations. They are recognized for their unwavering commitment to nurturing school leaders, their steadfast dedication to ensuring student success, and their tireless efforts in establishing robust district processes and support systems.
TEPSA News 13
A Life Worth Living*…Lessons Learned From Mr. Smith Professional
Do you remember your elementary school principal? Were they a somewhat frightening disciplinarian and authority figure, a keeper of the building and the books, a rarely visible figurehead, or an inspiration?
I’ll answer my own question. I remember my elementary school principal, David E. Smith, and I remain inspired by him to this day. I was a painfully shy, asthmatic first grader when I entered Browning Heights Elementary School in the Birdville ISD in Haltom City in the 1950s. Each day after recess I literally held my breath hoping no one would hear my wheezing and send me home because school was where I wanted most to be.
Mr. Smith was a big reason why I loved school. I can picture him standing at the front door each morning, smiling and greeting us all by name. I remember his visits to my classroom and the way my second grade teacher Mrs. Austin smiled and stood up straighter when she saw him. I recall special occasions when he read to us and shared his love of learning. Many years later, I was thrilled to share the news with him that I had become a principal, and that I aspired to be just like him.
After Mr. Smith served as principal of Browning Heights Elementary for 34 (!!!) years, he retired from the position and was honored when his school was renamed for him. It’s been my great good fortune to keep in touch with him for all these years, and I write this article to honor and to celebrate him.
In a recent conversation, I asked him what words describe an exemplary principal. Without hesitation, he listed “dedication, compassion, common sense, empathy, honesty, kindness, and understanding”. Mr. Smith led in the days before STAAR, PLCs, the pandemic, and vouchers—yet it seems the attributes he shared are just as vital today as they were then.
When asked what advice he’d give to current school leaders, he said “be yourself” and “try to always think before you speak.” He suggested that, when dealing with teachers, leaders should “always be upfront, let them know how you feel about the school and make sure you explain why you are making the decision you chose.” Finally, he affirmed that principals should
Karen Bessette with her elementary principal, David E. Smith, standing in front of Smith's school just before it was demolished to build a new one.
always show the students and teachers they are loved. His words of wisdom make perfect sense to me.
Years ago Mr. Smith understood the importance of belonging to a professional organization. His name is displayed at the TEPSA office on a plaque listing the life members, and he reminisces about attending conferences and connecting with colleagues. As a genuine lifelong learner, he continues to stay abreast of the news in education. I am proud that we share this TEPSA affiliation.
Mr. Smith could never have foreseen the demands and challenges that school leaders face today; however, he remains an inspiration to me and a lasting example of what a principal should be. What lessons have you learned from mentors? And more importantly…what lessons are your students and teachers learning from you?
*A Life Worth Living is the name of the book Mr. Smith wrote about his extraordinary career and life.
Karen Bessette is a longtime TEPSAN and former TEPSA State President. She serves as a Principal Coach in Northside ISD.
TEPSA News 15
Legacy:
of Wisdom/Karen Bessette
Words
Lead from the Heart/Todd Nesloney and Ross Braun
You Did It!
Let’s take a minute and talk about YOU! As school administrators, we spend so much time, energy and effort pouring into everyone else but ourselves. We spend extra hours prepping to make sure things are just right for everyone, lose sleep at night stressing about others’ situations and pour into those we serve with so much passion.
You do those things because you care and want to be successful. Both of us (Todd & Ross) feel strongly about that topic and can talk for hours on ways to improve those conditions for you but that is not what this article is about. This article is all about YOU!
First, congratulations! You have made it to the end of the school year. If you are a first-year administrator, WAY TO GO! You just accomplished what was probably the most difficult year in your profession as an educator. Nothing can prepare you for that first year and all those firsts that come as a school leader. For all our veteran Texas administrators, WAY TO GO! Regardless of your years of experience, you just accomplished another school year. There is a special feeling of pride
and accomplishment when you wrap up a school year. We are proud of you, your leadership matters, and you have made a positive difference this year!
Now, let’s talk about your next couple months. We know everyone can be on different contracts but one thing we do know is you are going to have some time this summer where students are not in your building. We have a few tips, tricks and advice that will not only make you a better leader, but they will fill your bucket and make you a better person!
Here we go...
1. Turn off the principal brain. This can be a tough one! I see a lot of posts on FB groups and X about this. Principals are constantly asking, “How do you turn off the principal brain?!” Even though you may be on “summer break,” we know the never-ending to-do list and deadlines still exist and your phone still seems to ring non-stop. It is too easy to stay on-call 24/7, constantly worry about school and focusing on the next task. This constant
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principal mode will leave you burned out, frustrated and simply not being your best. That’s why we think it is so important to turn off the principal brain! We recommend taking at least a week in the summer to do this! Zero school related calls, emails, or activities! If you can, take a vacation. Even if it’s not anywhere exciting for a whole week, get away for a couple days and soak up some time outside of the community you serve in. You will return rejuvenated with a fresh look at the upcoming school year. Then, for the remainder of the summer, make sure you are doing this on the weekends, too! Turn off the principal brain, and focus on you and your family!
2. Find a hobby/pursue a passion.
One of the quickest ways to burn out is to pour all of ourselves into our job and nothing into us. When we pursue, and make time for, things outside of our career it brings more joy and creativity into our lives and helps us at our jobs as well. Maybe that passion is something like gardening and all you begin with is one potted plant you work to grow and keep alive. Starting a hobby small is still starting a hobby.
3. Connect/attend a conference.
Attending conferences are one of the most underrated and impactful things you can do in your career. Not only do you get to continue your own learning, but it also affords you the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who are dealing with some of the same things you are. When you grow your own professional community, it gives you people to go to for ideas, to vent to, or just to walk alongside you through the difficult moments that only school leaders understand. (Pro Tip: The TEPSA Summer Conference brings together over 2,300 leaders in one place! Make sure you’ll be there June 12-14! And if you’re coming alone and don’t even know where to begin, find us because we’ll both be there!)
4. Prepare early and communicate intentionally.
This can be a game changer for you! Don’t wait until a few weeks before school starts to begin thinking about the upcoming school year. Instead, take a week off after your school year ends, then come back and tackle as much as you can for next school year. This includes any ordering of supplies, as many hires as possible, the school year calendar, and anything you can get done early. Next up is communicating inten-
tionally all summer! Don’t be that principal flooding emails over summer break! Your teachers deserve the time off, their contracts have them off, and you need the best version of them returning to school at the end of summer! IF you have important building or upcoming information to send them, do so once a month. I encourage you to make it fun and enjoyable when you do. Try an interactive newsletter or even shoot a short video. It’s also important to intentionally, and effectively, communicate with your custodial staff, maintenance department, and central office all summer. This is the time when your building gets a facelift, new equipment can be installed and your wishlist for next school year can be ordered. (Pro tip: Take care of your maintenance staff over the summer, too! My favorite thing was to grill burgers for them on Fridays during the summer!)
As always, those are four things that worked for us. Some were absolute game changers. Take our advice and make it work for you. We want you to be the best leader and person you can possibly be. Know that we are in your corner and are always willing to support you however we can. Don’t hesitate to reach out on social media, send us a message and connect. We will respond and support you the best we can.
Enjoy your summer! You’ve earned it.
Todd Nesloney is TEPSA’s Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership. He is an award-winning educator, author and international speaker.
Ross Braun is a former elementary principal who is passionate about supporting schools and leaders to ensure every child has a safe, loving and engaging learning environment. Ross is now the VP of Positive Education at Spring, Texas-based, School Life.
Meet and learn with Todd and Ross at the TEPSA Summer Conference June 12-14 in Round Rock. Visit tepsa.org for details!
TEPSA News 17
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