Leadership Matters April 2015

for women who are already ‘filling the seat.’ “ The concept of the institute had humble beginnings as Collins and Harrison-Williams submitted a proposal to do a 55- response was overwhelming and the presentation grew the next year to a half day, then a full day. Even that was not enough to quench the thirst for knowledge and information. “We realized there was a void out there and we knew we had to do something more because there just is not enough support to fill the need,” Harrison- Williams said. So the idea for the three-day institute in Illinois was born. They received twice as many applications as the 35 slots they had available. They increased the number of slots to minute presentation at the NABSE Conference. The

Another 2014 attendee, Dr. Sophia Jones- Redmond, is Director of Special Services for the Harvey School District. She said she continues to reflect on what she learned last summer. “The institute was the best professional development I have ever received,” Jones-Redmond said. “I left with a regained sense of confidence and

40 and still have not been able to meet the demand. Though the institute is sponsored by NABSE and the focus is on African American superintendents, each year the attendees have included other minorities and Caucasians. The support does not end when the institute draws to a close. Attendees are guaranteed a sitting superintendent as a mentor for at least a year. The goal is not just to

tenacity. I also left with support from my peers and a year of mentorship from a serving superintendent. I can call her at any time She characterized the three days as “lovely and kind – yet totally about the business of making sure we left the institute prepared in all areas.” She said and this was the biggest gift of all.”

“The institute was the best professional development I have ever received. I left with a

produce superintendents, but to give them the tools and support to be successful. “I gained knowledge on interviewing skills, effective leadership skills, and learned strategies to achieve the position of superintendent. I also gained knowledge and a clear vision of the expectations of becoming a superintendent,” said April C. Davis, a principal

regained sense of confidence and tenacity. I also left with support from my peers and a year of mentorship from a serving superintendent. I can call her at any time and this was the biggest gift of all.” -- Harvey School District Director of Special Services Dr. Sophia Jones-Redmond, a 2014 attendee of the Institute

the session on resumes was

especially impactful as she learned how to condense her nine-page resume into a document that would have a better chance of getting fully reviewed. “My resume is now two pages and I have had

at Diekman Elementary School in Calumet City, a 2014 attendee who is exploring doctoral programs and continuing to attend workshops and conferences. “My goal is to become better prepared for the role of superintendent when I am afforded that opportunity.”

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