MEMSPA Region 3 News
Principals Leading Learning
Region 3...Connect at Klavon's
Tuesday, Oct 29, 2019, 05:30 PM
Klavon's of Vandercook - 1361 E McDevitt Ave, Jackson, MI 49203
Navigating the Sea of Leadership (October 2019)
Early in my career I heard people talk about the proverbial Admin Island. The whispers about, the loneliness of leadership.
I swore this wouldn't be the case with me. I wouldn't allow myself to become isolated. I've always been a team player and a person that enjoys connecting with others.
What I did to prevent myself from being shipwrecked on Admin Island were these three things:
First, I made a point of connecting with my administrative team. I'm grateful for those weekly meetings with Mike Ykimoff and Sue Haney as they talked me through conflicts, ultimatums, and dealing with discipline. Without Sue and Mike I'm not convinced I would have survived my first year. In addition to leaning on these two I also worked very close with Central Administration. I regularly reached out and asked for advice and support. Thank goodness I was blessed with such a supportive team of leaders.
Second, I pursued continuous learning. I read articles, blogs, and books that gave me ideas and insight into leadership. On the surface that doesn't necessarily sound like connecting.
I chose to take it to the next level. I used social media to connect with leaders that wrote the blogs, articles and books. By simply taking a chance and reaching out I hit the lottery with a number of new found friends. In fact, I still remember a quiet Saturday when my phone rang and Jimmy Casas was on the other end wanting to discuss blogs and leadership principles. I'm positive this would have never happened if I had not been willing to continuously push myself to learn.
Third, I took the advice of my Superintendent Mike Smajda. When I was hired we sat in his office and he encouraged me to get involved with MEMSPA. When he started talking I will admit, I really had no idea what MEMSPA was about. However, I trusted him and decided to follow his advice. I signed up as a member and then registered for my first conference. The first year I attended MEMSPA I felt like a deer in headlights. But thanks to Sue Haney and several welcoming leaders I quickly began making lifelong connections.
These three strategies have prevented me from "going it alone."
Yet if I'm honest, sometimes I still feel isolated. I've felt isolated when...
- There is a philosophical disagreement when dealing with Special Education.
- A State level decision leaves me feeling powerless.
- Decisions are made that leave me feeling very vulnerable as the building leader.
It's in these times that I'm forever grateful for the support of MEMSPA. I'm able to remind myself that I have people that will guide and support me in both good times and bad.
As your Region 3 President I've gotta ask...
Are you connecting with others? Are you Navigating the Sea of Leadership or are you shipwrecked on Admin Island?
Now is the best time to become a MEMSPA member. And I promise, if you join us in Traverse City for this years conference you will have a network of leaders that understand what you are dealing with and will be eager to build connections.
Information on Region 3:
President- Ben Gilpin, Western School District
Vice President - Jeremy Patterson, Jackson Public
Treasure & Legislative Committee - Matt Desmarais, Michigan Center
Secretary & Legislative Committee - Becky Hager, East Jackson
Board of Directors REP, Membership Chair, Basket Organizer - Marsha Davis, Onsted Schools
Professional Development - Jill Arcaro, Western School District
Middle Level - Alaina Ellison, Onsted SchoolsRegion 3 Gatherings for 2019-2020 School Year
Mark Your Calendar...
- October 29: Klavon's of Vandercook 5:30pm - 7:30pm
- December 4: MEMSPA Conference at Grand Traverse Resort (details coming soon)
- April 14: Artesian Wells appetizers and drinks with Paul Liabenow
- June 18: 5pm - 7pm Celebration - Grand River Brewery/Games/Bright Wall Tour