The Iowa Standards for School Leaders (ISSL)
STANDARD 1. MISSION, VISION, AND CORE VALUES
1.1 – Collaboratively design, communicate, and evaluate a district mission and vision designed to reflect a core set of values and priorities that include data use, technology, equity, diversity, digital citizenship, and community. 1.2 – Lead district strategic planning and continuous improvement processes that engage diverse stakeholders in data collection, diagnosis, design, implementation, and evaluation.
- I was the Educational Consultant Lead for the R2L Cyberbullying Prevention Work 2020. This work helped support Iowa Schools and Parents helping their children stay safe during the Covid Lockdowns.
- In partnership with our ESSA Plan for MS/HS Targeted Special Education Students with Math Goals, I have led the work and engaged with multiple stakeholders including parents, students, community members, special education teachers, AEA staff and administrators in the writing and updating our Special Education District Service Delivery Plan which will be completed November 2023.
STANDARD 2. ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL NORMS
Educational leaders act ethically and according to professional norms to promote each student’s academic success and well-being.
As the reality of the trauma and stress from the pandemic has become data-based evidence, it is now more important than ever that educational leaders are in tune with adult and student well-being. My colleagues have also stated that I maintain the highest level of integrity in all practices. I have included finance in this category.
- Drake EDL 288
- Provided Professional Development to Administrators, Certified & Uncertified Staff on how Trauma impacts students, how to reach them, teach them & collaborate with families. During this time in history, it is more important than ever as an educational leader, to train/support our teaching staff in how to effectively teach our students.
- Categorical Finances
STANDARD 3. EQUITY AND CULTURAL RESPONSIVENESS
Educational leaders strive for equity of educational opportunity and culturally responsive practices to promote each student’s academic success and well-being.
As a special education director, 504 Coordinator and certified bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct and discrimination trainer, this standard is outlined in my life's work.
STANDARD 4. CURRICULUM, INSTRUCTION, AND ASSESSMENT
Educational leaders develop and support intellectually rigorous and coherent systems of curriculum, instruction, and assessment to promote each student’s academic success and wellbeing.
As a leader, it is critical to be well-informed of research-based curriculum, instruction and assessment. Professional Learning is central to best practices for teachers and staff.
- EDL 287 - High Reliability Schools
- EDL 287 - Social Studies Curriculum Review Feedback, Iowa City Schools
- As Special Education Director for Midland, I helped write the ESSA Action Plan in collaboration w/Superintendent, AEA, Building Principal & ESSA Team
STANDARD 5. COMMUNITY OF CARE AND SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS
Educational leaders cultivate an inclusive, caring, and supportive school community that promotes the academic success and well-being of each student.
Creating a safe and supportive climate and culture starts and ends with leadership. As a leader, I am visible, community-minded and personable. I am also a responsible leader that is unashamed that I am there for kids and do not shy away from difficult conversations/events.
- Video demonstrating my work creating SEL Lessons to build Adult-Student Relationships
- Video training students on Cyberbullying: What it is, How to Prevent, How to Stand Up if you see, How to Report
- Introduction Letter as New Superintendent to the Midland Community School Community
STANDARD 6. PROFESSIONAL CAPACITY OF SCHOOL PERSONNEL
Educational leaders develop the professional capacity and practice of school personnel to promote each student’s academic success and well-being.
Academic success is meant for all students, not just some. I created an alternative high school, Quest in North Branch, Michigan that was totally "out of the box," and in 2007, it was rated the best Alternative High School in Michigan. It is still reaching students 20 years later!
STANDARD 7. PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY FOR TEACHERS AND STAFF
Educational leaders foster a professional community of teachers and other professional staff to promote each student’s academic success and well-being.
During the 2022-2023, I become a huge fan of the work by Patrick Lencioni. He writes books such as the "Five Dysfunctions of a Team," "Death by Meeting" and "The Advantage." I believe I am a better educational leader for the professional learning community.
STANDARD 8. MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT OF FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY
Educational leaders engage families and the community in meaningful, reciprocal, and mutually beneficial ways to promote each student’s academic success and well-being.
Iowa administrators are quickly learning that it is critical to listen, learn and collaborate with parents and caregivers of our students. I have demonstrated a long history of this mindset.
STANDARD 9. OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT
Educational leaders manage school operations and resources to promote each student’s academic success and well-being.
The Drake course on school finance was one of the more challenging experiences of my life. I love a challenge, and it was one of the best and most difficult experiences in my career.
- EDL 289 - Organization Management
- Trained Midland Staff on how to appropriately document & abide by new Chapter 103 Guidance; Created, Wrote Letters & Finalized all Documentation. Led Chapter 103 Meetings.
- Chapter 103 Letter
- Chapter 103 - Debriefing Meeting Outline
- Drake Finance Paper for Midland CSD
- Categorical Funds
STANDARD 10. SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT
Educational leaders act as agents of continuous improvement to promote each student’s academic success and well-being.
Quality Continuous Improvement - Plan, Do, Study, Act and the work of Edward Deming is a daily challenge to myself and to those I serve. We can always get better, do more and improve.