#UnitedWeLead: Principals on a Mission

This past June a team of MEMSPA board members collaborated and became solution seekers and fighter starters to ignite not only a purpose but also create a movement to support our members, educators, and students of color. This group of leaders, even in the midst of COVID, worked to find ways to collect tinder and kindling to fuel a very important fire for the year. 

Through this brainstorming and planning, an event was ignited. Following all of the safety protocols and guidelines, principals came together to learn about ourselves, our biases, and how to lead and foster courageous conversations around race. Principals from around the state brought their own courage, vulnerabilities, and passions to join the mission to be and create change--to support each other and our school communities in extinguishing injustice and cultivating equity.

Through climate adversity of the cold rain and wind, hope was built on the words of our Black colleagues who inspired us through opening, mid-day, and closing remarks. We learned to get into the good and necessary trouble as Michael Johnson inspired us with John Lewis's words. We were awaken by the words of Detra Fields as she reminded us of all of the injustices that are still present to this day. Lastly, we were moved to be change agents by Jeremy Patterson as he demonstrated you can create waves with the smallest ripple.

Ripple was my word for the day, as we started out in small, masked, and socially-distanced groups/circles under tents around the MEMSPA property. I was hoping the day would create a ripple that would take leaders back to their buildings with confidence and tools to not forget about the important work we need to do even in the midst of COVID, virtual and remote learning, and other restrictions. This work cannot wait. 

The focus of the day was to provide experiences about self exploration and give a platform for having difficult, courageous, and honest conversations. We ended our day with commitments to continue this work. The heat from what we started that day is proof that #UnitedWeLead and #TogetherWeCan. 

#MEMSPA19 Superhero Conference: Super Epic

Wow! What a conference....the best one yet. I have been so fortunate to be a part of the Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association, and serve on the board for the past six years. It was thirteen years ago where I connected with now president, Michelle Allen, who took me in and truly made me feel like I didn't make the biggest career mistake by taking on the principalship. Fast forward to the present day, and the entire MEMSPA family (office staff, our amazing executive director, the board, our LM facilitators/coaches, my region leadership, and the entire amazing network of members continue to inspire me to be a better leader. I always leave the conference with ideas to put into practice to help support my staff and students. This year continued the trend. Not only did the people and experience fill my bucket, but the new knowledge and reminders were just what I needed during this challenging year.

Takeaways:

This year's theme was a great one. We have so many super principals, and the themes that I am taking away this year include relationships, whole child, and self care.

Sanfelippo reminded us how important it is to making the "awe" moments visible to others. His examples and practices are one of the most crucial elements to helping change the story in education. Throughout all the sessions, relationships were a common theme. Positivity Project leaders discussed how their work has transformed their schools and relationships with and among all stakeholder groups.

Also the theme of the whole child was evident in several of the sessions. John Maxwell's quote: "Students don't care how much you know until they know how much you care" is even a greater reality now. We need to start with important basic skills that students are lacking before even tackling the curriculum. Ben and his amazing team from Warner shared their practices to be champions for kids and how PBIS earnings that involve time with adults is so valuable (and free!). We need to have positive interactions with students (and staff) every single day. In the last 30+years, empathy has decreased 40% while narcissism has increased 30%. What are we going to do about this? I learned from Domagalski, Weldon, and Swegles that empathy has to be a part of every curriculum. It's a must have for a better school culture--and for a better world! It's not one more thing on the plate. It is the plate. I also learned from Allen that we need to work to flip our tier support triangle and ways to do just that.

Trust with students and staff is so vital. Dr. Anthony Muhammad reminded us of this in his keynote. He also reviewed the change process and making sure that we have a rational system that includes the Communication: why (cognitive), Trust: who (emotional), Support/Capacity: how (functional), and the Accountability: do (return). Healthy cultures are a mutual relationship which includes a balance of support and accountability. He reminds us that ordering people to change doesn't work, but neither was leaving them alone.

Self care and teacher care were also hot topics, and several ideas are swarming in my head on how to better support our staff and selves in addition to our students. Our infamous Dr. Debbie McFalcone reminds us of our own self-awareness and the impact of our emotions as well as the importance of feedback.  Dr. Marcia Tate shared research on the order of change (along with some amazing presentation protocols). We need to be better about our attitudes as leaders and educators, but our behaviors are even more crucial. Order of change: leader/teacher behaviors, student outcomes, then in time leader/teacher attitudes. Interesting order of change: BOA: Behaviors, outcomes, attitudes. We start by changing our own behavior. She also reminded us that laughter will add 10 years to our lives. I need to laugh more!

I was excited to present on my leadership vision of #LeadPositive, and I feel very honored being recognized this year by region 2. My success comes from the wonderful professionals on my team. I am very fortunate to have caring and dedicated professionals with me--supporting our kids.

Shout Outs:

Region 2 principals, especially those in Washtenaw County who serve on the regional board, have been amazing supports and partners in our efforts to bring the benefits of MEMSPA to our region. You all are my forever friends, and I love you immensely.

Several principals were honored during the conference, and I am very excited to see Amie McCaw recognized as our Michigan Principal of the Year. She leads by example in not only her amazing school but also the state as a whole. She has worked the last several years to secure and offer meaningful, thought-provoking PD for MEMSPA principals. Congrats, Amie!

In addition, I am honored to call Madame President, Michelle Allen, my mentor and friend. She did an amazing job this week leading and celebrating principals. Thank you, Michelle! Thanks for all of our past presidents as well. We have a long line of mentors and MEMSPA supporters.

Thank you to our lovely Leadership Matters facilitators, Debbie and Derek! Your love, passion, enthusiasm, and care for our members is like no other. We are all better leaders because of you.

Other faces of MEMSPA include Allyson Aspey, David Simpson,  Jon Wennstrom, Ben Gilpin, Jeremy Patterson, and our very own rockstar, Mike Domagalski. Your leadership, advocacy, support of others and our growth in the profession are unmatched. Thank you for your leadership and most of all friendship. The entire board and region representatives are truly assets to not only the organization but the profession as a whole. Thank you!

Lastly, the MEMSPA office needs recognized for the countless hours, thought, and details that went into making this conference EPIC! Thank you Annette for your 30+ years of service and making sure that everyone and everything are perfect. Taryn--thank you for your tech superpowers, details, and unflagging support of MEMSPA and principals. Syndee--you have been an amazing addition to our organization. Your contacts, drive, vision, and most of all, your caring, loving personality for all of our members have been evident. Last but not least, Paul. Your mentorship, vision, care, and connections have been the face and heart of MEMSPA. Thank you for putting so much time, and most importantly, love, into our association.

Why MEMSPA?

Why MEMSPA?

Michigan Elementary Middle School Principals Association has been my number one network for sustaining my commitment to education, my staff, and most of all my students.

I first joined the association as a recommendation of one of my education leadership professors over a decade ago. Now even more than ever the liability insurance is crucial to leaders in education. However, the association has given me so much more than a peace of mind.

The answer to Why MEMSPA? might be different for everyone, but I can say without doubt that members number one answer is the support from the MEMSPA office and its members. My MEMSPA colleagues have been the most supportive group of professionals that I could ask for. The support showered over me has taken me from the island of isolation to a community of family and friends. Whatever I have need: encouragement, support, information, guidance, or even a needed fact check or reality call, I have always been able to count on this network of principals from around the state.

In addition to this network of fantastic leaders, the professional learning opportunities are by far the best. Sustained, engaging, research-based, and relational offerings, such as the annual conference, summer institute, workshops, and my favorite--a nine month leadership academy, Leadership Matters--have given me the tools, connections, examples, and accountability needed to advance my building, district, and career.

In addition to the people and the learning, MEMSPA has also given me the opportunity to give back. From involvement at the regional level, my presidency of the state level, and now my national role, I have enjoyed volunteering, presenting, writing, and mentoring others.

Why MEMSPA: to have support, to support others, and to fill my bucket! If you are a member, what's your WHY? If not, what are you looking for? I am sure you will find it with this association.