| MASA
Mentor Program Overview
If you have feedback
on this resource, please contact James
Scofield, 517.327.9259
Mentor
Toolkit Participants
This year,
MASA will pilot a Mentor Toolkit Participant program in which MASA
will collaborate with approved organizations or individuals who
offer professional services designed to support superintendents
during their first years of service. These “MASA Mentor Toolkit
Participants” will collaborate with MASA in providing high-quality
services that mentors can recommend to and share with new colleagues.
Michigan
Leadership Institute
Michigan Leadership Institute offers mentoring, facilitated evaluation,
organizational planning and governance team retreat services to
MASA superintendents who are first-year
superintendents. Contact Tim Quinn or Shelley Keith at 231.223.8813
or MLI@MiLeader.com
for more information about programs and services to new superintendents.
Superintendent Leadership -
- Start+Spaces (Superintendents: Talking and Reflecting
Together): Under the direction of former superintendent Bill Spargur, the Start+Spaces program for superintendents in their first years of the profession will continues to provide a rich experience to new superintendents. This interactive leadership program has been very well received by new superintendents during the past two years, and can serve as a natural foundation for the next step of involvement in the MASA Courageous Journey™ Program. For additional information, contact Bill Spargur (734.424.0153). The Start+Spaces program is underwritten by the Granger Construction Company.
- SELF (Superintendents: Emerging Leaders
Forum) - targeted to emerging leaders with at least one year of superintendent experience, SELF is a unique learning forum comprised of superintendents who are interested in improving the quality and productivity of their school districts. This program serves superintendents who come from school districts of various sizes and have a broad range of experience. You can be a part of the program by contacting Dr. Emmett Lippe (former Superintendent of Novi Schools) at 989.915.2394 or email him at emmett@lippeconsulting.com.
AASA
New Superintendents E-Journal 
The March 2007 edition of the AASA New Superintendents E-Journal is now available online at http://www.aasa.org/publications/content.cfm?ItemNumber=2024&snItemNumber=2286. This journal, which is produced by the AASA Center for System Leadership™, offers advice relevant to the interests of new superintendents. The current issue offers guidance for new superintendents on gathering essential information, planning for the future and meeting the media. Please feel free to invite school leaders in your state to read this free publication.
The
AASA New Superintendents E-Journal is a quarterly electronic newsletter
written specifically for those who are in their first months and
years of the superintendency. If you did not receive the E-Journal,
read it online at the AASA web-site, or contact jcirasuolo@aasa.org.
Superintendent’s
Briefing Book (click
see Table of Contents  )
This comprehensive resource is packed with information on leadership,
instruction, school management, public relations and so much more.
The notebook is free for MASA members who attend the New Superintendent’s
Conference. Others can order copies while they last for $50 by calling
517.327.9210 or email lwacyk@gomasa.org.
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Although some of the following tools are not specific to superintendents,
all contain good principles and practices related to any mentoring
relationship.
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Getting
Started
- What I Wish I Had Known: A retired superintendent looks back on his career, and lessons he learned after leaving it behind by Paul Weber. From the March 2007 American School Board Journal
- New
Superintendent's Transition Toolbox
Many helpful tools from “Superintendent of Schools,”
a New York non profit agency. Includes “Getting Organized,”
“Classic Mistakes of New Superintendents,” “A
Superintendent’s Ten Commandments,” and more.
- Superintendent’s
Year
Wondering what reports need to be filed when? Need a reminder
for the activities that need to be accomplished each month? Check
out this helpful Michigan-specific planning calendar.
- Seven
Surprises for School Leaders
an article by Patrick F. Bassett, published March 16, 2005 in
Education Week
- A
How-to Guide for School Leaders
Published November 3, 2004 in Education Week
-
Tackling an Impossible Job
By Jeff Archer, published September 15, 2004 in Education Week.
- Survival
Guide for Iowa School Administrators
This web site is both informational and helpful. It was originally
planned for new administrators, but the School Administrators
of Iowa (SAI) recently make them available to all school administrators.
- Continuing
Conversations / "Tricks of the Trade"
This collection of wisdom gathered from administrators throughout
the state provides "Tricks of the Trade" to for success
in some of a superintendent's toughest roles. Topics include:
21st
Century Learners
Board-Superintendent
Relations
Grassroots
Legislative Efforts
Principal
Effectiveness in the District
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Leadership:
Where it starts Events
- MASA Fall Conference
26-28 September
Grand Traverse Resort, Traverse City (Acme)
- MASA Midwinter Conference
Jan 23-26, 2008
Marriott - Renaissance Center, Detroit
Activities
Resources:
- Code of Ethics, AASA's Statement of Ethics for Educational Leaders
- AASA Journal of Scholarship and Practice
This free, electronic publication is committed to research and best practices that advance the profession of educational administration. Current and archived issues are available at http://www.aasa.org/publications.
- Holding
Sacred Ground: Essays on Leadership, Courage, and Endurance in
Our Schools, by Carl Glickman ( Jossey-Bass,
2003)
- Reframing
Organizations: Artistry, Choice and Leadership,
by Lee G. Bolman, Terrence E. Deal, (Jossey-Bass, 2003)
- The
Superintendent's Fieldbook: A Guide for Leaders of Learning,
Nelda Cambron-McCabe, Luvern L. Cunningham, James Harvey and Robert
H. Koff. (AASA/Corwin Press, 2005)
- Resilient
Superintendents, by Dan C. Wertz, (Phi Delta Kappa Educational
Foundation, 2003). Order from Phi Delta Kappa at 800.766.1156;
www.pdkintl.org
- The
Superintendent as CEO, by John R. Hoyle, Lars
G. Bjork, Virginia Collier, Thomas Glass. (AASA/Corwin Press,
2004) 800.417.2466.
Links
-
Reading for Leading
is a weekly reflection on leadership written by the First Gentleman
of Michigan, Daniel Granholm Mulhern. It is available free of
charge to all who desire to improve their leadership skills.
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Management:
Can’t manage? Can’t lead! Events
- Revenue, Expenditures and Bdugeting Part I
Oct 10, 2007
LCC West, Lansing
- Revenue, Expenditures and Bdugeting Part II
Oct 11, 2007
LCC West, Lansing
- TDP, IRS Sec. 125, 403(b), 457, and Workers Compensation
Oct 30, 2007
LCC West, Lansing
- Bonding/Borrowing/Investing & Insurance and Risk Management
Nov 13, 2007
LCC West, Lansing
- Labor Relations / Employment Law
Jan 9, 2008
LCC West, Lansing
- 17th Annual MIEM Technology Conference & Exposition
Jan 30 - Feb 1, 2008
Dearborn Inn, Dearborn
- Benefits / Retirement
Feb 13, 2008
LCC West, Lansing
- Instruction Program Evaluation
Apr 29, 2008
Amway Grand Plaza, Grand Rapids
In conjunction with MSBO Annual Conference
- Principles of Education
Apr 29, 2008
Amway Grand Plaza, Grand Rapids
In conjunction with MSBO Annual Conference
- Public Relations and Internal Communications
Apr 29, 2008
Amway Grand Plaza, Grand Rapids
In conjunction with MSBO Annual Conference
- Wrap-up / Ethics
Apr 29, 2008
Amway Grand Plaza, Grand Rapids
In conjunction with MSBO Annual Conference
Activities
- Superintendent’s
Year
Wondering what reports need to be filed when? Need a reminder
for the activities that need to be accomplished each month? Check
out this helpful planning calendar.
- NCLB
Planning Calendar http://www.regonline.com/?10465
Lays out the planning and reporting deadlines for NCLB and Title
I funding. Tool must be purchased; MAS/FPS members, $99.00; Non-members
$139.00 Contact Michigan Association of State and Federal Program
Specialists (MAS/FPS) 24403 Crowley, Taylor. MI 48180-8102.
- Planning
Calendars from the Michigan School Business Officials
(MSBO)
Resources:
- Michigan
School and Related Laws: 2005 Edition with CD ROM,
LexisNexis
A comprehensive compilation of education statutes and regulations
designed for education professionals and attorneys. This publication
collects relevant Michigan statutes and regulations into one portable
volume designed for quick reference. The included CD-Rom provides
a fully annotated, searchable, printable, and downloadable version
of the book, complete with case annotations, cross references
and links. The CD-ROM also includes pertinent Federal statutes
and regulations such as IDEA, FERPA and the No Child Left Behind
Act. Available at the MASA New Superintedentents’ conference
or click
here to order. (online discount code = "MASASL")
- Making
the Juggling Act Look Easy
- Managing Multiple “Required” Meetings, Planning
for Meetings You Call or Organize, General work management tips
(Patricia Reeves, Mar 2006).
- How
to Get Your Bond Passed
This
District Administrator article by Carl Vogel offers some expert
advice to consider when a ballot initiative is on your district's
horizon.
Links
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Relationships
& Communication: Getting real Events
- Accident Investigation and Public/Media Relations and Student Transit
Mar 11, 2008
MELG Building, Lansing
- Team Leadership / Dealing with Difficult but Talented People
Mar 13, 2008
LCC West, Lansing
- Instruction Program Evaluation
Apr 29, 2008
Amway Grand Plaza, Grand Rapids
In conjunction with MSBO Annual Conference
- Principles of Education
Apr 29, 2008
Amway Grand Plaza, Grand Rapids
In conjunction with MSBO Annual Conference
- Public Relations and Internal Communications
Apr 29, 2008
Amway Grand Plaza, Grand Rapids
In conjunction with MSBO Annual Conference
- Wrap-up / Ethics
Apr 29, 2008
Amway Grand Plaza, Grand Rapids
In conjunction with MSBO Annual Conference
- MSPRA (MI School Public Relations Assn)
Conference
Nov 8-9, 2007
Marriott, East Lansing
Activities
Resources
-
School Crisis Communications Plan (Customizable)
This emotional support plan, originally developed for MISD, has been turned into a generic document that you can customize for your district. For more information, contact Denise Dedman, MSW Assistant Professor Social Work Department University of Michigan - Flint 454 David M. French Hall Flint, MI 48504-1950; Phone: 810.762.3390
- How Strong Communications Help Superintendents Get and KeepTheir Jobs
Communication skills rank high on the list of key characteristics search firms look for when evaluating superintendent candidates, according to this research conducted by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). The report, is based on feedback from 31 search-firm executives throughout the U.S.
- Trust
in the Balance: Building Successful Organizations on Results,
Integrity and Concern, by Robert Bruce Shaw.
(Jossey-Bass,1997)
-
Reinventing Your Board: A Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing Policy
Governance,
by John Carver (Jossey-Bass, 1997)
- Five
Habits of High Impact School Boards, by Doug
Eadie. (National School Boards Association, 2005)
- When discussing
school funding and explaining shortages to the community:
- Communication
Matters for Leading Superintendents
is a newsletter published by the National School Public Relations
Association for its members. This e-newsletter also is available
at no charge to school superintendents and others in school-leadership
positions.
To request your free subscription, please complete and submit
the information at www.nspra.org/.
Click “Superintendents” to read the latest issue or
subscribe.
- Goal
Setting: What do new board members want to know?
(MASB 2006)
Links
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Data-Driven
Planning & Decision Making: Why we do what we do
Events
Resources
- National
Forum on Education Statistics
In conjunction with the National Center for Education Statistics,
the forum offers a wealth of free, high-quality reports that can
inform the work of school district leaders, especially as they
meet new state and federal reporting mandates. The reports contain
clear, practical information to help school leaders collect and
use data to improve the operation of their schools. You can also
sign up for automatic notices of new publications.
- Results
Fieldbook: Practical Strategies from Dramatically Improved Schools,
by Michael J. Schmoker. (ASCD 2001)
Links
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Organizational
Development: Forging a dynamic learning system
Events
Activities
- Taking
the Leadership Challenge (New York)
School principals face a daunting task. Clearly, principals need
a myriad of supports to meet their many responsibilities. One
of the most promising avenues for providing instructional, emotional
and managerial support to new principals is by giving them experienced
mentors. This study examined six New York mentor programs from
the perspectives of the districts' superintendents.
- Let
Your Mentors Do the Coaching
This report by TechLearning.com walks you through the process
of creating a coaching and mentoring program for staff that will
influence student achievement.
- "Tricks
of the Trade" for maintaining effective Principal leadership
throughout the district
This is part of MASA's Continuing Conversations series which draws
tips, resources, and information from across the state on some
of the challenges faced by school administrators
Resources
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Champion
for Teaching & Learning: If not you, then who?
Events
Activities
- NCLB
Planning Calendar
Lays out the planning and reporting deadlines for NCLB and Title
I funding. Tool must be purchased; MAS/FPS members, $99.00; Non-members
$139.00 Contact Michigan Association of State and Federal Program
Specialists (MAS/FPS) 24403 Crowley, Taylor. MI 48180-8102.
- Northeast
and Islands Regional Technology Consortium created
a website containing briefs
and resources to meet all facets of the NCLB technology requirements.
- SETDA Toolkits -
State Education Technology Directors Association (SETDA) members, corporate partners, and representatives from various educational organizations meet in the fall of each year to share resources and to create Toolkits designed to meet the educational technology needs of educators. The SETDA Toolkits are free resources for all educators
Resources
- Developing
Teacher Leaders: How Teacher Leadership Enhances School Success,
by Frank Crowther, Stephen S. Kaagan, Margaret Ferguson, Leonne
Hann (Corwin Press, 2002)
- Enhancing
Professional Practice: A Framework for Teaching,
by Charlotte Danielson. (ASCD 1996)
- What
Works in Schools, by Robert J. Merzano. (ASCD, 2003)
- Improving
Districts: Systems that Support Learning, (WestEd,
2002)
Links
- Supporting
New Educators, Educational Leadership Volume 62 No.
8 (May 2005)
This entire issue is devoted to hiring, inducting and supporting
highly qualified teachers.
- Michigan
Learnport, online course delivery aimed at Michigan
educators.
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Politics
are everywhere...influencing everything
Government/Community Relations
Events
- Grassroots
Activity
Bring new superintendents to Lansing to meet with legislators
and visit the Michigan Department of Education. Contact Brad
Biladeau for help and advice.
- Grant / Fund Writing
Mar 5, 2008
In conjunction with the MACUL conference. Register at www.macul.org
Activities
Resources
Links
- MASA
Grassroots Toolkit: Contains examples shared by MASA
and MAISA colleagues for mobilizing your community into action.
- The National
Association for the Education of Young Children offers several
tools for grassroots government relations efforts.
- Communicating
with your elected officials: Includes tips for telephoning,
writing, or e-mailing members of Congress. http://capwiz.com/naeyc/issues/basics/?style=comm
- How
Bills Become Law: Take a moment to refresh yourself about
some of the basics, without even leaving your desk, Take note
of the many stages when public input is essential.
http://capwiz.com/naeyc/issues/basics/?style=legis
- Visiting
Capitol Hill: Meeting with legislators or their staff
is a very effective way to convey a message about a specific legislative
issue. These suggestions will be useful when visiting your reps
in Lansing, too.
http://capwiz.com/naeyc/issues/basics/?style=visit
- Staff
Roles: This handy guide to “who’s who”
in legislative offices will make it easier to communicate with
your representatives on behalf of your district. http://capwiz.com/naeyc/issues/basics/?style=staff
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Board-Superintendent
Relationships
Activities
- Negotiating
a contract: MASA Model Contract, available by contacting
517.327.5910 or lwacyk@gomasa.org.
Resources
- Tricks
of the Trade: Board Superintendent Relationships,
Part of MASA's Continuing Conversation Series
- Board-Superintendent
Relations Survey by Dr. Sarah Duvall (University
of Michigan)
- “A
Climate of Understanding”, by Richard
Castallo and Joseph Natale, American School Board Journal, June
2005.
How one district's board and superintendent put aside their differences
and learned to work together as a team.
- School Crisis Communications Plan (Customizable) - This emotional support plan, originally developed for Macomb ISD, has been turned into a generic document that you can customize for your district. For more information, contact Denise Dedman, MSW, Assistant Professor Social Work Department University of Michigan - Flint 454 David M. French Hall Flint, MI 48504-1950; Phone: 810.762.3390
Links
- BOARD-SAVVY
SUPERINTENDENT: “Curing
the Ownership Deficit Syndrome”
This American Association of School Administrators article by
Doug Eadie provides a quick look at how to turn your board members
into owners by involving them creatively and appropriately in
shaping the most important products you expect them to act on,
such as the annual budget or a policy statement.
- “Keys
to a Successful Marriage” by Arthur Griffin
Jr., in The American School Board Journal, June 2005.
Four critical “rules of the game” when building relationships
among superintendents and their boards.
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