Josh Gill, AAESP President As the end of the year approaches, it is with great pride and gratitude that I address you all before a well-deserved break. This year was filled with challenges and triumphs, and together, we have navigated through uncharted territory with resilience and determination. It is now time to reflect on our accomplishments, express appreciation, and celebrate …
You are Entitled to Your Opinion but Not Your Own Facts
Dr. Lisa Parady, ACSA Executive Director True or False? Administration costs bloat school budgets. Alaska funds education near the top when compared to states nationwide. There is no need for an increase to the BSA because Schools are flush with money from their district fund balances and remaining Covid funds. Accountability is needed to increase student performance. Unfortunately, misinformation …
Being a Courageous Leader
Dr. Roy Getchell, ASA President-Elect As an elementary-aged student, I remember viewing many influential adults as larger than life. After watching countless sports heroes, celebrities, and influential people in my own life, I rarely recognized that great people were just that – people. One of the greatest qualities of the greatest of them, courage, seemed to be defined as the …
Why Mind Frames Matter for Educational Leaders
The team at ACSA and ASDN thank all of you for making the 2023 RTI/MTSS conference a success. It was great seeing so many of you in-person again after two years of virtual conferences. I know many of you are preparing for the end of the school year, but please mark your calendar for the 2024 RTI/MTSS Conference. The conference …
A reminder to recognize student and staff achievements
Rick Dormer, AASSP President-Elect Closing out our schools for the year is a hectic but exciting time for leadership as we wrap up the learning for the year and prepare for our staff and students to head out for summer break. These days can be bittersweet as students we have known for years graduate to new buildings or into the …
Take time to celebrate your dedication to Alaska’s Students
Jennifer Schmitz, AAESP Executive Director & PK-12 Principal Support The end of the school year is in sight. The kids and staff are getting antsy, and the behaviors are amping up. I remember that feeling from my time as a principal. There were days I wished we could stop the year early, and there were others that made me want …
Thank you! From ALASBO
Darcy Carter, ALASBO Executive Director I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED) for the wonderful working relationship with Alaska’s school districts. ACSA and school business/operations departments work closely with and communicate well with DEED and, when requested, information is provided to and from the department. In addition, …
Attracting and Preparing Great School Leaders
Dr. Tim Cusack & Vince Bustamante, Corwin Press The teaching supply problem in many countries post-COVID is tomorrow’s leadership supply crisis. – Professor John Hattie Like Alaska, having served in rural school boards, as well as in suburban and larger urban centres in Canada, we have equally witnessed the struggles to attract and retain qualified leader and teacher candidates. The pool …
Looking for the positive and nurturing the promise of those around us
Dr. Bridget Weiss, ACSA/ASA President As I near the end of my career in K-12 education, it is impossible not to reflect on the highs and lows I have experienced in the past 39 years. As a young teacher, I quickly adapted to the fast-paced world teachers live in. I prepared for new lessons and thought about how students might …
Shine a light on the success of public education
Brendan Wilson, AASSP President May has traditionally been my favorite time of year in Alaska. The long daylight hours are usually accompanied by great weather (the snow will melt someday) and the promise of a rejuvenating summer vacation. It’s also a great time for reflection and future planning, which often go hand-in-hand for principals. It’s easy to get caught in …