By Members of the ODSS Executive Committee
Given the “Courageous Leadership” theme of this issue of Better Schools and the upcoming CCOSA Summer Leadership Conference, members of the ODSS Executive Committee drew on their experiences and challenges to explain how they think special education directors display courageous leadership.
Courageous Leadership for a special education director may look different during different situations; for me it is someone that must step up and be a voice for students and parents that get lost in understanding what is best for their child. Other times, it’s having the ability to know when you should remain quiet, listen, remain calm, and be the voice of understanding when others are not. Being able to have the courage to say “NO,” when others would rather you didn’t, because it would make things easier for them. Courage is having the ability to see both sides to an issue and being able to work through it to come to a mutual understanding.
— Nikki Ricks, Director of Special Education, Elgin Public Schools & ODSS At-Large Representative
I think courageous leadership is doing what is right and not just following what everyone else is doing.
Integrity!!
—Mandi Berry, Special Education Director, Texhoma Public Schools & ODSS At-Large Representative
A special education director has to be an advocate for their students, provide the strength their staff needs to hold them together, be courageous enough to hold their staff accountable while giving them the support they need to keep moving forward, and believe with all of their heart that our kids deserve the best.
— Rachelle English, Director of Special Services, Stilwell Public Schools & ODSS President
Reflecting on attributes of a “Courageous Special Education Director,” I believe those Directors in the field must be proactive in seeking out and implementing best practices. Because these practices are continually evolving, this requires Directors to be continually updating our knowledge base by being involved in organizations, such as CCOSA/ODSS, that provide valuable and usable continuing education and support. Courageous Directors know that collaboration amongst other special education professionals is invaluable, and this can be found by having meaningful, regular interactions with other directors and experts in the field. Again, CCOSA/ODSS provide these opportunities to interact with a variety of educational professionals, increasing capacity for leaders to accomplish more together. Courageous Directors must be intentional about relationship building with all stakeholders: parents, administrators, teachers, related service providers, and paraprofessionals, as these persons directly serve our students each day and are the team that will provide guidance and support in planning for the services that will promote the best outcome for the student. Courageous Special Education Directors promote growth and increased capacity for their team, which can mean thinking outside of the box and trying new things, while sharing outcomes with others in the field.
— Christi Frederick, Special Education Director, Lone Grove Public Schools & ODSS At-Large Representative
A special education director must exhibit courageous leadership every day! This includes so many tasks that are specific to the position. The sped director must interact with district administrators in situations that require advocacy for students when the administration does not agree. It is an art to do so with diplomacy and tact. Those relationships with administrators are valuable and must be treated with kid gloves to maintain open and transparent communication about what is happening in the school buildings. Another side of courageous leadership involves parental interactions. Sped directors must have empathy and understand how difficult it is to parent a child with special needs. So many families are dealing with enormous adversity in their homes that school staff does not see. The sped director must give parents and guardians every opportunity to speak and express their feelings and concerns. Families need and want to feel heard! Courageous leadership also involves working with the district staff. Working with adults can be tumultuous at times. They are asked to perform difficult tasks for minimal pay. The sped director must always seek ways to make them feel valued and prepared for daily challenges.
— Melisa Kifer, Director of Special Services, Stillwater Public Schools, past ODSS President & 2021-22 CEC Chair
Courageous leadership for a special education administrator means showing up ready to tackle the tremendous challenges and situations faced daily, including discipline dilemmas, staffing shortages, compliance mandates and more. It means being willing to do the things you ask your staff to do and giving them the support and tools to be successful. It means being the advocate and voice for a student when it looks like there are no options left to try. Courageous leadership means holding it together, managing your stress while absorbing everyone else’s and being a voice of reason and clear direction no matter how difficult the situation.
— Scott McCall, Chief Special Services Officer, Putnam City Public Schools & Metro ODSS Leader
