OASSP/OMLEA

Will Parker, OASSP/OMLEA Executive Director

The new school year still has its challenges as principals navigate new legislative actions and changing public health conditions. Thank you for the collaborative work you are doing to serve Oklahoma secondary schools!

Summer Business Meeting

On June 30, 2021, the OASSP Executive Committee met virtually for its final 2020-2021 business meeting. President Dusty Throckmorton acknowledged this year’s retirees:

■ Marshall Brence, Principal, Pansy Kidd MS, Poteau Public Schools

■ Kira Kelsey, Principal, Owasso 6th Grade Center, Owasso Public Schools

■ Derek Hallum, Assistant Principal, Lone Grove HS, Lone Grove Public Schools

■ Marie Howard, Assistant Principal, Capitol Hill HS, Oklahoma City Public Schools

■ Ross Ridge, Principal, Marlow MS, Marlow Public Schools

Members took a moment to say thanks to retirees and outgoing officers. Service awards for both retirees and outgoing board members were mailed this year. Motions and approvals were made for new executive committee positions, a review of association financial statements, and discussions for membership services. Mr. Throckmorton conducted his final meeting before passing along the gavel to incoming OASSP President David Beiler.

Save-the-Date for February 23-24, 2022

OASSP & OMLEA officers are already busy planning this year’s combined Leadership & Learning Conference for secondary leaders and middle-level educators. We are excited to share more details in the coming weeks. For now, please save-the-dates February 23-24, 2022 and begin inviting team members to be a part of this year’s learning! ■

Middle level leaders serve an essential role for students at such an important time in their developmental stages of learning. OMLEA is committed to connecting educators with best practices for those middle years!

OMLEA Summer Business Meeting

On June 30, 2021, the OMLEA Executive Committee met virtually for its final 2020-2021 business meeting. President Jonathan Atchley conducted the meeting with motions and approvals for new executive committee positions, a review of association financial statements, and discussions for membership services. President Jonathan Atchley finished his final meeting by passing the gavel to 2021-2022 OMLEA President Robb Mills.

Principals of the Year Recognized

On June 8-10, 2021, more than 700 administrators joined in-person with 250 others who participated virtually for this year’s conference at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in Norman, Oklahoma. In addition to insightful keynotes and breakout sessions, Oklahoma administrators of the year were recognized and awarded. OASSP/ OMLEA awards included:

■ Laura Bullock, Idabel Middle School, Middle Level Principal of the Year

■ Melissa Barlow, Yukon High School Principal, High School Principal of the Year

■ Jennifer Patterson, Dewitt Waller Middle School, Enid PS, Assistant Principal of the Year

Congratulations to each principal for representing excellence in school leadership!

New Principals Academy

Based on the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL), the New Principals Academy is led by experienced Oklahoma principals and includes four days of professional learning throughout your first semester and one day of public education advocacy during second semester. Training modules include:

■ School Climate/Instructional Leadership

■ Principal’s Role in Instructional Leadership, Family Engagement and Balance

■ Principal’s Role in Student Social Emotional Needs and Special Education

■ School Security/Safety/Complex Role of the Principal

■ Advocacy

This year’s sessions include 4 trainings and 1 advocacy experience:

■ September 16, 2021

■ October 8, 2021

■ November 18, 2021

■ December 9, 2021

■ March 30, 2022 - Principals Day at the Capitol

Principal Coaching: Supporting & Sustaining School Leaders

Designed to provide tools for individuals that supervise principals or individuals that mentor other principals, Principal Coaching: Supporting & Sustaining School Leaders will give participants tools to use when mentoring other leaders to provide thoughtful guidance. This cohort meets three times in the Fall Semester.

The Principal Coaching sessions includes three trainings.

■ September 9, 2021

■ October 5, 2021

■ November 09, 2021

If you are a veteran education leader, whether as a principal, director, or central office administrator, you will benefit from the research and practices necessary to mentor, support and coach principals. With guidance from NAESP Certified Coaches, you can join this cohort to learn the latest strategies, tools and resources necessary to grow the capacity of other leaders, retain strong leaders, increase the leadership pipeline and reduce turnover. ■