Another great opportunity for women leaders to network and learn together!

By Dr. Pam Deering, CCOSA Executive Director

We know that as women leaders in education, we face issues and challenges that are different from our counterparts. We need spaces that give us time to learn and grow together as well as spaces that are encouraging and supportive. This year, our theme was “Be a Light, Not a Shadow.” We asked our attendees, “What does it mean to you to be a light?” We learned how we could harness our energy and use that energy to serve others.

When we first began the Women in School Leadership Conference, 75 women school leaders attended a one-day meeting at Gaillardia Country Club in Oklahoma City. Our goal was to offer women school leaders the opportunity to hear relevant topics that included health and financial well-being. We also heard from successful school women legacy leaders. We had time to get to know one another. Our conference has since grown to nearly 400 women school leaders who are now bringing their teams from their districts to continue learning together. We have added keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and fun time together.

All of this would not have been possible without our fabulous women leaders, our supportive sponsors, and the excellent CCOSA team. Thank you on behalf of all who made this event a success each year. We hope that our women leaders found their lights and loved the time together. We can’t wait to see your light shine as you go back to your districts!

City in

March.

Our women leaders led many of the outstanding breakout sessions. Dr. Lisa Muller, Pryor Schools Superintendent, offered important statistics regarding women leaders:

■ 76% of classroom teachers are women

■ 56% of principals are women

■ 27% of superintendents are women

■ 23% of Oklahoma superintendents are women

We hope you enjoy these conference photos and the words of women leaders in attendance. ■

If you missed the conference this year, we hope to see you at the 2024 CCOSA Summer Leadership Conference (don’t miss our preview on page 41) and the Women in School Leadership Breakfast on Thursday, June 13, at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. Register now for the conference here.

“I enjoy connecting and collaborating with colleagues knowing that together we can continue to elevate public education for students across this great state. Thank you to the CCOSA team for creating a meaningful conference that provides female leaders an opportunity to listen, learn, and grow professionally.”

– Dr. Stacey Butterfield, Superintendent, Jenks Public Schools

“CCOSA’s WISL conference is always one of the most uplifting and rewarding events I attend. I thoroughly enjoyed Kristen Brown’s session. It gave me cause to analyze the energy I give to all areas of my leadership and life. It is not often that we, as leaders, stop to consider these opportunities for growth on a personal and professional level. The conference allowed me to fellowship with colleagues from around the state and take time to focus on my light, to ensure that I can shine bright for those that I lead and serve.”

– Melissa Barlow, Yukon High School Principal

“The CCOSA Women’s Conference is one of the most important and gratifying opportunities for women to lift each other up, renew your own spirit, and create a network of sisterhood. Highly recommended – five stars!”

– Kristin Arnold, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services/ Human Resources, Sand Springs Public Schools

“The Women in Leadership conference ignited my passion light once again so I can go and continue being a light for my school community. Dr. Johnson from Tulsa Public Schools gave me professional chills up and down my spine through her words that the work before all of us in education is a beautiful challenge. To be in the company of phenomenal Oklahoma female leaders and engage in necessary conversations about leading provided me irreplaceable and useful knowledge.”

– Tara Burnett, Principal, Woodward Highland Park Elementary School

“The Women in School Leadership Conference provided invaluable networking opportunities and insightful workshops, empowering female educators to cultivate leadership skills and drive positive change in education. I left with renewed inspiration and a strengthened sense of community, ready to advocate for excellence in educational leadership roles.”

– Traci Newell, Principal, Elgin Lower Elementary School