3 minute read
TeleLEAD: Learning and Leading Together
from Better Schools Spring 2021
by CCOSA
By Glen Abshere, OAESP Executive Director and Will Parker, OASSP/OMLEA Executive Director
TeleLEAD ECHO is a partnership with OSU Center for Health Sciences Project ECHO and OSU-Tulsa. TeleLEAD provides opportunities for leaders at the school level to learn from one another, share best practices and collaborate on issues facing Oklahoma school principals.
Each TeleLEAD session is facilitated by Glen Abshere, OAESP Executive Director and Will Parker, OASSP/OMLEA Executive Director and includes a deep dive into a case study that has been submitted. Participants and hub team members can ask clarifying questions about the case study, then offer any recommendations or suggestions for the principal to consider in resolving the issue at hand.
Each TeleLEAD concludes with a short didactic that is presented by principals or practicing professionals.
Here are a few takeaways from this year’s didactics:
1. On March 3, 2021, we discussed a case from a principal who had a parent complaint about discussing racism in its school curriculum. Dr. Stephen Collins, Professor of Political Science at Oklahoma State University, joined TeleLEAD to present on When Politics Meet the Classroom: How to Address Controversial Topics. He reminded educators of the importance of establishing environments of trust and respect. He also explained several practical ways to lead discussions, including: allowing points and counterpoints; soliciting the opinions of parents; encouraging children to discuss these issues at home to eliminate the idea that schools are secreting children to indoctrinate them; and using current events as an ice-breaker. Dr. Collins reminded education leaders that we have a responsibility to model how to have these important conversations by focusing on facts while modeling civility.
2. On November 4, 2020, TeleLEAD examined a case study in which a library book had been removed from the library circulation without any evidence of a review process. Liz Garden, a well-known national principal from Massachusetts, gave the didactic on “Leading with Reading.” Liz gave a great presentation on selecting books that are culturally responsive and diverse that includes main characters that are representative of the children we serve. She gave great suggestions of books that school libraries and school classrooms should include.
3. On January 4, 2021, participants discussed a case involving a new principal who was having difficulty finding buy-in from teachers and staff. Kristy VanDorn, Deer Creek Middle School Principal, provided a presentation on Communication and Shared Leadership. During her time as principal, she has invited teachers into a shared leadership model. By establishing a guiding coalition at her school, she has been able to focus on stronger professional learning communities. Her teachers help share the tasks of planning out goals and actions for each school year, including academics and activities.
4. On January 20, 2021, we looked at a case in which a mom showed up to the school to pick up her child. The mother had visible bruises and evidence of a woman being battered. Jacqueline Johns and Michelle Brown from Collinsville Public Schools gave a great didactic on how to help children cope with trauma. They gave great tips on how to create a safe classroom space along with tips for educators on how educators can support students that live in a household with trauma.
TeleLEAD ECHO Hub Team members include:
-Julie Bloss, Principal, Grove Early Childhood Center
-Eric Fox, Associate Principal, Jenks High School
-Kas Nelson, Principal, Vici Elementary School
-Stephanie Williams, Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Norman Public Schools
Facilitators:
-Glen Abshere, Executive Director, Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principals (OAESP)
-Will Parker, Executive Director, Oklahoma Association of Secondary School Principals (OASSP) and Oklahoma Middle Level Education Association (OMLEA)
