OAESP

Glen Abshere, OAESP Executive Director

Association Business:

The OAESP Executive Committee met virtually on September 16, 2020 and November 12, 2020. The Executive Committee has approved changes to the OAESP Constitution and Bylaws. The changes were submitted to membership for their review in mid-November. Membership is required to have a 30 day review period before voting begins. The vote for the changes to the OAESP Constitution and Bylaws were sent on January 4, 2021.

OAESP Elementary Principal of the Year/ NAESP National Distinguished Principal

The NAESP National Distinguished Principal (NDP) program honors outstanding elementary and middle-level principals across the nation who ensure that America’s children acquire a solid foundation for lifelong learning and achievement. 2021 nomination forms were sent out in early November. A new rule takes effect this year from NAESP, requiring the NDP to have been a member of NAESP for 3 years prior. Our Executive Committee approved a change that allows OAESP to recognize Oklahoma leaders as an outstanding leader. If the top candidate meets the NAESP requirement, they will advance as the NAESP NDP. If the top candidate does not meet the NAESP requirement, they will be recognized as the Oklahoma Administrator of the Year and would not advance to the national recognition.

2021 OAESP Mid-Winter Conference:

The OAESP Mid-Winter Conference is February 10, 2021. The OAESP Executive Committee approved a plan to offer a blended in-person/ online conference. The conference will be held at the Edmond Conference Center, Hilton Garden Inn with a limited number of inperson spots available. Attendees can also choose to join us virtually through Zoom. Register here https://www.ccosa.org/index.php?events&a=view&event_id=448.

Professional Development Opportunities

TeleLEAD:

TeleLEAD launched on October 7. We have partnered with OSU Tele ECHO to provide this professional development twice a month. TeleLEAD is held virtually on the first and third Wednesdays at noon virtually. Each session will provide a case study in the life of a principal. Some topics we have discussed are banned library books, restorative discipline practices, handling difficult student behaviors and many more. Julie Bloss, Grove Public Schools and Kas Nelson, Vici Public Schools provide an elementary perspective. Eric Fox, Jenks Public Schools and Stephanie Williams, Norman Public Schools provide a secondary perspective.

New Principals Academy:

The CCOSA New Principals Academy is designed to promote an interactive discussion on topics essential for participants to develop understanding and knowledge of the leadership role at the school level. There are 62 new principals or early career principals that are participating virtually this year. This is a great group of leaders.

National Principals Month:

State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Joy Hofmeister and Governor Kevin Stitt presented a proclamation recognizing October as National Principals Month. They both recognize the hard work our principals are doing each and every day. Thank you, principals, for your tireless work!

Principal Mentoring Training:

The new Principal Mentoring and Coaching program has been developed and tested with a small group of administrators and received high remarks from the participants. The purpose of this program is to provide training in the area of mentorship for those that either supervise principals or those that may be assigned as a mentor. This two-day training is focused on improving the skills of leaders and provides thoughtful feedback on how to mentor or coach a school leader.

Join OAESP! If you haven’t already done so, it is time to renew your membership for the 20-21 school year! If you know principals or assistant principals who are not members, please encourage them to become a member. You don’t want to miss out on member pricing for the Mid-Winter Conference or CCOSA Summer Leadership Conference! As always, please let us know if there is anything that we can do for you!