Highlighting an OAESA Hero

Shaking Things Up

a conversation with OAESA Federal Relations Representative

Felecia Evans

Tell us about your background and current position.

I am currently serving as the Director of School Leadership in the Shaker Heights City School District. I have spent 14 years as a school administrator, serving both as a middle school assistant principal for 6 years and elementary principal for 8 years. In my new role, I supervise the school principals in the district, lead the district learning and teaching team, and provide leadership and support for operations across the district. I am also working on my doctorate in educational leadership through CUC.

What are some goals you have for yourself in this new role?

Moving into a new role in a new district is always a challenge, and here are some of my priorities for starting the year: • Build and sustain relationships with key stakeholders to learn about the culture, people, systems, and the community to ensure connectedness and effective communication. • Utilize the district strategic plan as a lens for understanding the systems and structures in place in the district. • Understand and organize the learning and teaching department to sustain effective leadership and learning across the district. • Work collaboratively with principals to develop building-level plans and ensure a smooth start to the school year. • Help principals with the development of leadership skills and support to advance the strategic plan. Establish an evaluation system with building principals, and align

OPES 2.0 with strategic plan goals and objectives. • Develop a depth of knowledge on how to continuously improve the organization to benefit those we serve, our students. Practice systems thinking and continuous improvement; using continuous improvement cycles to facilitate high-quality implementation across the system.

What do you view as your most important contribution to the day-to-day operations of your new role?

My most important contribution will be to support school principals in implementing their school goals as we seek to advance the strategic plan in our district.

If we interviewed your colleagues, what are three words they’d use to describe you? Why?

Equity-Focused. I am driven by a committment to help disrupt and fix the current disparities in our education system.

Empathetic. I hold deep empathy for all people in our school systems and think that it is important to understand the strengths and challenges we all experience.

Organized. School and district leadership can be overwhelming and intense, and I seek to find ways to keep us organized and efficient.

What are you excited about for this year? In what area(s) are you hoping to grow as a leader?

I am excited about the work that Shaker Heights is doing around inclusive excellence. Our district has a long history of serving a diverse, vibrant community, alongside a tradition of academic excellence. There are two district goals in particular that excite me. The first goal is to strengthen student learning by providing each student with a rigorous and enriching educational experience that aligns with the International Baccalaureate philosophy and framework and that prepares all graduates for post-secondary education and careers.

The second goal is to advance educational equity by disrupting and removing institutional structures and practices which have historically been associated with racism, oppression and other forms of marginalization. Educational excellence and equity go hand-in-hand, and I am excited to be working in a district that prioritizes these two goals.

I am hoping to grow in my skills as a district administrator. Being a building administrator for 14 years, I felt that I had a good handle on building-level leadership. Leading at a district level provides a whole new perspective and set of challenges that I am eager to take on.

Congratulations on serving on the OAESA Board as the Federal Relations Representative. How long have you been on the board? Why did you join?

I have been on the Board since 2019 serving in the role of Minority Representative. I had attended zone meetings for years and always enjoyed participating in the various activities sponsored by OAESA. The position of Minority Representative became available, and Dr. Davis asked me to join the board. I also co-chair the Advocacy Service Team. I officially started the role of Federal Relations Representative in July and had the opportunity to go to the National NAESP conference!

This issue focuses on creating a fresh start with many new initiatives and lessons that educators have learned after the pandemic. How will you plan to make a fresh start during this year?

Starting new roles both professionally and within the organization provides a great opportunity to listen and learn. I am looking forward to learning from new people and adding my expertise to help move us forward.

What are some of your non-negotiables (educational and/or personal) in the new normal that you will never give up?

Professionally: virtual meetings. So much time has been saved by virtual meetings, especially for busy school leaders who often cannot leave the building for a meeting.

Personally: Peloton. Working out at home has become a mandatory part of my self care routines. It is important that we take care of ourselves so we can continue to take care of others.

Could you share any advice or words of wisdom for those who might be considering an administrative role? Why should they make this professional leap?

It is an honor to serve children, families, and staff. Seek first to understand and often the solutions to your problems are already within your reach. Have fun, love your people, and don’t take yourself too seriously. The days are long but the years are short. And you will make it through the toughest times and when you feel like you can’t, go visit a kindergarten classroom.

Highlighting an OAESA Hero!

THE BASICS

FAMILY MEMBERS?

My husband, two sons, and two stepdaughters

YEARS IN THE CLASSROOM? YEARS IN ADMINISTRATION?

5 in the classroom, 14 as an administrator

EMERGENCY DESK FOOD?

Sparkling water and a granola bar

PERSONAL MANTRA?

You can’t pour from an empty cup.

FAVORITE MEMORY FROM BEING A SCHOOL PRINCIPAL?

When Lil Nas X came to my school and surprised the students with a performance of “Old Town Road”

FAVORITE DOWNTIME ACTIVITIES?

Running, hiking, yoga

UP NEXT ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?

Visiting Egypt and seeing the Pyramids

BEST DECISION? Having children

WHAT WERE YOU LIKE AS A STUDENT?

Shy and reserved

FAVORITE OAESA EVENT?

Regional Meetings and the Annual Professional Conference