Executive Viewpoint

WELCOME AND SUPPORT NEW EDUCATORS

Dr. Mike Hernandez, AAEA Executive Director

August is upon us. This month brings with it the starting of school and many new laws taking effect. Many new staff members are entering the profession as teachers or taking on new roles in the various districts across Arkansas. In addition to the numerous new teachers and classified staff, there are first-year superintendents and beginning administrators. AAEA is proud to be able to support many new administrators as they begin their role leading fellow educators. Support for new leaders is vital to the school system's success and helps retain leaders for years to come.

We currently have 24 superintendents that are new to this role or are new to Arkansas. They have all been assigned mentors from our pool of talented district leaders. Training started with an extensive overview of the state's financial system and relevant laws. There will be other opportunities to meet with their mentors and discuss topics such as academics, facilities, personnel, etc. These new superintendents will have the added challenge of navigating some of the new laws going into effect, such as the LEARNS Act. Based on what I have seen of these new leaders, they are ready to excel for their students and communities in their new roles.

Beginning Administrator Induction is well underway for the year. The over 245 beginning administrators include assistant principals, principals, curriculum administrators, and special education supervisors. Thirty-eight administrator mentors have been identified to provide support to the new administrators. This support typically takes the form of Zoom check-ins twice a month with other mentees discussing pertinent issues and reviewing timelines in the Arkansas Survive and Thrive Checklist. This checklist is a month-by-month guide to items a new administrator should keep check on throughout the year. The new administrators also have access to over 15 Hot Topic virtual meetings covering various topics such as PLCs, 504, and dyslexia.

We have several other mentoring groups that will kick off in the coming weeks. AAGEA will host the New GT Coordinators Workshop on September 14th. AASBO will also have several mentoring events throughout the year for new business managers. Mentoring new administrators is very important to the continuity and success of school districts. A mentor will support, encourage, provide feedback, advice, and help mentees define and reach their goals. Having a great mentor can set one's career on a positive trajectory grounded in sound educational practices. The mentor gets equal benefits from the relationship. I have learned much from teaching others, similar to a teacher's role in a classroom. As administrators, you must ensure that all of your new staff have an opportunity to be in a quality mentor program that provides support and leads to retention. You must also ensure that your veteran staff has the support and opportunity to serve as mentors.

The AAEA Summer Conference was a great event. Attendance was excellent, and the attendees found numerous opportunities to network and learn from experts in various areas of education. We thank our exhibitors and sponsors who could show their services or products in the exhibit hall. Several students were involved in presentations and supporting the demonstrations at the Be Pro Be Proud exhibit.

We are looking forward to next year. Mark your calendars for July 29-31, 2024. I hope you have a productive few weeks with your staff returning to campus and a great start to your new year.