Executive Viewpoint

NEW YEAR, NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Dr. Mike Hernandez, AAEA Executive Director

June is typically my favorite month of the summer break because my mind gets a brief reprieve from the constant churning about all things concerning schools. I love the education field. There is always an opportunity to be learning and growing. If you find yourself stagnant, you need to refocus and look for growth opportunities. I recently attended the PLC Institute breakfast and heard from several districts about their progress over the past few years in growing their knowledge and honing their skills as educators and leaders. It is plain to see that we have significant work going on in our state and people that care deeply about their students. Let’s not forget that we are all in this together.

On the other hand, July is the time to turn the page on the past year and focus on the upcoming year. Typically, educators are getting in their latest data and finishing up any last-minute hires. Identification of successes and shortcomings are the topics that dominate the month as plans are made for staffing placement and student rosters. The angst of summer slipping away is replaced with the excitement of future challenges. There are certainly exciting times ahead in the world of education and new ways to operate. We must strive to make good on the promises of delivering an excellent education to our students and families.

Understanding all the issues outside of the school building and classroom is essential but less important than what happens in the classroom. There will be many things that can distract you from your ultimate mission of serving our students. Don’t let that happen. Naysayers will be there, but there are also countless Arkansans that believe in your mission and will be there to support you along the way. Education is on the rise in Arkansas. I think we are heading for some excellent outcomes for our communities. I recently watched the movie Unbroken. One of the quotes that stuck out to me was, “A lifetime of glory is worth a moment of pain.” Anything that causes anxiety or trepidation is temporary and shows you care about your actions. It will get better, and we will be better educators for working through whatever challenges come our way.

One of my most significant moments of anxiety is when I review the list of retirees each summer. I must admit that I get very sad about losing our best and brightest educators in retirement. How do we replace them? Where is that new talent and knowledge base going to come from? These are questions I often ask myself. We have been fortunate to recharge and reload our talent pool and will be successful in the future, but the outgoing educators will be missed. One, in particular, is Dr. Ivy Pfeffer. I have had the privilege of working with her directly or indirectly for almost ten years. When I started working at the Arkansas Department of Education, I remembered her as that person who always dressed well. It did not take me long to learn her name and see her tremendous work ethic. She quickly became a top leader in our state and always had a mindset of serving students and setting high expectations for others. When you thought she could not be more impressive, we had a pandemic. She was the first to take up the challenge of helping our schools and working ridiculous hours to learn new things. She was one of several that shined as a leader during a tragedy and gained the respect of everyone. Dr. Pfeffer would run into any burning building to save someone, and we are all the better for having her involved in Arkansas education. Please be sure to congratulate her on her recent retirement.

Well, it is time to get focused on the upcoming year. It will be one to remember, and I am glad you all are leading the way. See you at the Summer Conference!