Executive Viewpoint

Pre-Summer Thoughts

Dr. Mike Hernandez, AAEA Executive Director

We recently lost one of our own from the administrator ranks. Dr. Terrence Brown was the proud superintendent of the West Memphis School District. He was formally at the Forrest City School District and the Memphis-Shelby Schools in Memphis, TN. I have known Dr. Brown for several years and first met him as he tried to provide support to young administrators in our state. Dr. Brown was excited to take the reins at the West Memphis School District and serve the area’s families. He is gone from us way too soon and we pray for his family and the West Memphis community.

There has also been a rash of bad weather ripping across our state that has led to several deaths and damage to homes, businesses, and education facilities. Please remember these communities in your prayers as well. Many things are stressful in the role of administration. Summer used to be our time of rest and possible vacations, but it seems like summer is just about as busy as any other time of year. As leaders, you must remember to consider your health and wellness throughout the year. If you have seen me recently, you may have noticed that I have been trying to prioritize my health a bit more. Part of the reason is that my father has been dealing with health issues and had to get some heart bypasses and a kidney transplant. My mother also passed away at a very young age with heart disease. So, clearly, I am already behind the eight ball. So I thought I would take a few lines and remind us all about prioritizing health and wellness in our work.

We are now dealing with an ever-demanding landscape in education. School leaders’ primary focus is steering their schools or districts toward academic success. However, they must balance an intricate web of responsibilities, from implementing new laws and rules to school safety. To get everything accomplished, the high pace of work can come at a significant cost: their health and wellness. Prioritizing the health and wellness of school administrators is not only essential for their benefit but also crucial for the overall function and their school’s climate and culture.

I know I always looked up to my school administrators as a pillar of strength with an expectation to lead us through any difficult situation. If not them, then who? The duties of administrators extend beyond typical office hours, often requiring their presence at extra-curricular events, board meetings, and community functions. In Arkansas, just about every event comes with food. It tastes really good, but probably is not the best for you. Concession stands at ballgames are always full of goodies. Camden Fairview has fresh Otis Spunkmeyer cookies that are hard to say NO to. Poor diet and a high-stress environment can lead to an array of health-related issues, including anxiety, burnout, and even physical health problems such as hypertension and heart disease.

The statistics are telling. According to a study by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), nearly half of school leaders report high levels of stress, with significant percentages indicating they would leave their profession if given the opportunity. Such figures highlight a critical issue: the wellbeing of those at the helm of our educational institutions is at risk, potentially compromising the quality of education they strive to deliver. AASA developed the Live Well, Lead Well campaign to provide tools, tips, and resources, including stories of hope and appreciation. It is important to review data and resources regularly to ensure that leaders do not downplay their health and get support.

There are many ways to address the wellness of school administrators by focusing on both systemic changes and individual support. Districts thinking about how to go about supporting themselves or other leaders need to start with professional development or training that can help with stress management, healthy eating, and work-life balance. Support networks such as AASA’s Live Well, Lead Well can develop a sense of community such as a workout group that meets every morning to exercise. Districts must also look at the workload distribution and make adjustments as necessary. I was a guy who never said no, so I filled my plate quickly not realizing the toll it took. Lastly, access to mental health resources is important for leaders. Check with your insurance provider or local community resources to see what is available for mental health. The Arkansas Statewide Community Resources Portal is a great place to start for resources in your local community.

We must take care of ourselves and those around us. First, we need to recognize the challenges leaders face and implement strategies to support our health and well-being. In doing this, we can ensure that we remain effective, motivated, and capable of leading our schools towards academic success. Find one thing you can do this summer to enhance your health and well-being. Take walks, lift weights, do yoga, or whatever gets you moving and de-stressing. I hope you have a great summer and get ready for 2024-2025. We are here to support you!