Executive Viewpoint

Dr. Mike Hernandez, AAEA Executive Director

Legacy of Leadership

Like most administrators, I went into educational leadership poised to change the world. Full of energy, passion, and confidence due to inexperience, I looked forward to my first day in front of my staff as the next step in the journey of a lifelong impact on young people. I hoped my team would find the same enthusiasm for teaching and learning that I felt. By the end of the first month of being a school leader, I reconsidered my path and approach as an administrator. It turns out not all educators, students, parents, and community members were open to embracing an enthusiasm for teaching and learning. Some had various and creative ways of expressing it.

Deciding I should keep moving forward with my vision and being without any other options, I showed up to work and kept pushing. I had a bruised ego but not broken. As time went on, I started to see little pockets of excellence beginning to pop up here and there. During a professional development session, I asked why everyone was beginning to come around; one teacher offered, "Change is hard, but we have seen you stay consistent in your expectations." Somewhat surprised, but in deep appreciation for this clarity, I replied that I always hope to be a steady hand no matter the circumstance and that they should be the same for their students. The session was a significant turning point in my young career of being a school administrator. So, why do I tell you this story? I know this has been a very trying year in your career as an administrator. We have had Covid-19, Snowmageddon 21, and 93rd General Assembly on top of our routine work of serving students. Whenever I get overwhelmed with work, I go back to the source and reflect on my "why." Why did I get into education?

Why did I become an administrator? The answer for me is straightforward. It is leaving a legacy. I want to leave a legacy of helping our students have the best education environment. I want to help our teachers and staff be the most knowledgeable and respected in the country as they contribute to student learning. I want to help build a network of top-notch administrators that think about equity and achievement as they serve ALL students.

It is also crucial to seek out support from friends as you work through local issues. All of you have a critical friend in your network – that friend who helped you define how you want to conduct yourself professionally but also lets you vent. Friends help you consciously understand that a critical quality of character will help you get through a troubling time and lead with grace. I offer these words as we start the month of March because we all know this is one of the challenging seasons of the school year for you, your staff, and your students, even outside of a global pandemic. After a long school year, it is difficult for many to find the energy and motivation needed to operate at peak levels. Many may be contemplating a job change, career change, or retirement, but this is when you most need to tap into your "why" and your friends to remind you to keep driving with a calm and consistent hand. So many of the people you serve are depending on you to do just that. Our state's administrative leadership during this time has made us the envy of most industries. Arkansas leaders are paving the way for communities to continue to educate and go to work every day. You did that!

As you read this, I encourage you to think of all those in your school community that need excellent leadership right at this very moment. Show them you care with a little help from your friends.