Executive Director Doreen Winn
There is nothing more professionally rewarding than educating children. As an instructional leader, supervisor, and operations manager, the administrator plays a significant role influencing the education of all children. My reason for being an administrator lies in my vision for education. I believe we can take leaders (school staff, parents, community members) and learners (students) and together, create an educational system that provides unlimited opportunities for all students to develop their talents and reach their full potential. The reality of my vision for education is limited only by the imagination and willingness of everyone involved. In education today, I believe there are two essential questions, “Is it good for kids?” and “How do we know it is good for the kids?” Educators are given the significant task of providing meaningful opportunities for all children regardless of ability, learning style, and personal background. In order to accomplish this important responsibility, education must focus beyond policies, standards, and curriculum. Educational practices must be individualized and proven.
I believe the acquisition of literacy is ultimately an on-going, personal quest students can attain through the support of healthy relationships between students and staff, staff and parents, parents and students, and students and students. The more students interact with people who care about and understand them, the more motivated they are to engage in and appreciate the education process.
With relationships in mind, I believe the best teacher is one that does not just “present lessons.” He/she “teaches kids.” A true teacher takes the time to get to know each student – his/her performance level, learning style, background, behavior patterns…The teacher uses this knowledge to plan instruction. This is the same teacher who seeks out up-to-date, research-based professional development opportunities and implements what is learned.
I believe effective school communities seek out ways to secure necessary resources and tools that will enhance learning and create a safe, challenging environment. School members network with other educators, and affiliates in order to identify differentiated instruction strategies, professional learning opportunities, and to promote continuous improvement. I believe education must be responsive to changes in the community and keep up with technological advances. Schools must cooperate with social services and the greater community. Alternatives to traditional education programs must continue to increase. Unconventional programs have a crucial impact on the number of students who graduate with the skills and knowledge necessary to enter the workforce and/or college. Technology must be introduced as an educational tool at the earliest level.
The beliefs that make up my vision will serve to create a learning environment which is conducive to developing the unique intellectual, social, physical, and emotional potential of each child. The end result will be literate students who grow up to be confident, productive, engaged, contributing adult citizens.