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S E R V I N G E L E M E N T A R Y A N D M I D D L E L E V E L P R I N C I P A L S▼

December 2014

2Presidents Message:Better Together

3Executive Director‘s Report:Making A Difference

4NAESP Report:Mark Your Calendars!

5Legal News:Midterm Elections

9Best Practices:The Value of Walkthroughs

10MESPA Institute 2015:Consider Yourself invited!

12Retirement NewsInvesting in Your 403B

13Best Practices:Schoology

15Best Practices:The Techy Lifestyle

16News from NAESP

17Best Practices:Times Are A Changin’

182015 MESPA ElectionsMeet the Candidates

I N T H I S I S S U E

Volume 44 Number 2

“I remember when a mouse was a cute furry animal, a hard drive was traveling to my parents’ house in a snowstorm, and a Windows Operating System was manually raising the blinds to let in sunlight… I need to learn the Techy Lifestyle!”

–WENDY TEMPLIN, PRINCIPAL, BEMIDJI AREA SCHOOLS

Register today!MESPA Institute 2015 – February 4-6

WWW.MESPA.NET

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MESPA 2014-2015 Leaders

State Officers

President Joey Page, Ed.D., Richfield

President-Elect Mark French, Osseo

Secretary/Treasurer Patrick Glynn, Prior Lake-Savage

NAESP State Rep. Tim Bell, Prior Lake-Savage

NAESP Zone 7 Dir. Dr. Steven Geis, Farmington

Statewide Committee Chairs

Communications Mark French, Osseo

Educational Advisory Jen Olson,Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted

EPAC Dr. Susan Risius, South Washington Co.

Legislative Resolutions Paul Anderson, Anoka- Hennepin

Membership Michelle Krell, Kasson-Mantorville

MN School of Excellence Sam Richardson, Savage

Negotiation Rolf Carlsen, Anoka-Hennepin

Retirement Mari Lu Martens, Sibley East

Division Presidents and Presidents-Elect

Central Randy Pauly, Cambridge-Isanti Chris Grote, Cambridge-Isanti

East Suburban Heather Nelson, Stillwater Dr. Tom Hobert, Stillwater

Minneapolis Tammy Goetz, Minneapolis Merry Tilleson, Minneapolis

North Suburban Ranae Case Evenson, Anoka-Hennepin

Jeremy Tammi, Anoka Hennepin

Northeast Rae Villebrun, NE Service Cooperative Tom Cawcutt, Barnum

Northern Jeffrey Lund, Marshall Co. Central Wendy Templin, Bemidji

Saint Paul Rebecca Pedersen, Saint Paul Billy Chan, Saint Paul

South Suburban Dr. Liann Hanson, Belle Plaine Paul Helberg, Lakeville

Southeast Nancy Antoine, Northfield John Huttemier, Waseca

Southwest Stephanie Flickinger, Redwood Karla Beck, St. James/Butterfield-Odin

West Suburban Brad Gustafson, Wayzata Karen Keffeler, Wayzata

Western Travis Nagel, Frazee-Vergas Darla Harstad, Parkers Prairie

Professional Leadership for Professional Leaders

The Advocate is the official publication of the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association (MESPA), which is affiliated with NAESP. It is published 3 times a year by MESPA staff (Jon Millerhagen, Executive Director). Adver-tising inquiries should be addressed to the MESPA office. All published articles become the property of MESPA and may not be reprinted without permission.

MESPA, 1667 North Snelling Av, Suite C101, St. Paul, MN 55108 Phone: 651-999-7310 or 800-642-6807 Fax: 651-999-7311

mespa@mespa.net www.mespa.netTwitter: @MESPAprincipalsKelsey Gantzer, Communications Manager

President’s MessageJoey Page, Ed.D.MESPA President

Better TogetherMESPA’s Strategic Planning

In the last week of October, over 20 elementary principals and the MESPA office staff met for a strategic planning

session to discuss and analyze the purpose and goals of our association. As principals, we are constantly leading professional learning communities (PLC’s) in our own buildings. For two concentrated days our strategic planning committee met as a PLC to get an idea of where we are as an association and how we might want our association to be in the future.

Enhancing the professional accountability of schools is critical for raising the levels of students’ achievements. Darling-Hammond (2004) provided findings from a study of a large urban school district in which improved practice was attained; Educators were held accountable for their own and for a colleague’s instructional skill development. This was done via collegial learning teams and led to similar conclusions as those of Schmoker (2001) and Supovitz (2002). The PLC movement is grounded in the idea that the communal efforts of teachers are better than working in isolation, as has traditionally been the case in schools (DuFour & Eaker, 1998). Supovitz reasoned that the results of his study indicate, “teachers in the team-based schools felt more involved in a variety of school related decisions and reported higher levels of interaction and collaboration with their peers than did teachers in the non-team based schools” (2002, p. 1614).

Much like the work of school PLC’s, the communal efforts of a member driven association have the ability, opportunity and the ultimate responsibility of creating the conditions for higher levels of interaction and collaboration. If students are to have a heightened probability of improved learning, teachers need to have the capacity to instruct diverse learners. The school needs to be structured to support the efforts and growth of the teachers, and the school’s assessment process must be geared towards continuous improvement (Darling-Hammond, 2004). Just like the need for school based PLC’s, if our association is to improve its value for

current and future principals of Minnesota then we must take the lessons learned from the strategic planning session and use them as a blue print for how MESPA must rebrand itself. The ultimate goal and desired result of our planning is to maintain the integrity of such a worthwhile association, while also responding to all of the external and internal factors that are required of a school leader today.

Contact Joey at joey.page@richfield.k12.mn.us; 952-232-8624 (mobile); 612-798-6601 (office); Twitter: @stemprincipal

RESOURCES

Darling-Hammond, L. (2004). Standards, accountability, and school reform. Teachers College Record, 106(6), 1047-1085.

DuFour, R. & Eaker, R. (1998). Professional learning communities at work: Best practices for enhancing student achievement. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree.

Schmoker, M. (2000). The results we want. Educational Leadership, 57(5), 62-65.

Supovitz, J. A. (2002). Developing communities of instructional practice. Teachers College Record, 104(8),

1591-1626.

Benefits of MESPA MembershipMembership in MESPA provides you the network of peers and resources you need to succeed!

E Legal representation and services

E Legislative advocacy

E Professional development, with continuing education credits

E Communications tailored to the professional needs of education leaders

E Honors, recognition and public relations

E National standards supported by our Minnesota School of Excellence Program

DECEMBER 2014

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Executive Director’s ReportJon MillerhagenMESPA Executive Director

MESPA Making a Difference! And a record-breaking year for memberships

MESPA Business PartnersThe MESPA Board of Directors approved the following businesses as 2014-2015 MESPA business partners. They support MESPA through financial donations. To learn more about their products and services geared to the needs of the principalship, visit Business Partners on the MESPA Web.

Premier partnersHazeldenHorace MannLifetouchTIES

Champion partnersThinking MapsLexia Learning VIRCOFranklin CoveyScholastic Classroom & Community Group

MESPA has three levels of business partnerships, based on level of donation.

E Premier partner, $7,700 - $15,000 +E Champion partner, $4,700 - $7,700

E Star partner, $2,500 - $4,700

As we finish this fall and move into the snowy season, MESPA has been “Making a Difference” for members

and their schools. I am thrilled to share with you that our membership committee and Rosie have registered another record-breaking year for membership. We are ahead of last year, which was a fourteen-year high in membership.

Rosie and our new staff members, Elise and Kelsey, have been busy preparing for 2015 MESPA Institute – Growing the Minnesota Child: Collaborative to the Core. We are very excited to share with you three top-notch keynote sessions. On Wednesday Todd Whitaker will kick off our Institute by teaching us “What Great Principals Do Differently”. On Thursday, Joe Sanfilippo and Tony Sananis, two of education’s powerhouses and principals from New York and Wisconsin, will actively engage us in the importance of school branding. And by Friday at noon we will send you back to your schools with the skills to have “Tough Conversations” expertly presented by Jennifer Abrams. Look forward to learning the skills and strategies to plan, prepare and present those difficult conversations that are necessary, but have so much anxiety, and emotion packed into them. I had a chance to hear Jennifer this summer at the NAESP Annual Conference and I was very impressed by her skills and experience with these difficult responsibilities.

The Ed Advisory Committee, the Executive Committee and our staff have also had a chance to purposefully select several breakout sessions for MESPA Institute 2015. We heard personal testimonies from our members about each breakout session presenter. These are the sessions and presenters that you have told us are great and we should share with all of our principals. We are certain that the sessions will “make a difference” to those who attend Institute.

Our National Distinguished Principal, Michelle Krell, from Kasson-Mantorville had a banner month in October. Michelle “made a difference” by contacting and inviting new principals to our

annual MESPA New Principal’s Seminar. We had a tremendous group of forty-three new principals join us. Thanks, Michelle. And as another highlight, Michelle, along with her husband Rodney, professionally represented Minnesota as our NDP in Washington, D. C. on October 17th. If you know Michelle, you know she proudly shared leadership strategies and successes with principals across the entire nation. Check out the great pictures and videos on our website of her celebration banquet.

As we move into the legislative session, much attention has been focused on the World’s Best Workforce Legislation. Elementary and middle level leadership responsibilities include ensuring all children are ready for school and all children are reading at grade level by third grade. Principals across the state of Minnesota will be called upon to fulfill these requirements. If you are uncertain of your first steps as a leader in creating and designing pre-K services, I encourage you to consider two bodies of research. The first is Making a Difference: 10 Essential Steps to Building a PreK-3 System by Linda Sullivan-Dudzic. The second is a body of research from the National Association of Elementary School Principals, Leading PreK-3 Learning Communities: Competencies for Effective Principal Practice. This work was just rolled out for publication during a press release at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Your principal colleagues from across the nation joined together on the production of this relevant and useful body of information. It is available across the nation for use by principals and teams to design PreK-3 services in their schools.

In support of this effort, MESPA will “make a difference” providing you with a team of MESPA PreK-3 Principals currently involved in early learning. Eric Skanson from Cold Spring Elementary will help us lead this team of principals that will work with our Ed Advisory Committee and the Minnesota Department of Education Early Learning Division to provide relevant, current, and impactful early learning principal leadership development. If

you consider yourself well researched in early learning and would like to join this team, please let me know. Look for their great work to be shared with our membership in the months to come.

Finally, we hope you will choose to “make a difference” by attending our three-day 60th Annual Institute, Growing the Minnesota Child on February 4-6, 2015 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Bloomington, MN. Your participation at Institute is paramount to the support, success, collaboration, and learning of principal colleagues across the state. Please join us!

Contact Jon at Email: jhm@mespa.netTwitter: @MESPAexec

Find it at www.mespa.net

MESPA Division News – Every MESPA division has its own section on the MESPA Web — complete with a map of the division, contact information for division officers and committee repre-sentatives, details of division meetings, news of division colleagues, and a link to a directory with contact information for all division members.

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WWW.MESPA.NET

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NAESP ReportTim BellMESPA NAESP State Representative

Mark Your Calendars! NAESP and MESPA opportunities abound

It is always an exciting time to be involved in MESPA and NAESP! The mid-term election is over, we are finished with campaign ads

for another month or so until the 2016 election starts to unfold. The election brings an important reminder to us all—be involved in the process! You do not have to be a visible front runner to make sure your legislator knows what you stand for—just contact them when asked, answer questionnaires they send your way… small steps that can reap huge rewards for students and education as a whole.

I would also like to welcome many new principals and assistant principals to the ranks of our association. Many of you have taken advantage of being members of both MESPA and NAESP… a wise choice with so many offerings from both organizations! Be sure to take advantage of the numerous professional development opportunities, professional dialogues including Colleague to Colleague and Twitter (#MESPAmn), and most importantly, ink in February 4 - 6, 2015 in your calendar for Institute 2015. It is our premiere opportunity to network, hear dynamic, current authorities in education, and learn from the many breakout sessions!

And, since it is the season to give, why not nominate an outstanding Principal for National Distinguished Principal? What better way to acknowledge a colleague for outstanding leadership and dedication to our profession?

The National Distinguished Principals (NDP) Program was established in 1984 as an annual event to honor exemplary elementary and middle school principals who set the pace, character, and quality of the education children receive during their early school years.

The U.S. Department of Education and National Association of Elementary School Principals jointly sponsor the program. It highlights the fundamental importance of the school principal in achieving educational excellence for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade students. The recognition afforded by the NDP designation

instills pride in principals’ accomplishments and reinforces their continued leadership in helping children develop a lifelong love of learning.

To nominate a fellow colleague, all you need to do is visit the MESPA Web at www.mespa.net, click on Honors and National Distinguished Principal. Take a few minutes to read the criteria, and fill out the application. Print the Nomination Form and submit to the MESPA office by January 5, 2015. The entire application, with all the required forms, is due in the MESPA office by January 26, 2015. It takes a bit of work to complete, so be kind and nominate early! A most important criteria: the nominee must be an active principal who is a member of MESPA and NAESP and plans to be so during the upcoming school year.

And finally, be sure to start making plans to attend Long Beach, California this summer for an outstanding national convention, June 30 – July 2,2015! You won’t want to miss the excitement!

Happy Holidays to you and all those you care for!

RPM—Retired Principals of MESPA

Randy MedigerPresident, Retired Principals of MESPA

RPM UpdateInitiatives, Events and Awards

Greetings to all MESPA members active and retired. Your members at the Retired Principals of MESPA (RPM) are sending

best wishes to all our members because we know how hectic and stressful the holidays can be for families. Our recommendation as advocates in education is if you remember to keep children first your priorities are in the right place.

RPM continues to evolve as an organization to better meet the needs of our membership. RPM serves as a political resource for MESPA, has our own MESPA Board Representation, and plans to donate to EPAC as an organization. We have informational meetings as well as interesting and enjoyable venues to appreciate. We are visiting the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis on November 20.

Our upcoming events include our annual recognition reception at the MESPA Institute on Wednesday, February 4 at 3:00 pm, during which time RPM’s Distinguished Service to Education Award and the Principals’ 25 Year Service Awards will be presented. On April 15, our RPM meeting is a tour of the KARE 11 studio, newsroom, and the Backyard. Belinda Jensen, chief meteorologist, will meet with us to discuss weather and broadcast meteorology. Check out the RPM pages on the MESPA website for more details.

I hope to see many of you at MESPA Institute, February 4-6. RPM members will be working the registration desk and presenting a focus session on retirement. If you want to stay connected to the education community, you can join RPM when you retire. We would love to have you join us!

Thank you, MESPA Office and Happy Holidays!

Connect and collaborate with your colleagues on Twitter by tweeting

and following our hashtag: #mespaMN

We’ll be sharing the “Tweet of the Week” in each

E-News issue.

DECEMBER 2014

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Legal NewsRoger AronsonMESPA Legislative and Legal Counsel

Midterm ElectionsWhat’s in store for Minnesota

The November elections will result in significant changes for the upcoming legislative session. With a new House

majority, Republicans will again be in power of the lower chamber. Needing only 7 seats to take control, the Republicans took 11 seats from the Democrats on November 4th, with gains primarily in rural Minnesota.

While I don’t like it very much, the new phrase seems to be “divided government”. Last year was “one party control”. Unfortunately, both phrases reflect the current negative culture of politics both locally and nationally.

The switch in power is not new. The victory by the Republicans means that the Minnesota House changed hands for the fifth time in the last six elections. By comparison, the Senate has been in Democratic hands for all but two of the last 40 years.

The trend of House victories did not extend into other races. Statewide candidates Dayton, Franken, Otto, Swanson and Simon completed a sweep of offices for the Democrats. Led by Franken and Dayton, these victories extended into the hotly contested races in the 7th and 8th congressional districts. This continued a trend of significant problems for the Republicans in statewide races. The last Republican statewide victory by Governor Pawlenty was in 2006. And even that was less than a majority. Pawlenty was elected with 46.4% of the vote.

LOW VOTER TURNOUTThe US Senate race tells us something about the Minnesota electorate. Despite passionate issues, many people stayed home and did not vote. In 2008, Franken won by a razor thin margin of 312 votes out of 2.8 million votes cast. This triggered a course of recounts and litigation that lasted six months. This year, Franken won by 200,00 votes. Networks declared him the winner immediately after the polls closed. Senator Klobuchar commented that Franken went from six months to six minutes in six years.

Lower voter turnout is a major factor in all elections including Minnesota in non-presidential voting years. Some pundits speculate that negative advertising intentionally suppresses turnout in an attempt to affect results. (It will be interesting to see whether post election data supports this claim.) In Minnesota, the trend is evident when looking at Senator Franken’s races. This year, Franken received 53% of the vote compared to 42% six years ago. In 2008 there were 2,862,541 votes cast in the Senate Election. The total votes cast in 2014 were 1,980,614. Franken won with a higher percentage but with fewer votes. His vote total in 2008 was 1.2 million; 200,000 more votes than in 2104.

VOLATILITY IN THE HOUSE We have moved into an era of continuing volatility in the control of the House. New campaign rules, different advertising rules, and social media have changed the dynamic of elections. Minnesotans seem to be taking this out on state representatives and not on other candidates.

The House election was interesting. Of the 11 new Republicans elected, 10 were from outstate Minnesota. Only one suburban Democrat was defeated. Will Morgan of Burnsville/Lakeville lost to former Lakeville school board member Roz Peterson. This was a close race from the start, with Peterson considered as having an edge from the start. Another suburban race was extremely close with Democrats winning by only the slimmest of margins. In District 48A Democrat Selcer defeated Republican Stensrud by 36 votes out of 19,000 cast. Elections don’t come much tighter.

While Republicans won more seats than needed to take control, the results indicate that state districts are very divided. In far northwestern Minnesota, incumbent Roger Erickson lost to Dave Hancock by 730 votes. Incumbent Democrat Joe Radinovich lost to Republican Dale Lueck by 679 votes. In District 12A Republican Jeff Backer beat incumbent Democrat Jay McNamar by 660 votes. Even

tighter, Incumbent Patti Fritz lost by 321 votes to Republican Brian Daniels. Fritz was a 5 term member having first been elected in 2004. Another long term member and friend of education, John Ward, was defeated.

One of the most expensive races was in St. Cloud where incumbent Zac Dorholdt was defeated by former Representative Jim Knoblach. Knoblach previously served in the House from 1995 to 2007. Significant outside resources went into this race. It is estimated that by the time all of the campaign finance reports are filed, over $1 million will have been spent on this single house race. In the end, Knoblach defeated Dorholt by 69 votes.

COMMISSIONER STAYS, CHAIRS CHANGE The reelection of the Governor means that Commissioner Brenda Cassellius will continue as Commissioner of Education. She has appointed new assistant commissioners and will not be putting together the Governor’s legislative agenda for the upcoming session. This stability is positive for the continued development of consistent education policy.

The chairs in the House will, of course, change. Lobbyists begin to speculate the day after the election as to who might be chairs of the Education Finance and Education Policy Committees. Representative Sondra Erickson has chaired the policy committee in the past and would be a likely candidate for that post. She is one of the senior members of the Republican caucus. But other senior members include Dean Urdahl, Joe Hoppe, Rod Hamilton, Linda Runbeck, and Bob Dettmer. Several names for the finance chair are circulating—one name that keeps coming up is Jennifer Loon. And there are others, to be sure. Fair to say the chair will be new to the position. Kelby Woodard was the lead republican last year, but he did not run for reelection.

New members usually take some time to orient themselves to the capitol—to find their way around. This year will be more complicated than ever. The capitol is a mess for the upcoming session, in the midst of a $275 million reconstruction project. Gridlock between the House and the Senate may be a problem too. The opening salvos have already been fired at each side.

So what’s in store? Governor Dayton said “It’s a prescription for gridlock unless we rise above and do better.” He indicated the onus was on the Republicans to compromise and meet him halfway to resolve differences. New Speaker Kurt Daudt responded: “It’s up to the Democrats to avoid gridlock”. “If Democrats are on the same page, we’ll do just fine.”

Politics as usual to be sure.

WWW.MESPA.NET

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Tracy ReimerAssistant Director for Program Development, Bethel University, Doctor of Education Licensing Program

Recognition, Appreciation, and Celebration

Over the past year I have had the good fortune to visit elementary schools throughout the state of Minnesota.

A consistent observation throughout these settings is the zeal and commitment elementary staff members have toward meeting student needs and increasing student achievement. It is commendable. So, let’s do some commending!

Given the size of a principal’s to do list and responsibilities, why prioritize recognition? Wagner & Hart (2007) found that recognition leads to increased innovation, increased output, increased retention rates and increased loyalty and job satisfaction. Appreciation changes things! Yet, 65% of Americans report not being recognized for their work in the last year and a mere 12% of employees say they often receive appreciation for great work (Human Capital Institute, 2009).

Schools reap the greatest gains when principals clearly define the actions and behaviors thatsupport school mission and goals and consistently recognize when those actions occur. It initiates the ripple effect, as is human nature to repeat rewarded behaviors. Recognition does not need to entail a complex system. In fact, the most effective recognition can be simple! A personal thanks from a manager has been reported as the most motivating form of recognition. It really is the little things that make a big difference.

Simple Recognition Ideas:

lSay “thank you” every day.

lBring dessert to a high performing team’s meeting.

lGive public praise (but be sure the person likes public praise).

lPresent a new employee with a welcome card signed by everyone on the team.

lWrite kudos on a Post-it and stick it to their classroom door or computer.

lGive a free drink card to the local coffee shop.

lTake a top employee to lunch to celebrate an achievement.

lStart meetings with a “gratitude share” — What are you grateful for today?

lGive someone a roll of Lifesavers if they have helped you.

lGive thank you notes for things you notice or appreciate.

Give it a try! Gratitude is a powerful, positive emotion. Support the culture of an engaged, passionate staff.

RESOURCES

Human Capital Institute. (2009). The value and ROI of employee recognition: Linking recognition to improved job performance and increased business value – the current state and future needs. Retrieved from http://www.marketing.org/files/Values_and_ROI.pdf

Wagner, R. & Hart, J. (2007). The fourth element of great managing. Gallup Business Journal, Aug. Retrieved from http://businessjournal.gallup.com/content/28270/Fourth-Element-Great-Managing.aspx

Twenty-first century leaders are in high demand. You mentor teachers and new administrators. We mentor educators on every step of their journey. Help your faculty get the education and training necessary to lead today’s schools.

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• Master’s degrees: education, English as a second language (ESL), literacy education, natural science and environmental education, teaching, and teaching English to speakers of other languages

• Fourteen additional licenses and 12 certificates in areas such as autism spectrum disorders, ESL, K-5 mathematics, and reading.

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Learn more at hamline.edu/HSE

Robert W. Simmons, III ’07 EdD

DECEMBER 2014

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MESPA’s Member-ship is Changing! –Rosie Mitchell, Membership Manager

MESPA is an ever changing and growing organization. The next time you are sitting in a seminar with MESPA colleagues, you just might wonder about the members who are sitting next to you. Are any of them one of the MESPA Traditionalists? Since 2015 will be the first year that will not have Boomers as a majority in the workforce, you might wonder if your MESPA colleague is one of the Baby Boomers who just can’t quite give up the principalship yet. Looking around the room, you might notice some younger faces who are part of MESPA’s largest member-ship group — Generation Xers. And finally, the youngest faces, the Mil-lennials, those under age 33, are the newest group of principals who have joined MESPA. See the graphic below for MESPA’s age demographics. MESPA and the MESPA mem-bership are changing, which is inevitable. What does not change is that they are all principals who are working hard to meet the needs of their students, teachers, and entire school communities, no matter the generation!

CENTRAL DIVISION Kristin Dresler, WillmarGreg Ewing, WillmarBrian Franklin, Dassel-Cokato Hillary Hornor, WillmarAmy Millard, Sauk CentreDonna Nordstrom, STRIDE AcademyMarnie Pauly, Watertown-MayerJamie Thompson, WillmarTammy Wilson, St. CloudAmy Worden, NorthBranch

EAST SUBURBAN DIVISIONBridget Bruner, North St. Paul-Maplewood-OakdaleBryan Carlson, CentennialChelsea Doriott Junge, North St. Paul-Maplewood- OakdaleJenna Downs, South Washing CountyJoann Karetov, St. Croix Preparatory AcademyJolaine Mast, South Washington County

MINNEAPOLIS DIVISIONMatthew Arnold, Richard Green Central Park SchoolDiego De Paz, Whittier International ElementaryAndree Iden, Elizabeth Hall Elementary Terry Kleinbaum, Bethune Community SchoolGinger Kranz, Webster ElementaryAmy Nelson, Sullivan Communication CenterClaudia Ortiz, Windom ElementaryHalee Vang, Hmong International Academy Amy Young, Student, University of Minnesota

NORTH SUBURBAN DIVISION Matt Brain, Anoka-HennepinAdam Nelson, Columbia Heights

NORTHEAST DIVISION Jim Conrad, ProctorSteve Thomas, Nett Lake

NORTHERN DIVISION Peggy Dunn, East Grand Forks

SOUTH SUBURBAN DIVISION Quennel Cooper, Inver Grove HeightsDebi Doran, Eastern Carver CountyChris Hentges, Eastern Carver CountyJodi Husting, South Washington County

Jon Kison, Eastern Carver CountyMike Larson, Eastern Carver CountyJason Larson, ShakopeeScott Thomas, Rosemount-Apple Valley-EaganMelissa Zahn, Shakopee

SOUTHEAST DIVISION Brad Berzinski, WinonaJenn Campbell, RochesterDana DeWitz, RoschesterRyan Eversman, RochesterHeidi Howe, RochesterHope Langston, NorthfieldIsaac Matzek, RochesterSheila McNeill, StewartvilleMichael O’Keefe, Cannon FallsSam Pearson, RochesterBrian Schoen, SouthlandMichelle Schrantz, RochesterTracy Sexton-Oliver, Lake CityJeff Snider, RochesterJohanna Thomas, Albert LeaJudi Vitito, Northfield

SOUTHWEST DIVISIONSteve Blacker, East Grand ForksBryan Boysen, Jackson County CentralKeith Buckridge, EdgertonDave Dressler, Blue EarthTate Jerome, Chokio-Alberta Steve Johanson, MankatoKory Kath, MankatoPatricia Lindeman, Russell-Tyler-RuthtonTracey Magnuson, United South Central Michael Munson, TracyDoreen Oelke, St. PeterDoug Storbeck, St. JamesRyan Stotesbery, Madelia

ST. PAUL DIVISION Isabella Anderson, The Heights Community SchoolLisa Gruenewald, John A. Johnson Achievement Plus SchoolBobbie Johnson, Hamline ElementaryFatima Lemtouni, L’Eoile du Nord French ImmersionKirk Morris, Benjamin Mays IB World SchoolLynn Pham, Highwood Hills Elementary

Welcome New Members!Joined MESPA July 26 – November 6, 2014

WEST SUBURBAN DIVISION Jason Bodey, HopkinsAdam Lamparske, OronoSara Schmidt, HopkinsTom Walters, Eden Prairie

WESTERN DIVISION Jennifer Mitchell, Staples-MotleyEd Richardson, Pelican RapidsCarla Smith, MoorheadChris Trostad, Crookston

MESPA MEMBERSHIP BY THE NUMBERS

3 259 438 26 Traditionalists Baby Boomers Generation Xers Millennials

older than 69 ages 50 to 68 ages 34 to 49 younger than 33 born before 1946 born 1946 to 1964 born 1965 to 1980 born 1981 or later

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DECEMBER 2014

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H

Best Practices: Instructional LeadershipKarla BeckPrincipal, St. James Public Schools

The Value of WalkthroughsHow to make them count

The days of Principals sitting in offices, minding lunch rooms and paperwork are over. While those tasks still need

attention, it is the attention to learning and teaching that correctly takes its place at the top of our ‘to do’ lists. With all of these items on the plate, there is not one minute to be wasted or missed.

Walkthroughs are a simple way of being present in classrooms to watch learning and teaching in real time. But what do we do with this information that is gathered from this process? If it is simply to check-off the list the fact that you completed walkthroughs then the possibility of strengthening instruction is lost. However, if, as school leaders, we gather information about instructional practices that truly makes a difference in a student-centered school then we’ve got ourselves a lively and alive system.

In our MESPA year together we are focusing on ways that technology can streamline processes and strengthen instruction. So, grab your mobile device and plan such a walkthrough process.

First things first: define the purpose of the walkthroughs in your school. In our school, I have been clear with teachers that both the hard data and the anecdotal details gathered during walkthroughs are more to inform Professional Development (PD) needs and help us focus on school-wide instructional strategies than it is about their individual teaching. That is difficult for some teachers. The minute the Principal enters the room their pulse rates race and their “best practices” radars turn on. But walkthroughs are a way for each teacher to play a part in defining next steps for PD and in keeping fidelity within systems we have determined to be strong.

Next, don’t reinvent the wheel. If you have four goals for instruction this year, make sure that those four goals are what you are looking for during walkthroughs. Adding small initiatives, new ideas or “wouldn’t it be great” ideas to walkthrough forms and rubrics scatters the staff and you. No school has time for that. You have been careful in planning your focus for the year; it is logical that your walkthrough form reflects that hard work.

Now, grab your iPad or other mobile device and create a Google spreadsheet. While I make that

sound pretty easy, it actually is. Decide the three to six things you want to see demonstrated as good instruction in classrooms and place them as the titles for your columns starting in column two. Put the date of your first walkthroughs in column one, adding rows of dates as you use the spreadsheet. Then start walking. Mark the number of times that day you witnessed a strategy/item in that column. Click on the big blue “Sum” sign (looks like an oversized blue “E”), which will automatically add each column separately. You will instantly see how your teachers are remaining—or not remaining—faithful to your goals and strategies over the course of a day, a week, weeks or month.

Then what? Congratulate the teachers for fidelity to your school’s focus when the data states that. Focus your PD and faculty meeting efforts based on those strategies that

aren’t being used according to the data as well.

If you are worried about making this electronic process applicable to teachers immediately, carry two more things with you: a pen and a pad of sticky notes. A quickly-written note left on the teacher’s desk can be motivating and/or reflective: “The higher order questioning and discussion during math instruction was

In our MESPA year together

we are focusing on ways that

technology can streamline

processes and strengthen

instruction. So, grab your mobile device

and plan such a

walkthrough process.

great today” or “Mr. Jones is doing a great job of reciprocal teaching during the reading block. Let’s go together to do an observation of his classroom. Find me after school to chat about this”. You don’t have to leave a note in every classroom, every time; however, when you do, it will be appreciated.

The hardest part of this will be starting. But be done with the paper and the three-ring binders. Let the spreadsheet do the talking.

We honor our collegues who have recently died.

Barbara Bellair, former principal at Clara Barton Open School in Minneapolis, passed away January 15, 2014.

Harold Melby, former principal at Groveland school, Minnetonka, passed away July 31 this year. He was MESPA President 1967-69 and continued to volunteer at MESPA Institute into his 90s.

Dennis Deanovic, former principal in Faribault and Nerstrand, passed away July 8 at the age of 79.

Is your spam-blocker keeping the E-News from you?Do you receive the MESPA E-News in your e-mail each week? If you don’t, your spam-blocker may be stopping e-mail you’d like to receive!

To ensure that you continue to receive e-mail communications from MESPA, including issues of the MESPA E-News, Legislative Update, e-mail alerts and mail from MESPA staff, please be sure your dues are in and add mespa.net to the list of allowed e-mail addresses in your (or your district’s) spam blocker.

In Memoriam

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Institute 2015 Service Project Growing Funds for the Minnesota Child

As we continue on our professional journeys to ‘Grow the Minnesota Child’ collaboratively, it is the vision of our Educational Advisory team to collectively give back to our students beyond the walls of our school buildings.

Please join us in supporting our Minnesota children. How you ask? MESPA Institute in February! During Institute, your division’s Educational Advisory representatives will make the annual “dash for cash” in an effort to collect funds for the children in our respective divisions’ local communities. Watch for them as they race through the crowds of people attending Wednesday and Thursday’s general sessions with collection bags open wide seeking your donations of coins and cash (or a check made out to your division). Amidst the few minutes of chaos, great things will happen.

Think about this simple math fact…a modest donation of $10 from each elementary principal in Minnesota would generate over $8,000. A donation of $20 or more would raise over $16,000. Together MESPA members can make a HUGE impact!

Rather than designate a specific theme or focus of everyone’s funds, which has been past practice at Institute, this year we are asking each division to designate a target area of need in which to collect funds, such as early learning, literacy, local food shelves, etc. All of the money collected for this year’s service project will be given to each of the divisions’ treasurers, who will write a check to their selected community organization or non-profit group.

You, your schools, your communities, and most of all your students both current and future will reap the rewards of your generous donations. Please consider giving back to our local communities. Together we CAN make a difference.

— Jennifer Oson, Ed Ad Chair

60th MESPA InstituteFebruary 4-6, 2015

Growing the MN Child, Collaborative to the Core!

Institute registrations are due January 16! For complete details (including registration forms, fees, session descriptions), visit the www.mespa.net; click on Professional Development and Institute. AND remember to reserve your hotel room at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Bloomington; to get the MESPA room rate, reservations are due by January 16. Call 952-835-7800 or use the direct hotel link on www.mespa.net.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4

11-Noon Early Bird Exhibit Viewing

11:45 Lunch

12:30 Welcome Collect for Service Project

1-2:30 Todd Whitaker What Great Principals Do Differently Sponsored by VIRCO

2:30-3:30 Exhibit viewing and dessert

3 RPM Meeting and Social

3 Institute Orientation and Reception for new principals and first time Institute attendees

3:30-4:30 Concurrent instructional leadership focus sessions

5-6 Hors d’oeuvres Reception

6 Dinner/evening on own

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6

8:15-9:30 Tony Sinanis and Joe Sanfelippo Social media and school branding

Collect for Service Project

Introducing the MESPA Institute 2015 App! We’ve all heard that using technology is the best way to become comfortable with it, and what better place than Institute to hone your techy skills? This year we are launching the first ever MESPA Institute app. Keep an eye out in the E-News and on Twitter for instructions on downloading the app.

Download it to your phone, tablet, or open it up on your computer. There’s plenty of time between now and February to learn the ins and outs of this new technology! And of course, the MESPA Staff is here to answer any questions or concerns you may have. FInd out more at www.mespa.net/app.

What will you be able to do with the MESPA Institute app?

E Read detailed descriptions of the key note speakers and focus sessions

E Decide which focus sessions you’d like to attend and create your own custom schedule

E Visit Exhibitor pages and map out which booths you’d like to visit

E Share and view photos in the app photo album

E Create your own profile and network/ share contact information with other Institute attendees

Top Reasons to Get your MESPA Institute ‘LEARN ON!’

1Keynote Todd Whitaker will bring down the house. Period. Done deal.

2Our new “Un-Conference” option will empower principals to experience and lead PD like never before.

3Build your social media and school branding I.Q. while learning from two national leaders on the subject.

4Network with colleagues on MESPA “deliverables” that you can take back to enrich your school. It’s like money in the bank.

5The opening welcome will feature something never done before…at any principal conference…EVER!

DECEMBER 2014

1111

9:30-12 Un-Conference (sessions 1 & 2)

10-11 Concurrent instructional leadership focus sessions

12-1 Luncheon

1-1:30 Exhibit Viewing

1:30-2:30 Concurrent instructional leadership focus sessions

2:30-3:15 Exhibit Viewing

3:15-4:15 Concurrent principal basics focus sessions

4:30-5:30 MESPA Division Meetings

6-7 Gala Reception

7 Awards Program and Banquet (semi-formal attire)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7

7:15-8:15 Breakfast Buffet

8:15-9:45 MESPA Annual Business Meeting

10-11:30 Jennifer Abrams Having Tough Conversations

Noon Cash Prize Drawing EPAC Drawing CEU presentation Institute 2015 adjourns

Register today for MESPA Institute 2015, the professional development event of the year for elementary and middle level principals. Institute promises 20+ premiere breakout sessions including:

E Literacy Leadership E 1:1 iPad Implementation E PBIS support

MESPA Institute Co-Chairs, Dawn Brown and Brad Gustafson, can’t stop talking about the “awesomeness” planned for Winter Institute. Mark your calendars today!

Where do Minnesota principals go in February?Answer: To MESPA’s Growing the MN Child – Collaborative to the Core

KEYNOTES by:

Todd Whitaker: What Great Principals Do Differently

Tony Sinanis and Joe Sanfelippo: School Branding

Jennifer Abrams: Having Tough Conversations

PLUS MESPA’s first Unconference! This is a great opportunity to learn from education’s best and brightest – MESPA members! During this unconference, you will have the chance to identify session topics that interest you most, learn from the experts in the room, and even lead a session yourself!

PLUS exhibits showcasing cutting-edge education products and services. Come early and walk the exhibits. Look for Exhibit Game details to be announced soon!

Consider yourself invited! A formal Institute invitation will be mailed to all MESPA members in December. Registration is open now and all Institute details are posted under MESPA Professional Development; click on Institute.

Todd Whitaker Tony Sinanis and Joe Sanfelippo Jennifer Abrams

5

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Lexia Reading Core5™, the newest program from Lexia Learning, helps students of all abilities in grades pre-K—5 develop foundational reading skills.

• Browser-based, iPad® ready

• Explicit, systematic, personalized learning in the six areas of reading instruction

• Norm-referenced performance data and analysis without a test event

• A focus on skills such as similes, metaphors, analogies and idioms with emphasis on fluency and comprehension

• Designed specifically to meet the CCSSDenny Walsh

800-435-3942 x325dwalsh@lexialearning.com

www. l e x i a l e a r n i ng . c om

Lexia_MESPA_0413_1.indd 1 4/7/14 4:07 PM

This fall the Retirement Committee discussed several aspects of 403B contributions. Among other issues, the

committee discussed the need for convincing younger principals to make contributions into 403B and other retirement vehicles to insure a positive retirement.

Pensions are a major component of the Minnesota economy. Recently, the National Institute on Retirement Security outlined the impact of public pensions in Minnesota. In 2012, over 185,000 residents of Minnesota received nearly $3.8 billion in pension benefi ts from state and local plans. The average payment is approximately $20,000 per year. These monies are almost exclusively spent in Minnesota. You have the opportunity to provide for an excellent retirement.

R E T I R E M E N T N E W S

Minnesota has now stabilized its funding of TRA. Contributions into the largest state fund were stabilized over the past four years. TRA provides a defi ned benefi t plan as opposed to a defi ned contribution plan. Several attempts have been made to change this, with the result always being the same. People prefer defi ned benefi t plans. Such plans provide pensioners with a consistent stream of income rather that depending on the volatility of markets. Take the sure thing over the highs and lows—sounds right for retirees.

TRA rates were returned to 7.5% as of July 1, 2014. Returning the rates in eff ect repaid a loan that the state legislature took from school districts over a decade ago. The result is long-term stability for everyone counting on a TRA pension.

The average payment of all pensions in Minnesota is $1,696 per month for public employees. The high fi ve calculations for a

school principal would substantially increase this amount. But even assuming that, the annual benefi t may be substantially less than one could live on comfortably. So social security and other supplemental retirement sources are necessary to keep you comfortable.

Some of the math on saving is undeniably easy as has been said many times before. Let’s consider some options:

E Make an annual contribution of $5,250 to your savings and, assuming an annual return of 5% over 30 years, you will have $348,804 in your account.

E Change this to your contract with a $2,750 personal contribution and a $2,500 match by the school district and you’re looking at the same $348,804 in your account, with only half of the personal contribution.

Investing in your 403B How to supplement your TRA and Social Security — By Roger Aronson

Retirement News continues on page 13.

DECEMBER 2014

1313

E If you keep your personal contribution amount at $5,250 and receive the match by your school district that would add another $139,522 over the same 30-year period.

In other words, with some rather simple saving, a principal could have an additional $500,000 at the time of retirement to supplement social security and TRA.

Negotiation of an increased 403B match is essential. Everyone wants higher salary—that is pretty obvious. But the long-term impact of tax deferred 403B matches is huge. And can make a significant difference in the quality of your retirement. These amounts are increasing.

Years ago, the limit on the school district match was $2,000. This was repealed by the legislature. Several districts have moved into the $3,000 and $4,000 range in the 403B match. When negotiating your contract, you should put money into three areas—First: Salary—Second: health insurance and Third: 403B match. And if you are thinking about saving—take a little less in salary and put it on your 403B match.

Changing Schools? Retiring? Let MESPA Know!Please contact MESPA if you will retire or change schools during the 2014-2015

school year. mespa@mespa.net • 651-999-7310 • 800-642-6807

Best Practices: Resource LeadershipPaul HelbergPrincipal, Lakeville Area Public Schools

How do you say ‘Schoology’? Exploring new Learning Managment Systems

Throughout my career as a principal I have had several mentors who helped guide me and provide advice on how to be a better

principal. One of the things that resonated with me was advice I heard from one of my many talented colleagues, “Never ask your staff to do something that you wouldn’t do yourself.” In addition to this message I heard, “Model your expectations.”

Like many schools and districts, everyone has many, dare I use the term, initiatives. As far as technology initiatives, we have implemented the use of Google Apps for Education, piloting 1:1 with iPads, BYOD, and Schoology, just to name a few.

One initiative I’d like to focus on is our district’s use of Schoology with staff, students, and families. The first challenge we faced was teaching everyone how to pronounce Schoology (Skool’uhjee). We’ve had a lot of fun with all of the different pronunciations. Check out the company’s video on the correct pronunciation at http://vimeo.com/101102732. Even they leave you hanging with how you properly pronounce Schoology.

In our district, classroom teachers have shifted to using Schoology, a Learning Management System, as their new teacher website and source for course information. The use of Schoology replaced our previous classroom website system.

While traditional websites are typically designed only for one-way communication, Schoology is an interactive system that allows students the

opportunity to truly manage their learning, while keeping parents informed.

For example, students can use Schoology to participate in an online discussion about a novel they’re reading in class. Teachers can create an assessment to examine what students learned from a previous lesson. Schoology also includes

an assignment drop box, which allows students to “turn-in” their assignments digitally.

Schoology’s notifications allow parents to stay connected to their child’s classroom. When teachers create reminders, updates, or post content for their classroom, parents are notified through a single email each day.

When leading my staff through their new learning and use of Schoology, I considered the advice that my mentors shared with me. I knew I needed to model the use of Schoology by using this tool with my staff.

I use Schoology to share my weekly updates, professional development ideas, along with resources for our Problem Solving Team process. I also use Schoology to post questions and survey my staff regarding quick

discussion items. This digital tool has helped us streamline our face-to-face meetings and collaborate with one another in a digital format.

If you are considering a new learning management system, check out Schoology. Whichever learning management system you may decide to implement, have fun with the pronunciation of Schoology!

While traditional websites

are typically designed only for one-way

communication, Schoology is an

interactive system that allows students the

opportunity to truly manage

their learning, while keeping

parents informed.

Honors, Recently Retired, MemoriamHelp us recognize and honor MESPAmembers by keeping us informed throughout the year. Send names to Kelsey Gantzer in the MESPA office: kelsey@mespa.net.

Honors and Recognition Send names of MESPA members who receive advanced degrees, or awards/ honors/recognition from community or other organizations during the 2014-2015 school year. We’ll honor them in the April Advocate.

Recently Retired Let us know if you are retiring during the 2014-2015 school year. We’ll honor you in the April Advocate.

In Memoriam Send the names of MESPA members and past members who have died, along with their last school principalship. We’ll honor them in each issue of the Advocate.

Retirement News continued from page 12

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DECEMBER 2014

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Best Practices: School Culture LeadershipWendy K. TemplinPrincipal, Bemidji Area Schools

Learning the Techy LifestyleA Principal’s Journey in the Digital Age

In 1977, I had my first experience with a computer. It was an acoustic coupler modem at my high school that we were able to send a

math algorithm to a computer at the University of Minnesota to solve the problem and the computer would send it back to us. That was technology in the making for me. Over the years, I have seen many tech tools come to life. My Journey album is now a channel on Pandora, my business fax machine has been replaced by 4G connections and emails, and my VHS tapes are gathering dust as Netflix is streaming through the Wii. I remember when a mouse was a cute furry animal, a hard drive was traveling to my parent’s house in a snowstorm, and a Windows Operating System was manually raising the blinds to let in sunlight. My sister and I were my father’s remote to change the channel on the black and white television. I have fond memories of the colored overheads from National Geographic that I used in my classroom. To this day, I have never understood how all that information magically appears on the Internet in my house and how it supernaturally travels through the air.

The year is 2014 and I strive to keep up with my peers, my adult children and the first graders in my school with the use of current technology. From simple text messaging to Google Docs sharing, I am a beginner! My old Blackberry is out and my Apple 4G Smartphone is in, even if it is already outdated. I use WeatherBug, AroundMe, Google Maps and My Fitness Pal. My iPad has books and games galore, yet I haven’t been able to transition from my comfortable and familiar MacBook. I need to learn the Techy Lifestyle!

I recently read an article titled, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Tech-leading Principals by Patrick Larkin to find my role in this fast-paced technological society as a leader of my school. From Power Points to Youtube footage, I can create presentations for students and staff, yet my fear and anxiety increases watching other administrators’ triangulate the use of a cell phone, an iPad and a MacBookPro simultaneously during meetings. I simply enjoy and appreciate the old-fashioned, face-to-face communications of the past. By implementing some of the 7 Habits, I hope to transform my skills and reduce my apprehension about technology.

The first habit is to create an atmosphere that inspires innovation and promotes life-long learning by becoming a digital citizen. Presently, our students utilize iPads to support reading and math instruction in small groups. My iPad is used to beat that Candy Crush game! I need to transpose this simple tool to support staff and students by researching educational applications using different search sites similar to: http://bestappsforkids.com/ or https://www.commonsensemedia.org or http://www.teachthought.com.

The second and third habits are to foster collaboration and be open to new ideas. We no longer teach in isolation, but work together and share resources. Teachers are sharing best practices on Twitter outside our own school, district or even state. Professional learning networks boost student success and it is my job to get everyone invested in a new vision with technology. The pace of school is faster and

we need to allow time for clear and reasonable training of technology. Together, we need to share ideas and promote professional development opportunities to practice using technology tools. I plan on hanging out in the computer labs with teachers investigating new sites and applications. As an active member of my Division, I will pay attention to what other principals are using and be open to learning from them.

The fourth and sixth habits are designed specifically for me to be a connected learner myself and take a risk outside of my traditional comfort zone. One of my biggest fears is not knowing something or appearing ignorant, especially with technology. My greatest asset is the World Wide Web. I am a seeker of knowledge and love spending time researching new facts and educational tools. I search out experts using technology and ask for individual training sessions. Our technology teacher has been a great help on a daily basis. My greatest teachers are my two techy children. They are extremely patient with mom! I have learned that my lack of expertise is only a minor obstacle and taking the risk to learn is worth it. I plan on using up some of the 10Gs from our family data plan.

NASSP has published “10 steps to Using Technology Successfully” by Chris Toy, a former principal from Maine. His first step suggests to principals that they must effectively and consistently model the use of the same technology tools they expect teachers to use in their classrooms with the students. I need to visit classrooms and computer labs, sit by students and participate with them using technology. Let the children be my guide. One goal that our Northern Division is planning is to create a Twitter Chat with each other and I can’t wait to get started!

Learning and utilizing technology is incredibly useful and beneficial, but I don’t want us to forget that sitting down with a colleague over a cup of coffee is still the best communication tool out there — without the cell phone at the table.

Please share your great ideas with me at northerntemplin@gmail.com or wendyktemplin@yahoo.com or Wendy_Templin@bemidji.k12.mn.us.

Check this out and share it with your staff. Did You Know — Interesting and scary facts about Information Technology (IT) evolution

and the changes in society published on February 25, 2014.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrJjfDUzD7M

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NAESP, NASSP, and New Leaders Applaud USED Shadow Visits of PrincipalsAlexandria, VA—Oct. 27, 2014—The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), and New Leaders commend the dozens of high-ranking officials from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) who will shadow Pre-K-12 principals in the Washington, D.C. area this week and support continued focus on school leadership. The goal of the shadow effort is to gain a better understanding of the role of instructional leaders and look at policy, programs, and resources that are needed to do the job successfully. The shadow visits mark a continued celebration of National Principals Month in October.

The visits will be followed by a briefing facilitated by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. ED staffers participated in a similar activity over the past two years, which led to the creation of the Principal Ambassador Fellowship program. Jill Levine, the 2014-2015 Campus Principal Ambassador Fellow and principal of Normal Park Museum Magnet, a Pre-K through eighth-grade school in Chattanooga, TN, coordinated key visits on behalf of the agency.

“We are excited that U.S. Department of Education officials are taking the time to gain this first-hand knowledge of the role of principals,” said NASSP Executive Director JoAnn Bartoletti. “It is our hope that the shadowing visits will help these officials when it comes to federal policy decisions and finding ways to best support our nation’s principals and the schools they lead.”

The shadowing events will culminate in an afternoon debriefing session with Secretary Duncan at the Department’s headquarters on Thurs., Oct. 30, where the participating principals will gather with the ED officials to share their experiences and talk about lessons learned. Being shadowed allows principals the opportunity to share daily challenges and successes with policymakers and to provide the principals’ perspective on federal policy, programs, and resources that are currently needed to help them lead learning communities.

“The shadow visits will showcase the increasingly complex and multifaceted role of principals and how their role has been impacted by federal policies and programs, such as teacher evaluation and implementation of college and career readiness standards,” said Gail Connelly, Executive Director of NAESP. “It is critical that principals share how their leadership is key to the success of any education reform and receive ongoing support for their efforts to help every student succeed.”

Officials in regional ED offices will also be shadowing principals around the country throughout the week.

National Principals Month is a time to celebrate the role of principals in raising student achievement and improving schools, while also reminding the public of the need for greater support in leadership development to ensure principals have the resources they need to be successful.

“Simply put, all school improvement efforts have to start with the principal,” said Jean Desravines, CEO of New Leaders. “School leaders are responsible for developing and supporting our nation’s teachers and for building schools that support great teaching, meaningfully engage families and communities, and foster the academic achievement and social development of our kids. We are thrilled the Department is shining a spotlight on this important role.”

—Dateline NAESP

News from our National Association — NAESP

2015 NAESP Annual ConferenceBest Practices for Better Schools

June 30 – July 2, 2015

Long Beach, California

Are you ready to learn what’s next to achieve higher levels of student success?

Are you ready for new perspectives that will enable you to think and perform at a higher level?

Are you ready for a fresh new look on how to lead your school and interact with your teachers and students?

NAESP 2015 – Best Practices for Better Schools Conference is the premier event designed for principals and their teams who are focused on student success. Connect and network with principals from across the country. Learn from the best in our field and prepared to receive real takeaways from the NAESP 2015 conference.

Take your leadership to the next level.

Make your school the best it can be.

Be prepared for the challenges ahead.

Find out more at NAESP-Conference.org

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

DECEMBER 2014

17

Best Practices: Resource LeadershipTom CawcuttPrincipal, Barnum School District

Times are a-Changin’ Digital Communciations in Schools

When considering the digital landscape of our schools as it relates to communication, there is one thing

that is certain: change.

If the melodic rambling of Bob Dylan does not fit your taste, his message of change is one that should resonate with every principal. As we progress through the 21st Century, we are inundated with new digital tools nearly every time we check our email. The “waters” of technology can be consuming. The focus of this article will be to identify what our school does to ensure digital communication is reaching our students, teachers, parents, families, and the community.

My office manager still sends home a monthly office newsletter, which I compose. Hundreds of copies are made and sent home on/around the first Thursday of each month. We attempted to “go green” a few years ago and do away with paper copies. Barnum Elementary is a small, rural school where WiFi and high-speed Internet have not fully caught up given our geographic logistics. The local coffee shop is family owned, and Lou’s Diner still serves home-cooked meals. Parents responded immediately to not having a paper copy and we surveyed them during

conferences using a digital survey tool on the school’s iPads. The results were clearly divided: a third wanted paper copies for various reasons, a third wanted a digital copy sent via email, and a third preferred the web or a social media site for information. Three distinctly different means of communicating with parents, and all valued. We changed, adjusted, and met the needs of our families through continuing paper copies, posting to our web page, and pushing out notifications through Facebook and Twitter. One would contend we added to our plate. We added a means to communicate with our families in a way that was meaningful to them. We recruited the help of our media specialist, technology committee, and office staff to ensure we were meeting the needs defined through the digital survey. Furthermore, due to some district policies being outdated, our school board was urged to make changes and usher in a new wave of connecting with our community.

Having access to information whenever and wherever you are has become expected. Through the use of Google Sites, our faculty/staff have gradually moved away from using a server to

using the “cloud” or web. Nearly all communication within our school is done through email, Google Sites, and Google Drive. These tools currently suit our needs, but we are looking for more efficient means to organize information/data. I recently read a statistic that said, “Humans will create more information in the form of data in the next two days than was created in all of history until the year 2003” (Siegler, 2014). The accuracy of that is up to interpretation; however, reality has caused us to

begin researching learning management systems that will work for our school. There are many to choose from and it is likely your district is experiencing similar needs. If access to data and information wherever you are, whenever you need it, has piqued your curiosity, there are many free methods of doing so.

We started a one-to-one iPad initiative three years ago and have utilized these tools to further enhance learning and the engagement of students. Their ability to communicate digitally has opened the door to learning not possible when most of us were of elementary age. We could create a lengthy list of apps and ways we are using these tools, but finding what works for us may/may not be what works for your school. The point being, we are providing opportunities and tools that are commonplace in today’s society. It was not too long ago the ink pen was considered the ruin of education. The iPad, or any digital device, has a place in schools when used responsibly. Rather than let fear and control determine our resistance, we waded into allowing digital devices. This has not been without incident as managing this change has taken a district wide effort.

Whether it is a text message through an alert system, a means to reduce paper, or an enhanced online textbook, digital communication is here to stay. If you are not taking steps to enhance your school and/or daily practice through the use of digital communication, now is the time to get your feet wet, or better yet, start swimming. There are likely multiple means of digitally communicating that are not referenced here, if you have great ideas, share them with us!

REFERENCE

Siegler, M. (2014). Eric Schmidt: Every 2 Days We Create As Much Information As We Did Up To 2003 | TechCrunch. TechCrunch. Retrieved 5 November 2014, from http://techcrunch.com/2010/08/04/schmidt-data/

Come gather ‘round peopleWherever you roam

And admit that the watersAround you have grownAnd accept it that soon

You’ll be drenched to the boneIf your time to you is worth savin’

Then you better start swimmin’ or you’ll sink like a stone

For the times they are a-changin’.

The Times they are a-Changin’, Lyrics by Bob Dylan

Having access to information

whenever and

wherever you are

has become expected.

Where educators gather to learn.We’ve got what you’re looking for: high quality, on-demand professional develop-ment webinars and professional network-ing communities for educational leaders. Subscribe today at the special low rate available to MESPA members. Visit the MESPA Web, click on Professional Development and ELN.

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2015 MESPA ELECTIONS

In February 2015, MESPA members will elect a President-Elect and Secretary/Treasurer. The success of our association begins with the election of quality leadership. Exercise your membership right and vote for the candidate you believe will best represent your needs as an elementary or

middle level principal, and who will strengthen MESPA for all of our members’ needs.

The Election will be conducted in accordance with our bylaws (article V, section 2). A link to the electronic ballot will be e-mailed to all Active MESPA members on Friday, February 13, 2015.

Ballots are due back in the offi ce by 4:30pm, on Friday, February 27, 2015. They will be tabulated electronically and verifi ed by the MESPA Election Committee on Monday, March 2.

Election results will be announced on our website, in the E-News, and in the May Issue of the Advocate.

TERMS OF OFFICE

The MESPA Secretary/Treasurer will take offi ce July 1, 2015 for a two-year commit-ment, through June 30, 2017.The MESPA President-Elect will take offi ce July 1, 2015 for a fi ve-year commitment.Two years as MESPA President-Elect: July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2017 Two years as MESPA President: July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2019One year as Past President: July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020

CANDIDATES FOR SECRETARY/TREASURER

My vision for the MESPA Secretary/Treasurer position is: The role of Secretary/Treasurer certainly needs to attend to the defi ned tasks of the organization, but can and should play a fundamental role in the continued development and innovative future of MESPA through great leadership.

This vision includes an increased collaborative role between the board of directors and the general membership that allows full disclosure and transparency in the organization. This contributes to increased trust, appreciation and member buy-in for strategic initiatives and outcomes. This role is fundamental in communicating the greater vision of MESPA to all its members through a variety of modalities that are frequent, easy to access and clear to understand.

As a member of the executive board I see the Secretary/Treasurer role as a vital part of the collaborative team that continually strives to make MESPA a growing, thriving and infl uential organization. MESPA needs to continue to be relevant and innovative to meet member needs. The secretary/treasurer role must be an infl uential member in setting strategic direction through communication and fi scal decision making that in turn benefi ts sound decisions in policy development and communication of member needs.

I should be selected as a candidate for MESPA Secretary/Treasurer because: My desire to be selected as a candidate comes from my true passion to make MESPA a premiere resource for Minnesota Elementary Principals. I believe I can help infl uence the future of a meaningful MESPA for a changing demographic of elementary principals through my connections from both rural and metro districts and ability to connect with principals of diverse generations. I feel I have great insight into policy development, strategic planning and making connections with other MESPA members and outside agencies through my experiences as a community and professional leader. The strength of the executive board comes from a well balanced team. This includes perspective on context, ability to be change savvy and provides a well composed membership of skills, experience and motivation. I believe that my personality and competencies could add to an already great team.

Finally, I believe deeply in public service and civic responsibility. I feel a call to passionately serve organizations in which I believe can help greatly infl uence our communities in a positive manner. I wholeheartedly believe that MESPA is such an organization and want to give my time and energy if given the opportunity to serve on the executive team.

My vision for the MESPA Secretary/Treasurer position is: For this individual to uphold the responsibilities outlined in the job description and be a positive contributing member to the MESPA Executive Committee and Board of Directors. I envision this position requiring an active and involved participant, a person who demonstrates both quality written and verbal skills, and who whole-heartedly supports MESPA’s Mission: ‘to improve education for children and youth, strengthen the role as educational leader for elementary and middle level principals, and collaborate with partners in education to assist in achieving these goals.’ I also envision this position requiring a person having good listening skills, being comfortable representing other principals and their ideas, and actively assisting in the completion of the necessary work to move MESPA forward. I continue to be excited that the principalship is moving ahead with technology and social media in-mind. I envision the role of the Secretary/Treasurer supporting and modeling initiatives that maximize communication to its members, further shrinking the distance between districts and inspiring collaboration. I also envision being a positive contributor in shaping the future role of the principal as we take head-on increased accountability, the explosion of tech integration in our schools, the increased need for school and community partnerships, and evolving PreK-3 alignment.

I should be selected as a candidate for MESPA Secretary/Treasurer because: MESPA has provided for me opportunity for social and professional development in the role of a school administrator. The past nine years as a principal, I have counted on MESPA to connect me with the tools, resources, individuals and solutions to assist in my eff orts to support and enhance quality education at the elementary level and I have never been disappointed. In return, I wish to continue giving back to MESPA and volunteer my time and energy again as a state offi cer for another term. I have the skills to uphold the position of the Secretary/Treasurer and its responsibilities, am able to communicate eff ectively and easily team with other MESPA offi cers. I can also be an ambassador for principals everywhere while promoting MESPA’s school-leader initiatives. Having served as a principal intern in the Minneapolis Public Schools, as an intermediate level principal in rural Waseca, Minnesota and now as an elementary principal in the suburban school district of Prior Lake-Savage, I have established numerous relationships with colleagues in multiple divisions and can represent principals from diff erent areas of the state. If I should again be selected as a candidate for MESPA Secretary/Treasurer, I will continue to serve, not only the students and families of my local district, but also the educators, leaders and administrators serving the school districts throughout Minnesota.

Patrick GlynnPrincipal, Savage Area Schools

Eric SkansonPrincipal, Rocori Area Schools

DECEMBER 2014

19

My vision for the MESPA President-Elect position is: The MESPA organization has a rich tradition of encouraging principals to use our strong voices to advocate for what is right for the children and families we serve. My vision for the MESPA President-Elect position is to do whatever it takes to support all principals as they create a culture of cooperation, discovery, and joyful learning in their school. In addition, by empowering principals to create their own professional development whether it is through technology or a traditional workshop model, we can set goals for productive learning throughout the course of the year. Creative problem solving is valued in our organization, and through communication and outreach, especially to emerging leaders, the President-elect can build connections throughout MESPA that will benefi t our students and communities.

I should be selected as a candidate for MESPA President-Elect because: I am a dreamer and the possibilities for professional growth as a principal in MESPA are limitless! The passion I have for our profession ignites an energy in me that allows me to inspire others. I believe the foundation for a strong organization is strong relationships. As a member of MESPA since 2009, I have taken an active role in our organization by attending conferences, getting involved in the Southwest Division of MESPA and connecting with other principals. I have had the opportunity to work with and learn from amazing principals who are highly eff ective leaders. I believe our organization is about supporting each other, sharing with each other and working together to create a dynamic education experience for the students of Minnesota. As a leader in MESPA, I am committed to serving principals and the students of Minnesota. I will continue to encourage fellow principals, and I will listen to the members about the needs of our organization and address those needs. I believe it takes honesty, persistence, and humor to do the purposeful work we do every day and these are all traits I exemplify. We have had great leadership in our organization and I believe as President-Elect I can continue that tradition.

My vision for the MESPA President-Elect position is: to serve and support Minnesota principals in their role as eff ective leaders to make education a positive experience for all of our learners, including teachers, students and families. I believe in reaching out to new MESPA members to provide leadership, mentorship and assistance as needed. I feel that we owe it to our new members to help them become the best that they can be.

I also feel that as President-Elect, I would need to remain current on what is happening legislatively in the state and nationally, and be aware of the new initiatives that are taking place. I believe in continuing to learn and develop my leadership skills in order to support and lead other principals. I will continue to endorse policies and practices that are best for students. We need to keep the best interests of all students fi rst and foremost in the decisions that we make as leaders. One area that I feel is very important is working to close the achievement gap by changing belief systems of administrators, teachers and parents. We all need to collaborate as a team to make our education system work for all of our students. Poverty, ethnicity, and sexual orientation should never equate to low student achievement nor should they be used as excuses for lower standards. All students have the right to high standards and high learning expectations. I am honored to be applying for the President-Elect position, and I would be elated to serve as such. I will continue to support and advocate for the MESPA no matter how the election should end. I believe we are a stronger organization when we all work together. Our current and past presidents have been amazing leaders!

I should be selected as a candidate for MESPA President-Elect because: I bring a variety of experiences to this position having taught at the secondary level and worked at the elementary level for the last nineteen years. I have served in a leadership capacity in the Southwest and Southeast Divisions, and have experience in both rural and urban settings.

I believe that I will be able to represent the diverse interests of our members across the state and bring a gender balance to the executive committee serving in this capacity. I also reside close enough to the metro area to attend meetings, and stay in communication with the Executive Director while serving members in various locales. Over the past six years, I have attended the Minnesota Principals’ Academy, served on the Teacher Licensure Task Force, currently serve on the Minnesota Teacher of the Year Selection Panel, and have been appointed by the governor to the Board of School Administrators. These experiences have provided me a wealth of knowledge that I would enjoy sharing with other members of MESPA. I feel that I would represent MESPA well serving as President-Elect. I am connected with principals in the state, and am open to new challenges. I am a strong voice for MESPA on behalf of Minnesota principals!

Stephanie FlickingerPrincipal, Redwood Area Schools

Nancy AntoinePrincipal, Northfi eld Area Schools

CANDIDATES FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT

Meet the Candidates! Meet the candidates at the 2015 MESPA Institute. Candidates will speak at the start of the Annual Meeting on Friday morning, February 6, 2015. View offi cer responsibilities, the candidate statements, and resumes on the MESPA web; click on About MESPA and Offi cer Elections.

Principal Literacy Academy4-Day series with Bonnie Houck, Ph.D.,

and Sandi Novak

TIES Education Center, St. Paul

Monday-Tuesday, September 29-30Friday, November 14Friday, December 12

Friday, December 5Board of Directors Meeting

TIES Education Center, St. Paul

Friday, February 6Annual Meeting

DoubleTree by Hilton, Bloomington

Friday, May 1Board of Directors Meeting

and NDP Interviews

TIES Education Center, St. Paul

Tuesday-Thursday, June 30-July 22015 NAESP Annual Conference

Long Beach, California

2014 2015

M E S P A C A L E N D A R H I G H L I G H T SFor complete information, visit the MESPA Web site at www.mespa.net

Click on Professional Development

Presort StdUS Postage

P A I DHopkins MNPermit 1445

Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association1667 N Snelling Avenue, Suite C101St. Paul, Minnesota 55108

MESPA MISSIONThe Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association is dedicated to promoting and improving education for children and youth, strengthening the role as educational leader for elementary and middle level principals, and collaborating with partners in education to assist in achieving these goals.

Moving? Changing schools? Retiring? Let MESPA Know! mespa@mespa.net • 651-999-7310 • 800-642-6807r

Tuesday, February 3, 2015NDP Finalist Selection

DoubleTree by Hilton, Bloomington

Wednesday, February 4Board of Directors Meeting

DoubleTree by Hilton, Bloomington

Wednesday-Friday, February 4-660th Annual MESPA Institute

Statewide Convention

DoubleTree by Hilton, Bloomington