One of my favorite weeks is right upon us! This year, it’s Wednesday through Friday, July 26-28: the Kentucky Association of School Administrators’ Annual Leadership Institute!
This marks the first ALI since I began writing this KASA blog. The writer, teacher, and communicator in me wants to use this space to delineate from start to finish the most important events involved and a comprehensive overview to suggest how to make the most of the wonderful opportunities that both KASA and its ALI are!
…But that isn’t really how it worked for me and since I don’t know if you’re a seasoned veteran or brand new participant, I’ll take a different approach. Instead of a linear, methodical assessment, I’m reverting to my inner child and will leap headfirst into the middle of it all!
Some 16 years ago, when I started my job as community relations director of the Graves County Schools, I didn’t even attend the first couple of conferences! After all, I came from a media background to do public relations. I wasn’t sure if I even qualified as an administrator or even as an educator!
My first conference changed all that! I realized I am both! I immediately found myself intrigued by the keynote speakers. Various presenters addressed specific education issues; others talked about leadership; and still others found ways to unite us in the room in pursuing common goals and purpose, something that has empowered me every year I’ve attended!
Breakout sessions provided more specific, focused discussion and I could choose which interested me most!
The entire atmosphere at once offered a respite from my usual work and inspiration to go back home to start the new school year! Some years, we even have held our district retreat at the ALI! Much of that impetus came simply from interacting with other educators and administrators across Kentucky – some in my specific field, many others outside it.
I took the opportunity to meet speakers, including many whose books are featured prominently in stores across America. The breakout session presenters generally could spend even more time after their sessions, discussing their topics one-on-one.
When now-retired Graves County Superintendent Pete Galloway served as KASA president, I got to know Wayne Young and Rhonda Caldwell better. Other colleagues from Graves County also served on committees. I began presenting breakout sessions myself and people attended them! I won a KASA umbrella by answering an “Andy Griffith Show” trivia question Wayne asked and the next thing I knew, Rhonda invited me to serve on the ALI planning committee and later on a leadership committee and even to work with their staff on writing and speaking tips.
Why do I tell you this? … Because there’s a good chance you’re like me in never even dreaming you’d participate in ways I now have! Like me, you probably think, “With my busy schedule, I’m going to add KASA duties? No, I don’t think so!”
Well, let me tell you from experience – it’s worth it! And that’s coming from someone who drives probably farther to Frankfort and Louisville than nearly anyone else in the commonwealth!
Superintendent Kim Dublin, the Graves County administrative team, and the school board are supportive. I believe they realize participation from members of our team amounts to a form of our support in return for what our district gets from KASA. And, I believe they realize the professionalism, collegiality, and content involved help my colleagues and me grow as educators and leaders.
I also have benefited from participating in several Kentucky School Boards Association conferences, as well as collaborating activities in our district with KSBA for purposeful meetings and forums. I’m proud that Graves County school board chairman Ronnie Holmes now serves as KSBA president! Participating in their conferences, where he has risen through the leadership ranks, has been a treat! Furthermore, I greatly enjoy my membership, colleagues, and conferences in the Kentucky School Public Relations Association. Our shared work in school PR unites us and creates bonds. I recommend all these opportunities to others for whom each individual group is appropriate.
Coming back full circle to KASA and its ALI, they are unique in the benefits they provide! I urge you not to dare miss the tremendous opportunities I gain from them, opportunities for which I know you also will be grateful to receive!
I hope to see you this week at the Galt House!
Question of the Week
How can and do KASA and its ALI benefit you and your district?