Rite of Passage’s Post

We, as representatives of Maryland APA had an opportunity to meet students, faculty, and partner alongside constituent organization representatives at The George Washington University PA Program. A huge THANK YOU for coordinating and hosting us all!! These types of engagements are often reflective for me, which serves as a meaningful learning experience I later integrate into my ‘being.’ Our messaging for student involvement included not only the traditional ‘why join?’ information, but perhaps more importantly, we encouraged students to BE BOLD. The reasons that led each of them (and us) into a PA school-career pathway are the same reasons that don’t simple end at graduation. Too often, we get stuck in the cycle of familiarity. It is far easier for humans to continue momentum rather than to stop and start on what seems like a new path, even if receiving warning signs along the way that we are headed into dangerous or treacherous territory. Cultivating a culture where it’s acceptable to “press pause” in order to effectively reevaluate a situation is not wasteful, it’s responsible, and we need all the help possible to join in. Choose to open the doors toward healing and resilience. It is a lifelong journey and getting involved in organizations that fundamentally support the profession and align with your values is worth the investment. Through them, the impact of our intentions are amplified through collective action. Whatever doesn’t join us allows doubt and isolation to create gaps. Diversity of representation potentiates that bridge toward unification, shared accountability, and mutual respect. Without discomfort and fear, we would not have the opportunity to be courageous and demonstrate acts of bravery. BE BOLD. It’s time to lead together. #InterculturalLeadership #PositivePsychology #Salutogenesis

#Leadership comes in many forms. Whether we celebrate Jack Welch, Kamala Harris, Martin Luther King, or Dolores Huerta, our leadership role models tell us as much about ourselves as they do about those we admire. Do we prize toughness? #Strategy? #Justice? #Fame? In the canon of #leaders I respect and admire, Jane Close Conoley has long inspired me to become a better version of myself. I supported her as interim chancellor when she came to UC Riverside in 2012-13 and was captivated by her incredible energy, #optimism, and #dedication. As a native New Yorker transplanted to California, President Conoley can be as formal or relaxed as an occasion demanded, and inspire donors from across the philanthropic spectrum. But her leadership wasn't window-dressing. Her welcoming, compassionate, embracing style occasionally led others to underestimate her - always at their own risk. She has a keen mind, high aspirations for her campus, and is as skilled at building long-term strategy as she is seizing unexpected #opportunities. President Conoley is accessible, warm, and self-effacing in public. She is the exact same person in private - a rare attribute and one that does more to build #trust and #consensus than any other approach I've observed. This consistency requires confidence and acute self-awareness. Over more than a decade, President Conoley has helped to shape the future at California State University Long Beach. She will leave that campus, long one of the flagships of the CSU system, better prepared for what comes next. For my part, I will continue to apply the lessons she taught me about #courage, #kindness, and #humility. It's a high bar, but I know I make better decisions when I ask myself, "what would Jane do in this situation?"

Nikolai Vitti, the leader of the Detroit Public Schools Community District, included a succession plan as one of his goals for his next four years in office. This plan demonstrates his openness and respect toward a smooth transition that would ensure the success of the business; the school district of Detroit. Nowadays, employees tend to switch roles frequently, which is why the transparency and willingness to prioritize succession planning is something that other leaders should emulate. #successionplanning #education #talent #transition #transparency

Here is another example of why it is important to listen and respond to student and educator concerns, especially when it involves student safety. School safety is a top concern for everyone (students, parents, teachers, support staff, and school leaders). I hear from teachers across the country that they feel there is less accountability for the more frequent, aggressive, and extreme behaviors they currently see/experience. We must all be willing to work together to address these concerns. Generally, there is concensus around this issue, just not as much agreement on the solutions. I help districts gather stakeholders to identify top concerns and identify suggested solutions. Stakeholder involvement from students, teachers, administrators, parents, and community members is the key. Let me help you solve these issues to increase student safety, improve employee retention, AND improve student learning. We need to understand how these issues also significantly impact teacher recruitment. What have you found to be effective in addressing challenging student behaviors in your district? #StudentSafety #TeacherRetention #Leadership #News #PTA #NSBA

Best news this week: Brampton Manor Academy’s incredible A-level results! It’s inspiring to see students from disadvantaged backgrounds outperforming those at some of the nation’s most elite schools. With 185 students securing straight A or A grades, Brampton Manor is proving that excellence in education isn’t reserved for the financially privileged. Why is this so important to share? My time at university involved adjusting to the “white high income priveleged standard of fellow students”. A professor even advised me to just do it because it would be easier for everyone including myself. I made me even more driven to make real impact in my work with inclusive HR. And I learned at a very young age to apply critical thinking and strategy. I just played along with the standard to get my masters and at the same time, followed my own strategy and path. Yes, I worked the system that was not build for people like me and now I am changing the system. I’m looking forward to seeing more diversity across the academic landscape and within companies. It seems education increasingly caters to the privileged. Sharing stories and experiences like Brampton Manor and the students is still needed. #leadership #inclusion #diversity

Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools continues their work to support and transform teaching and learning across the globe. Here’s a great article on the reimagining of high school learning to prepare students for career success!

A few years ago, when I was a college president, I used to travel Montana, Idaho and Wyoming recruiting students from small rural high schools. It was a model I developed and it became very successful throughout my tenure. I grew up in a small rural town so I understood the struggles of these young people and could relate. Mitzi and I were traveling last weekend and stopped in a town at a random store. We approached the counter and proceeded to pay for our items. As the transaction was processing, the clerk asked, "are you a college president?" I said, "I was." He then said, I remember when you came to a high school I taught at." After continuing the conversation we conversed about the eight students who had come from that high school. We visited about each one and where they are at now and what they are doing. It was a great conversation as we reflected upon the success of each of those students. I am still friends with each one of them today...truly, built a relationship of trust! Have a great day, my friends! Share this post with someone who needs to hear it and follow me, Dr. Scott Reed Mickelsen, for more in the future. Envision excellence daily! Let's visit, my friends! Dr. Scott R. Mickelsen New Heights Consulting, LLC 406.717.5771 [email protected] #envisionexcellence #education #newheights #consulting #consultant #leadership #international #edleaders #beyou #proffesionaldevelopment #instagram #personaldevelopment #K12 #schools #schoolsuccess #HigherEducationConsultant #amplifier #equity #engagement #internationalconsultant #teamworkGreat #poverty #AG #rurallife

Last month, ELSO Inc. had the honor of presenting at the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) annual conference in beautiful Pittsburgh, PA! Co-led by myself and the fabulous Jamie Newsome, our workshop sparked critical conversations with educators and leaders about recognizing and dismantling restrictive practices that can limit students’ freedom of thought and expression in outdoor learning programs. Using real-life scenarios—such as creating student groups, setting rules, communicating with families, and navigating drop-off and pick-up times—participants collaborated to uncover unspoken norms that are often at odds with how students see and navigate the world, creating dissonance and hindering students' sense of belonging in a learning space. Together, we explored Liberatory strategies to reimagine these moments as opportunities for connection, equity, and growth. Discussions highlighted the importance of flexibility, clear communication, and cultural responsiveness in program design. Key takeaways included the need to: 1) Prioritize inclusive communication through accessible formats and shared expectations for families, students, and staff. 2) Center program structures on student needs by embracing unstructured time, choice, and collaborative learning. 3) Bridge the gap between organizational and visitor cultures to create welcoming, affirming environments for all. 4) Leverage restorative justice practices to build trust, relationships, and community, both preventatively and responsively. At ELSO, we are committed to helping organizations create programs where Black and Brown youth feel a sense of belonging and connection. If you're ready to reimagine your approach to outdoor learning or environmental education, ELSO Consulting Services is here to support your journey. Let’s work together to bring these Liberatory practices to life—reach out today to start the conversation! #LiberatoryEducation #EnvironmentalEducation #ELSOInc #EquityInEducation

We’re absolutely sure that Baron R. Davis, Ph.D.’s keynotes at ASU+GSV Summit this week will get people thinking. And we say that because his recent op-ed for EdPost—co-authored with Institute for Education Innovation CEO and Founder Doug Roberts—got *us* thinking about what’s behind the exodus of #superintendents and what education leaders can do about it. https://lnkd.in/eEZqHqTH   It’s an honor to work with Dr. Davis, an award-winning #education #leader, former superintendent and high school principal, and CEO and founder of The Noegenesis Group.   In the piece titled “Support Superintendents: Build a Culture of Trust and Stop Turnover, they write, “As devastating as the past four years have been for superintendents, hope is on the horizon. To create meaningful, long-lasting change, it will require a collective effort from communities, educators, and board members.”   They include three key steps for ending the discord and upheaval: 1. Revisit the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion #DEI 2. Bring back bipartisanship to school boards 3. Support and uplift women and leaders of color   Their conclusion: “We’re at a critical crossroads. Political discourse must take a backseat to communication, empathy, and trust to create a culture of respect that flows throughout the district.”   #Education #K12 #ThoughtLeadership #Leaders  

There are currently 48 Charter Systems in Georgia. No two school districts are alike, but all face challenges that impede student success.  School Board members from City Schools of Decatur, Dublin City Schools, and Union County Schools will share the positive impact and innovative solutions to challenges that have been possible as a charter system.    In this session you will hear how best practices in local school governance, use of distributed leadership and shared governance has strengthened numerous opportunities to use time, talent, limited resources more effectively and even engaged the support of local, state, and even national partnerships to accomplish the goals of the school system. Charter System collaboration exists in and outside of the schoolhouse, through PreK, elementary, middle and high schools, as well as in College & Career Academies and ultimately with those ultimately responsible, the BOE.