2024-2025 USA-Kansas Program Book
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<strong>USA</strong>-KANSAS<br />
PROGRAM BOOK
W O R L D C L A S S L E A D E R S H I P ,<br />
W O R L D C L A S S S T U D E N T S U C C E S S<br />
KSSA<br />
<strong>Kansas</strong> School Superintendents' Association<br />
KASBO<br />
<strong>Kansas</strong> Association of School Business<br />
Officials<br />
KASPA<br />
<strong>Kansas</strong> Association of School Personnel<br />
Administrators<br />
KILA<br />
<strong>Kansas</strong> Instructional Leaders’ Association<br />
KASEA<br />
<strong>Kansas</strong> Association of Special Education<br />
Administrators<br />
KanSPRA<br />
<strong>Kansas</strong> School Public Relations Association<br />
KPA<br />
<strong>Kansas</strong> Principals Association<br />
KLCTE<br />
<strong>Kansas</strong> Leaders of Career and Technical<br />
Education<br />
Developing and uniting educational<br />
leaders to support and advocate for the<br />
success of every <strong>Kansas</strong> student.<br />
KADPF<br />
<strong>Kansas</strong> Association of Directors of Plant<br />
Facilities
<strong>USA</strong>-kansas<br />
<strong>Program</strong>s<br />
TABLE OF<br />
CONTENTS<br />
I. INTRODUCTION<br />
Welcome Letter<br />
About <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong><br />
Professional Learning Network<br />
Signature Leadership Pathway<br />
1<br />
3<br />
4-5<br />
6-8<br />
II. PROGRAM INFORMATION<br />
Elevate Leadership 1<br />
Elevate Your BLT<br />
New Principal Workshops<br />
Elevate Leadership 2<br />
360 Survey & IPS<br />
Aspiring Leaders Workshops<br />
Women in Leadership<br />
SPED & the Building Leader<br />
Executive Leadership Coaching<br />
Emerging Leadership Development<br />
for Superintendents<br />
Uniting Your Values<br />
Aspiring Superintendents Workshops<br />
Western <strong>Kansas</strong> Leadership Academy<br />
Western <strong>Kansas</strong> Career Showcases<br />
III. MEMBER ORGANIZATION<br />
INFORMATION<br />
9-10<br />
11<br />
12<br />
13-15<br />
16-18<br />
19-20<br />
21-22<br />
23<br />
24<br />
25<br />
26<br />
27<br />
28<br />
29-31<br />
32-37<br />
IV. <strong>USA</strong>-KANSAS STAFF 38-43
Welcome!<br />
The excitement of a new school year is a magical feeling for a school leader! There’s so much<br />
possibility for the upcoming year; new staff joining the school family, reconnecting with returning<br />
staff members, and implementing changes planned over the summer months spent in reflection.<br />
Those first few days when staff return are a flurry of meetings, professional learning opportunities,<br />
and the energy level is at an all time high. As the first few weeks of school begin and students return<br />
to fill the hallways and classrooms, staff warmly welcome them into their new learning environment.<br />
How does a school leader bottle these energizing and inspiring emotions of the beginning of the year<br />
as the challenges and setbacks of the remainder of the year occur? Now more than ever it is<br />
imperative that leaders take time to prioritize their own learning and collaboration with other<br />
leaders to maintain the emotional energy needed to sustain a positive, high performing school<br />
culture. The workshop series provided by <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> serves to meet this need for our leaders in<br />
<strong>Kansas</strong>. At <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong>, our vision is to build world class leadership, and therefore world class<br />
student success.<br />
We encourage you to join the staff at <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> in a leadership journey pathway that meets your<br />
individual professional needs. We host a variety of workshops in regional locations throughout the<br />
state during the year. Each of these days is spent in professional learning, collaboration with other<br />
leaders, reflection, and action planning for impact back at the building and/or district level. Each<br />
series is designed to build the capacity and network of leaders across the state. Research shows that<br />
leaders who are engaged outside of their internal district circle are more effective in influencing<br />
results than leaders who solely focus on internal instruction (Kirtman, 2021).<br />
Now is the time to get engaged with other leaders in your area! Join us in a workshop cohort or other<br />
professional learning opportunity this year. Prioritize your own learning and collaboration so you<br />
lead as a learner in your district. Let this cohort help you maintain the emotional energy needed to<br />
sustain the positive, high performing culture you set out to create at the beginning of each magical<br />
school year!<br />
Register for one of our workshop series using the QR code below. Reach out to Jessica Griffin at<br />
jgriffin@usakansas.org or 620-340-3340 with any questions you may have. Many of our workshop<br />
series are included with a district’s PLN membership.<br />
Credit To:<br />
Research Findings on Leadership Effectiveness That Might Surprise You, Kirtman 2021<br />
The Principal 2.0 Three Keys to Maximizing Impact, Michael Fullan 2023<br />
Jessica Griffin<br />
Assistant Executive Director for Professional Learning<br />
<strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong><br />
<strong>2024</strong>-<strong>2025</strong><br />
Workshops<br />
1
What does a <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong><br />
Membership get you?<br />
Professional Development<br />
Advocacy<br />
Legal Assistance <strong>Program</strong><br />
Professional Networking<br />
FOLLOW<br />
US ON<br />
SOCIAL<br />
MEDIA<br />
@<strong>USA</strong><strong>Kansas</strong><br />
usakansashq<br />
2<br />
<strong>USA</strong>|<strong>Kansas</strong><br />
<strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong>
ABOUT <strong>USA</strong>-kansas<br />
The vision for education in <strong>Kansas</strong> is that <strong>Kansas</strong> leads the world in the success of<br />
each student. To accomplish this ambitious vision, school administrators must be<br />
developed and supported. <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> is a statewide "umbrella" organization made<br />
up of members from nine school administrator associations with <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong><br />
representing more than 2,000 individual <strong>Kansas</strong> administrators. The mission of <strong>USA</strong>-<br />
<strong>Kansas</strong> is to ‘develop and unite educational leaders to support and advocate for the<br />
success of every <strong>Kansas</strong> student’ with the vision of <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> being ‘World Class<br />
Leadership, World Class Student Success’. As an organization, we provide the<br />
following services for school administrators: Professional Development, Advocacy,<br />
Legal Assistance <strong>Program</strong>s, and Social Networking.<br />
<strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> offers dozens of professional development opportunities for school and<br />
system leaders across the state. Members can attend Elevate Leadership Training;<br />
engage in a ‘360 Survey’ with individualized coaching based on the survey findings;<br />
attend Launching Leadership; participate in Professional Unity; and engage in<br />
Executive Coaching. <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> also offers professional development opportunities<br />
to advance Women in Leadership.<br />
‘Capitol News’ is a key byproduct of the advocacy <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> provides on behalf of<br />
schools and school leaders in <strong>Kansas</strong>. <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> is the only group that represents<br />
the interests of School Administrators in the Capitol. In addition to advocacy, <strong>USA</strong>-<br />
<strong>Kansas</strong> also provides legal assistance to school leaders. There are countless reasons<br />
professionals seek legal advice, including contract reviews and involuntary status<br />
changes. With <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> membership, our employment attorneys are available to<br />
each <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> member.<br />
Lastly, members of <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> are able to share success and learn from those in<br />
districts across <strong>Kansas</strong> through <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong>’ state conferences, magazine, forums,<br />
and social accounts. When asked what was most impactful while participating in<br />
Elevate Leadership during the 2021-2022 school year, one participant stated: “The<br />
discussion of the topics and other issues with peers and colleagues [was most<br />
impactful]. We all become better by having the opportunity to learn together and<br />
have open discussion with other educational leaders.”<br />
<strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> is a dynamic organization with 145 years of school leadership expertise<br />
on the team. You can learn more about our organizational leadership team at<br />
usakansas.org.<br />
3
PROFESSIONAL<br />
LEARNING<br />
NETWORK<br />
2023/<strong>2024</strong> HIGHLIGHTS<br />
183<br />
Districts in <strong>Kansas</strong> are currently members<br />
of the <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> Professional Learning Network<br />
(PLN), up from 158 the previous year! Here is a<br />
look at what being a PLN member has to offer.<br />
1<br />
UNLIMITED ATTENDANCE AT ALL <strong>USA</strong>-KS<br />
WORKSHOPS<br />
2<br />
DISCOUNTED, CUSTOMIZABLE, IN-<br />
DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL LEARNING<br />
3<br />
ONE FREE CONFERENCE REGISTRATION<br />
FOR PLN DISTRICTS<br />
9 108<br />
421<br />
(291)<br />
908<br />
(86)<br />
NUMBER OF<br />
WORKSHOPS/EVENTS<br />
In 2023-24, <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> offered 9<br />
different workshops that members could<br />
attend. These 9 workshops/programs<br />
translated into 108 meeting dates!<br />
NUMBER OF<br />
WORKSHOP<br />
PARTICIPANTS<br />
In 2023-<strong>2024</strong>, 421 individuals<br />
attended workshops offered in<br />
the PLN. Of those, 291 individuals<br />
were PLN members.<br />
NUMBER OF <strong>2024</strong><br />
CONFERENCE<br />
PARTICIPANTS<br />
The 53rd Annual Uniting Leaders<br />
Conference held May <strong>2024</strong> brought in<br />
908 attendees with 86 utilizing their free<br />
registration as part of being in the PLN!<br />
FOLLOW <strong>USA</strong>-KANSAS :<br />
4
PLN Offerings:<br />
<strong>2024</strong>-<strong>2025</strong><br />
WORKSHOPS/SERVICES COVERED<br />
Aspiring Leaders Workshop<br />
New Principals Workshop<br />
Elevate Leadership Year 1<br />
Elevate Leadership Year 2<br />
Elevate Your Building Leadership<br />
Team (Summer Sessions)<br />
360 Survey and Individual Leadership Coaching<br />
(One included per PLN District, +cost of mileage)<br />
Emerging Leadership for Superintendents (NEW)<br />
School Finance University<br />
Uniting Your Values (NEW)<br />
Special Education and the Role of the Building<br />
Leader (NEW)<br />
ELEVATE<br />
LEADERSHIP<br />
“The time to pause from the<br />
day to day chaos of running<br />
a building to focus on what<br />
is most important, was so<br />
valuable...This course has<br />
helped me evaluate, refocus<br />
and recharge my ability to<br />
help our staff continue to<br />
move forward.“<br />
-Participant Comment<br />
SCHOOL FINANCE<br />
UNIVERSITY<br />
“The entire day was<br />
wonderful. I learned more<br />
about school finance in one<br />
day with Dr. Adams than I<br />
have in 20 years in the<br />
education field.”<br />
-Participant Comment<br />
360 COACHING<br />
“[My coach] is honest and<br />
asks questions that are<br />
thought provoking...This<br />
experience has made me a<br />
much better leader. The<br />
support has been above<br />
and beyond what I<br />
expected.”<br />
-Participant Comment<br />
5
Signature<br />
leadershIp PATHWAY<br />
Over the last three years, <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> has worked with KSDE, KASB, and McREL with the<br />
Region 12 Comprehensive Center to bring elements of McRel’s Balanced Leadership and<br />
NASSP’s Building Ranks into one comprehensive, multi-year training program: Elevate<br />
Leadership. The Elevate Leadership program is currently focused on building-level<br />
administrators; however, the past two years, <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> has invested in teacher leadership<br />
teams, along with their principal, as part of the summer leadership training component. The<br />
Elevate Leadership program is currently made up of four ‘courses’ that unfold over three or<br />
four school years:<br />
Elevate Leadership 1 - 6 workshops throughout the school year<br />
Elevate Your Building Leadership Team - [optional] - 3-day workshop in the summer for<br />
BLTs to work through with their leader who completed Elevate Leadership 1<br />
Optional Implementation Coaching for Building Leadership Teams throughout the<br />
school year as they work to execute on the action plans developed during the<br />
summer workshops. Simultaneously, the school leader would be participating in<br />
Elevate Leadership 2.<br />
Elevate Leadership 2 - 6 workshops throughout the school year<br />
360 Leadership Survey and Individual Leadership Coaching - monthly coaching sessions<br />
in conjunction with the completion of the 360 Leadership Survey; coaching does have<br />
the option to extend into additional school years.<br />
This investment in developing school-level leadership is critical as <strong>Kansas</strong> strives to lead the<br />
world in the success of each student. One participant of Elevate Leadership 1 wrote, “All<br />
sessions included time to learn, process with peers, and opportunity to plan for<br />
application. Every time I attended, I felt I left with a purpose.” In order to ensure that each<br />
school leader is equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to lead high performing<br />
schools, we must invest in the professional development of administrators and aspiring<br />
administrators.<br />
Districts can also be part of our Professional Learning Network (PLN). Membership into the<br />
PLN is based on the number of students enrolled in the district. As a member of the PLN,<br />
districts receive: unlimited, no cost attendance to all <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> workshops; no cost<br />
attendance at <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> Regional and advocacy meetings; no cost mentoring for first year<br />
administrators; locally created in-district professional learning workshops; one free<br />
conference registration at the <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> Annual Conference; and membership discounts<br />
for administrators and partners!<br />
6
<strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> supports leaders from the teacher ranks to the superintendent seat. Leaders can follow our<br />
signature program pathway and receive support from degree-seeking to job-holding administrator!<br />
New PrIncIPal WORKSHOP<br />
and Support<br />
<strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong>, in collaboration with KPA, offers all new<br />
principals two days of professional learning in addition to<br />
zoom calls and coaching during their first year on the job.<br />
KELI LeadershIP Support<br />
<strong>USA</strong>-KS partners with KELI to provide the three days of<br />
professional development that each new leader receives<br />
as part of their mentoring program.<br />
ELEVATE LEADERSHIP<br />
YEAR 1<br />
This program is based on the McREL What<br />
Matter’s Most and Balanced Leadership<br />
framework. Sessions will focus on building<br />
capacity in developing strong<br />
instructional leadership skills, a laser<br />
sharp focus on best practices, how to<br />
effectively lead change, and how to build<br />
a purposeful school community. Sessions<br />
will be collaborative and include time to<br />
work on a customized action plan.<br />
360 Survey<br />
and<br />
CoacHIng<br />
Administrators will administer a 360<br />
survey electronically to their staff<br />
and supervisors to receive<br />
individual survey results around the<br />
domains of building culture. The<br />
survey is followed by the creation<br />
of an Individual Plan of Study and<br />
monthly collaborative coaching<br />
sessions with trained coaches to<br />
address self-selected growth areas.<br />
ELEVATE LEADERSHIP<br />
YEAR 2<br />
Leaders who have<br />
completed Elevate<br />
Leadership are encouraged<br />
to join an Elevate 2 Cohort<br />
to take a deeper dive into<br />
how to create healthy building cultures<br />
and effectively lead the learning process.<br />
Research confirms the vital role school<br />
leaders play in positively impacting<br />
student achievement.<br />
ELEVATE YOUR<br />
BUILDING<br />
LEADERSHIP TEAM<br />
This is a unique summer<br />
learning experience designed to<br />
build capacity in your school’s<br />
leadership team to enhance<br />
culture, develop a laser sharp<br />
focus on best practices,<br />
effectively lead change, and<br />
build a purposeful school<br />
community.<br />
7
New Principals Workshop and Support<br />
KELI Year 1 and 2 Building Support<br />
Elevate Leadership Year 1<br />
Elevate Leadership Year 2<br />
Elevate Your Building Leadership Team<br />
(Summer Sessions)<br />
360 Survey and Individual Leadership<br />
Coaching (One included per PLN<br />
District, plus cost of mileage)<br />
Aspiring Leaders Workshop<br />
Emerging Leadership for<br />
Superintendents (New)<br />
School Finance University<br />
Uniting Your Values (New)<br />
Special Education and the Role of the<br />
Building Leader (New)<br />
Producing TV News for Schools<br />
CustomIzable professIonal development, consultIng,<br />
and facIlItatIon Is avaIlable upon request.<br />
WOMEN IN<br />
LEADERSHIP<br />
Women’s<br />
Leadership Summit<br />
KPA EVENTS ANNUAL UNITING<br />
KPA Annual<br />
Conference<br />
Secretaries<br />
Workshop<br />
DISTRICT LEVEL<br />
LEARNING<br />
Aspiring<br />
Superintendents<br />
Executive Leadership<br />
KELI Year 1 and 2<br />
District Leader<br />
Support<br />
LEADERS<br />
CONFERENCE<br />
8
Year 1<br />
TESTIMONIALS FROM PAST PARTICIPANTS<br />
This is my 6th year as a principal. I have always been a<br />
person that wants to grow and improve every year, but<br />
my growth this year has easily outweighed the previous<br />
five years combined! I attribute this to Jessica’s<br />
guidance and the opportunity to learn alongside other<br />
like-minded leaders hungry for growth. The 360 survey<br />
that I had my staff complete provided valuable<br />
feedback and offered me the “nudge” I needed to<br />
challenge the status quo and initiate positive change.<br />
– Tyler Weinbrenner,Principal, Hillsboro MS/HS<br />
Elevate Leadership allowed principals to develop<br />
relationships with other professionals in the<br />
same situations. The facilitators not only gave us<br />
tools for our toolbox, but showed us how to use<br />
them effectively. I learned many things to make<br />
me a more open and positive leader! Thank you<br />
to <strong>USA</strong> for allowing this opportunity to occur!<br />
– Cassi Bozarth, Principal, Rock Hills Elementary<br />
CONTENT<br />
This program is based on the<br />
McREL What Matter’s Most<br />
and Balanced Leadership<br />
framework. Sessions will<br />
focus on building capacity in<br />
developing strong<br />
instructional leadership<br />
skills, a laser sharp focus on<br />
best practices, how to<br />
effectively lead change, and<br />
how to build a purposeful<br />
school community. Sessions<br />
will be collaborative and<br />
include time to work on a<br />
customized action plan.<br />
TARGET<br />
AUDIENCE<br />
New and Experienced<br />
Administrators, Teacher<br />
Leaders, Special<br />
Education Leaders<br />
locations<br />
Chanute<br />
Garden City<br />
Salina<br />
Topeka<br />
Goddard<br />
<strong>Kansas</strong> City<br />
COST FOR<br />
6 SESSIONS<br />
Non-Member - $2,000<br />
<strong>USA</strong> Member - $1,000<br />
PLN - No Cost, Included<br />
in Membership<br />
9
Year 1<br />
2023-<strong>2024</strong> Highlights<br />
The Elevate Leadership<br />
program focuses on the<br />
development of<br />
intentional leaders who<br />
understand how to build<br />
a purposeful school<br />
community rooted in<br />
best-practices and a<br />
strong understanding of<br />
how to lead and manage<br />
change. Here is how our<br />
Elevate 1 participants<br />
rated their growth in<br />
these four areas during<br />
the 2023-<strong>2024</strong> school<br />
year.<br />
Category PRE POST CHANGE<br />
Built a Purposeful Community 2.42 3.08 +.66<br />
Intentional Leadership 2.25 2.89 +.64<br />
Identifying What Matters Most 2.27 2.80 +.53<br />
Inspiring and Leading Change 2.36 2.92 +.56<br />
*Survey was on a 4-pt scale<br />
10
Building a Culture of Learning -<br />
We Protect What We Build Together!<br />
ABOUT<br />
3 Consecutive Days<br />
Time for collaboration, reflection, and<br />
action planning for impact<br />
Topics covered: Leadership<br />
development, determining best practices,<br />
and inspiring/leading change<br />
Walk away with personal leadership<br />
growth and a building level action plan for<br />
the upcoming year<br />
<strong>2024</strong> HIGHLIGHTS<br />
Wichita - 65<br />
Humboldt - 16<br />
Garden City - 44<br />
125 total participants<br />
COST<br />
PLN District Members - $1000/Team of 5<br />
<strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> Members - $2000/Team of 5<br />
Non-Members - $3000/Team of 5<br />
$100 for each additional participant<br />
DATES & LOCATIONS<br />
June 11-13, <strong>2024</strong><br />
Wichita<br />
June 25-27, <strong>2024</strong><br />
Humboldt<br />
July 9-11, <strong>2024</strong><br />
Garden City<br />
11
<strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong>, with support from the <strong>Kansas</strong><br />
Principals Association, are committed to<br />
supporting new principals. We recognize the<br />
importance of connecting with and<br />
supporting new principals as they start their<br />
new role, through their first year, and beyond.<br />
Recruiting, developing, and retaining<br />
educational leaders has never been more<br />
important!<br />
MORE<br />
INFO<br />
CONTENT<br />
TARGET<br />
AUDIENCE<br />
New leaders are brought together from across the state to<br />
build their professional network. They participate in a variety<br />
of learning opportunities related to instructional leadership,<br />
roles of a leader, wellness, technology, time management,<br />
and an opportunity to ask questions of experienced leaders.<br />
LOCATION & DATES<br />
First Year Principals or<br />
Assistant Principals<br />
Principals New to<br />
<strong>Kansas</strong><br />
COST<br />
PLN Members - No<br />
cost, included in PLN<br />
membership fee<br />
Non-PLN - $350<br />
Cost includes 2 inperson<br />
meetings and 6<br />
Zoom check-ins<br />
TOPEKA<br />
In Person<br />
August 1, <strong>2024</strong><br />
January 10, <strong>2025</strong><br />
Zoom - 10:30-11:30 a.m.<br />
September 11, <strong>2024</strong><br />
October 9, <strong>2024</strong><br />
December 11, <strong>2024</strong><br />
February 26, <strong>2025</strong><br />
April 9, <strong>2025</strong><br />
12<br />
GODDARD<br />
In Person<br />
July 24, <strong>2024</strong><br />
January 15, <strong>2025</strong><br />
Zoom - 9:00-10:00 a.m.<br />
September 11, <strong>2024</strong><br />
October 9, <strong>2024</strong><br />
December 11, <strong>2024</strong><br />
February 26, <strong>2025</strong><br />
April 9, <strong>2025</strong>
Year 2<br />
TESTIMONIALS FROM PAST PARTICIPANTS<br />
Every time I attend one of these<br />
conferences I always feel empowered<br />
and more knowledgeable upon leaving.<br />
The breakdown of each segment along<br />
with the mix of partners allows for a TON<br />
of collaboration and knowledge growth.<br />
Learning from your experiences and<br />
others has been so appreciated!<br />
I appreciate the discussions with<br />
others. I also really appreciate that<br />
you value that discussion time and<br />
alter the amount of content you<br />
share so we still have the time<br />
instead of rushing through to cover<br />
more.<br />
CONTENT<br />
Leaders who have<br />
completed Elevate<br />
Leadership Year 1 are<br />
encouraged to join an<br />
Elevate 2 Cohort to take a<br />
deeper dive into how to<br />
create healthy building<br />
cultures and effectively<br />
lead the learning process.<br />
Research confirms the<br />
vital role school leaders<br />
play in positively<br />
impacting student<br />
achievement.<br />
TARGET<br />
AUDIENCE<br />
Leaders who have<br />
completed the Elevate 1<br />
<strong>Program</strong><br />
locations<br />
Chanute<br />
Dodge City<br />
Salina<br />
Topeka<br />
Goddard<br />
<strong>Kansas</strong> City<br />
COST FOR<br />
6 SESSIONS<br />
Non-Member - $2,000<br />
<strong>USA</strong> Member - $1,000<br />
PLN - No Cost, Included<br />
in Membership<br />
13
2023-<strong>2024</strong> Highlights<br />
Year 2<br />
The Elevate Leadership<br />
program focuses on the<br />
development of<br />
intentional leaders who<br />
understand how to build<br />
a purposeful school<br />
community rooted in<br />
best-practices and a<br />
strong understanding of<br />
how to lead and manage<br />
change. Here is how our<br />
Elevate 2 participants<br />
rated their growth in<br />
these four areas during<br />
the 2023-<strong>2024</strong> school<br />
year.<br />
Category PRE POST CHANGE<br />
Built a Purposeful Community 2.74 3.18 +.44<br />
Intentional Leadership 2.65 2.83 +.19<br />
Identifying What Matters Most 2.41 2.86 +.45<br />
Inspiring and Leading Change 2.62 2.91 +.29<br />
*Survey was on a 4-pt scale<br />
14
Testimonial<br />
I’m Laura LaHue. I’m the Principal of Highlands Elementary in the Shawnee<br />
Mission School District. During the 2023-<strong>2024</strong> school year, I attended the<br />
Elevate 2 Leadership group.<br />
The things I like most about this group are it really helps me pause and come<br />
back to why I became a leader in the first place. Being around colleagues from all<br />
over the state is incredibly helpful in just grounding me back to the important<br />
work which is really helping me develop student learning and helping our staff be<br />
their best selves when they are at work.<br />
For anyone considering Elevate Leadership, I would tell you that not only do you<br />
get to form relationships with people that are in principal roles and at other<br />
schools in the district, but you also get to take back things that you can use right<br />
away with your staff. I would say that many times when I attended Elevate<br />
Leadership, I was quickly changing the plans for my staff meeting that was later<br />
on that same day to make sure I was ready. It’s just a really great set of system<br />
checks to make sure that we are delivering on our values each day we come to<br />
work.<br />
It’s hard to be out of your building, I will say. but every time I come, I am in it, and<br />
at night, I'm really glad I got to spend the day here with other colleagues.<br />
VIEW MORE ELEVATE<br />
VIDEOS HERE!<br />
15
AND INDIVIDUAL<br />
LEADERSHIP COACHING<br />
TESTIMONIAL FROM PAST PARTICIPANT<br />
“This is my 6th year as a principal. I have always been a person that wants to grow and<br />
improve every year, but my growth this year has easily outweighed the previous five<br />
years combined! I attribute this to Jessica’s guidance and the opportunity to learn<br />
alongside other like-minded leaders hungry for growth. The 360 survey that I had my<br />
staff complete provided valuable feedback and offered me the “nudge” I needed to<br />
challenge the status quo and initiate positive change.”<br />
CONTENT<br />
Administrators who<br />
participate with <strong>USA</strong>-<br />
<strong>Kansas</strong> Leadership<br />
coaching will administer a<br />
360 survey electronically<br />
to their staff and<br />
supervisors to receive<br />
individual survey results<br />
around the domains of<br />
building culture. The<br />
survey is followed by the<br />
creation of an Individual<br />
Plan of Study and monthly<br />
collaborative coaching<br />
sessions with trained<br />
coaches to address selfselected<br />
growth areas.<br />
TARGET<br />
AUDIENCE<br />
Building Leaders who have<br />
completed Elevate<br />
Leadership 1 and 2<br />
COST<br />
Non-Member - $2,500<br />
<strong>USA</strong> Member - $2,000<br />
PLN - Districts get ONE<br />
free registrations. All<br />
following registrations<br />
are $1500 per person.<br />
(Plus Mileage)<br />
16
AND INDIVIDUAL LEADERSHIP COACHING<br />
TESTIMONIAL<br />
Over the last couple of years I have wanted to participate in some type of professional<br />
coaching. I had looked at several options but none of them were feasible. As members<br />
of the <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> Professional Learning Network (PLN), one leader in each district can<br />
utilize professional coaching at a discounted rate. I jumped at this opportunity and am<br />
so thankful for it. In the beginning I wanted someone to challenge me and hold me<br />
accountable to my leadership goals. What I got was so much more!<br />
Dr. Stessman was assigned as my coach and I knew right away that I would be able to<br />
lean on him and learn from him. The survey that my staff completed was very eye<br />
opening and allowed me to see our school from their perspective and pointed out<br />
places that needed work. Dr. Stessman helped me work through that survey and create<br />
goals for the year. During each coaching session he helped me reflect on my goals and<br />
take actionable steps that paid off! I feel that through my coaching I have learned about<br />
myself as a leader who has the ability to solve problems, prioritize the daily tasks,<br />
approach difficult conversations with confidence and move forward with the strategic<br />
plans set for my building. I will be sad to see this year end but know that the coaching I<br />
have received will serve me throughout my time as a principal!<br />
I am currently in my 7th year as principal at Syracuse Elementary School. I am a<br />
professional educator, mother to 2 amazing young adults and the wife to a generational<br />
rancher. I graduated from Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor's Degree in<br />
Elementary Education as well as my Master's in Special Education and went on to earn<br />
an endorsement in Building Leadership for FHSU as well.<br />
17
Liz Plunkett<br />
PRINCIPAL<br />
Syracuse Elementary School, USD 494<br />
As a lifelong learner I was looking for leadership opportunities to challenge myself as<br />
well as provide me a deeper understanding of my capacity to lead our amazing school<br />
community. I am a hometown girl so leading our school to success is truly personal to<br />
me. Schools in small towns are vital to the success and growth of our communities and<br />
we know that Syracuse Elementary is an amazing place for our families to send their<br />
children each day. Having the opportunity to participate in what <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> has to<br />
offer has made me a better leader to take our school to the finish line and beyond!<br />
For those of you out there looking for direction as a leader, partnering with <strong>USA</strong>-KS is<br />
the right decision! Being a school administrator can be a lonely place and we must<br />
prioritize our relationships with other school administrators. Elevate Leadership gives<br />
you a cohort of admin to connect with. Having my own coach this past year has been<br />
invaluable and taught me how to reflect and look objectively at myself as a leader. This<br />
was one of the most significant decisions I have made for myself and I will forever lean<br />
on what I have learned. Making the commitment to professional growth and<br />
development is a tough one because it takes us away from our buildings and daily<br />
responsibilities but we can not pour into others without filling our own cups! Every<br />
administrator needs to commit to these opportunities; they will not regret it!<br />
Sign up for 360 SURVEY<br />
and coaching here<br />
18
TARGET AUDIENCE<br />
Teachers ready to take the next step to building leadership<br />
Teachers who have completed their Masters Degree in<br />
Administration but still have questions<br />
Teachers ready to apply for their first administrative position<br />
Any school district employee looking for a move to a<br />
leadership position<br />
DATES and<br />
LOCATIONS<br />
GODDARD<br />
NOVEMBER 13, <strong>2024</strong><br />
Workshop Topics<br />
Leadership - What is it?<br />
The Role of the Principal<br />
Time Management<br />
Year 1 and the 3 Ls<br />
Moral Purpose<br />
What makes up a quality resume?<br />
The Interview Process<br />
Principal Panel - Q and A<br />
TOPEKA<br />
FEBRUARY 27, <strong>2025</strong><br />
Feedback<br />
“This was great!! The pace and material/content<br />
was perfect! Not too much in one session to<br />
retain!”<br />
“Listening to the principal's panel<br />
was awesome. It was great to<br />
listen to their advice.”<br />
COST<br />
PLN DISTRICT MEMBER - No Cost, Included in Membership<br />
ALL OTHER REGISTRANTS - $150<br />
19
What part of the day<br />
was most impactful?<br />
Overall, the Survey says...<br />
4.96/5<br />
20
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SUMMIT<br />
The Women’s Leadership Summit is a two-day conference<br />
held each Spring. The conference features keynote speakers,<br />
breakout presentations, vendors, hospitality activities, and<br />
more! It is an excellent opportunity to network with and learn<br />
from other amazing female leaders from across the state.<br />
NEXT SUMMIT<br />
March 5-6, <strong>2025</strong><br />
Target Audience<br />
The Women Connecting with Women Series and Women’s<br />
Leadership Summit are for ALL women in education! Past<br />
participants have been building leaders, district leaders, school<br />
board members, teacher leaders, special education leaders,<br />
amongst others.<br />
21
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SUMMIT<br />
Participant Feedback<br />
“Each of the presentations that I<br />
attended had very valuable information<br />
or words of encouragement for us as<br />
female leaders. It is hard to be out of the<br />
building, but the program made it well<br />
worth my time.”<br />
“The sessions were great and the<br />
conversations I got to have with my<br />
colleagues really helped us to form<br />
stronger connections between each<br />
other.”<br />
“Loved everything! Well organized, great collaboration, thoughtful planning”<br />
How would<br />
you rate the<br />
Summit<br />
overall?<br />
22
In the Principal’s role you face many decisions regarding the implementation of increasingly<br />
complex Special Education requirements. Do you often wish you had the full understanding of<br />
the law and the power of the IEP? We will help you build a solid foundation in Special Education<br />
that will help you make the best decisions for your students and staff as we work to achieve<br />
success for all your stakeholders. Sessions will be interactive and include time for reflection and<br />
collaboration on how to take the content back to the building to assure success and well-being<br />
for everyone. Session topics will include managing the IEP process (quality and compliance),<br />
complying with legal requirements regarding student behavior, and hot topics in our schools.<br />
TARGET<br />
AUDIENCE<br />
All Building level leaders,<br />
teacher leaders (Principal<br />
Designee when in charge),<br />
school counselors -<br />
anyone making decisions<br />
regarding Special<br />
Education. Individuals<br />
with a need to<br />
understand the law and<br />
best practices in Special<br />
Education.<br />
more<br />
info<br />
LOCATION<br />
and DATES<br />
SESSION 1<br />
Dodge City - 9.4.<strong>2024</strong><br />
Salina - 9.5.<strong>2024</strong><br />
Goddard - 9.25.2023<br />
Topeka - 10.23.<strong>2024</strong><br />
SESSION 2<br />
Dodge City - 1.22.<strong>2025</strong><br />
Salina - 2.6.<strong>2025</strong><br />
Goddard - 2.12.<strong>2025</strong><br />
Topeka - 2.19.<strong>2025</strong><br />
23<br />
COST FOR<br />
2 SESSIONS<br />
Non-Member - $300<br />
<strong>USA</strong> Member - $150<br />
PLN - No Cost, Included<br />
in Membership<br />
Includes 2 dates, lunch,<br />
and materials<br />
These events are a collaboration<br />
between <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> and the<br />
<strong>Kansas</strong> Association of Special<br />
Education Administrators
CONTENT<br />
Team Leadership Coaching Sessions<br />
Designed specifically to meet the needs<br />
of the school or district. Team members<br />
will be determined by the district. Areas<br />
of coaching could include:<br />
Culture<br />
Learning and Student Achievement<br />
Accreditation Planning<br />
Community and Family Engagement<br />
TARGET AUDIENCE<br />
District Leaders with more than<br />
one year in their current<br />
administrative placement.<br />
location<br />
Customized by School/District<br />
Onsite, Zoom, Combination<br />
dates<br />
Customized by School/District<br />
Weekly or Monthly<br />
WHY?<br />
It can be lonely at the top! Executive<br />
coaches work to help leaders improve<br />
their performance and their<br />
organization as a whole. Executive<br />
coaches serve as neutral sounding<br />
boards to clients, giving organizational<br />
leaders a listening ear as they work<br />
through decisions or seeking personal<br />
improvement by supporting them to<br />
gain more awareness about how to<br />
reach their goals. An executive coach<br />
can come alongside and encourage the<br />
leader towards greater motivation,<br />
increasing their momentum as they<br />
continue to inspire the people in their<br />
organization to achieve success.<br />
HOW?<br />
<strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> and the <strong>Kansas</strong> Leadership<br />
Center have worked together to train a<br />
host of <strong>Kansas</strong> coaches who you can hire to<br />
serve as your personal Executive Coach.<br />
Contact Dr. Martin Stessman<br />
(mstessman@usakansas.org) to discuss<br />
how to get started!<br />
24
<strong>Kansas</strong> Emerging Leadership Development is designed to address the needs of district leaders in<br />
year two and beyond. The program will kick off with an in-person two-day event in July.<br />
Participants will then meet in person quarterly, virtually each month, and with an individual<br />
coach monthly throughout the school year.<br />
The CC Network has developed six domains of executive leadership upon which this program will<br />
be based. Those include Visionary Leadership, Change Leadership, Inclusive Leadership,<br />
Instructional Leadership, Managerial Leadership, and Interpersonal Leadership.<br />
CONTENT<br />
Professional development will be customized to participants, including multiple<br />
opportunities for leaders to process and apply the content to their own unique<br />
context in their districts. Learning will be focused on 1-2 strategies at a time and<br />
will be supported by the group functioning as a learning community. Monthly<br />
coaching sustained over the course of the year will encourage reflection that<br />
supports deeper learning and reflection on real-life scenarios to refine their<br />
approaches to problem solving. This structured sequence of learning will help<br />
participants develop leadership competencies across domains of leadership.<br />
TARGET<br />
AUDIENCE<br />
Superintendents in years<br />
2-10 as a practicing<br />
superintendent are the<br />
target audience, but<br />
superintendents of all<br />
stages of their career are<br />
welcome and will benefit<br />
from the content and skill<br />
development.<br />
DATES<br />
September 18-19, <strong>2024</strong><br />
October 16, <strong>2024</strong><br />
January 22, <strong>2025</strong><br />
March 26, <strong>2025</strong><br />
April 30, <strong>2025</strong><br />
COST<br />
$1,000 for <strong>USA</strong>/KSSA Members<br />
$2,000 for non-members<br />
Cost includes monthly coaching<br />
sessions on site<br />
25<br />
LOCATIONS<br />
The July session will be held in<br />
Topeka. Monthly coaching<br />
meetings will be in the<br />
participants district. Quarterly<br />
meetings will be selected based<br />
on the participants.
Have you ever wondered how to help your school align day-to-day behaviors with what you have<br />
identified as core values? Join us in a 4-day series focused on bringing values to life through creating<br />
school environments that are focused on adult well-being. Research shows when the adults in a<br />
system feel safe and are connected to one another they are better able to serve the students in their<br />
care.<br />
We will explore ways to create emotional and physical safety in our schools, build intentional<br />
connections among staff and students, and explore ways to encourage problem solving around<br />
topics that create crucial conversations. Sessions will be highly interactive and include time for<br />
reflection and action planning on how to take the content back to the building impacting staff and<br />
student well being.<br />
TARGET<br />
AUDIENCE<br />
Building level leaders,<br />
teacher leaders, school<br />
counselors - anyone with a<br />
passion for creating<br />
environments in our schools<br />
focused around well-being,<br />
safety, and connection<br />
COST FOR<br />
4 SESSIONS<br />
Non-Member - $300<br />
<strong>USA</strong> Member - $150<br />
PLN - No Cost, Included in<br />
Membership<br />
Includes all four dates, lunch,<br />
and materials<br />
location<br />
and Dates<br />
Emporia State University<br />
9.26.<strong>2024</strong><br />
12.17.<strong>2024</strong><br />
2.27.<strong>2025</strong><br />
4.24.<strong>2025</strong><br />
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.<br />
26
Are you interested in becoming a superintendent,<br />
but not sure where to start? Don't miss this program<br />
designed to map out your path to the superintendency.<br />
The Aspiring Superintendents Workshop connects you with like-minded individuals to<br />
foster engaging discussions led by our experienced <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> and KASB Leadership<br />
Staff. Gain exclusive insights and practical guidance to equip yourself for the demanding,<br />
yet rewarding role of a superintendent.<br />
CONTENT<br />
Sessions will focus on the Six<br />
Domains of Effective<br />
Leadership. Throughout the<br />
program, participants will<br />
also explore:<br />
Practical Strategies<br />
Networking<br />
Opportunities<br />
Board Relationships<br />
Mission and Vision<br />
Alignment<br />
Team Leadership<br />
Stakeholder<br />
Communication<br />
Interview Skills and<br />
Career Development<br />
First 100 Days Planning<br />
Continuous Learning and<br />
Growth<br />
TARGET<br />
AUDIENCE<br />
Educational Leaders<br />
interested in pursuing a<br />
superintendent position<br />
COST<br />
$750 Per Participant<br />
Cost includes two 2-Day<br />
in-person meetings, as<br />
well as 6 Zoom sessions<br />
Lunch and Dinner will<br />
be provided for inperson<br />
dates<br />
DATES &<br />
LOCATIONS<br />
In Person<br />
July 17-18, <strong>2024</strong><br />
Bishop Center,<br />
Topeka, KS<br />
January 8-9, <strong>2025</strong><br />
KASB Building,<br />
Topeka, KS<br />
Zoom - 1:00-2:00 p.m.<br />
August 14, <strong>2024</strong><br />
September 18, <strong>2024</strong><br />
October 16, <strong>2024</strong><br />
November 20, <strong>2024</strong><br />
December 18, <strong>2024</strong><br />
January 15, <strong>2025</strong><br />
Information and registration<br />
27
DEVELOPING<br />
LEADERSHIP<br />
LEARN FROM<br />
LEADERS<br />
WHO’S<br />
NEXT<br />
Equipping potential and<br />
current leaders with the<br />
skills needed to lead<br />
Western <strong>Kansas</strong> districts<br />
into the future, ensuring<br />
rural <strong>Kansas</strong> has trained<br />
leaders at the ready to<br />
meet the leadership<br />
demands of our<br />
changing world.<br />
Sessions will meet in<br />
Garden City, KS. WKLA is<br />
a collaborative effort<br />
between Southwest<br />
Plains Regional Service<br />
Center, <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong>, and<br />
KASB.<br />
Superintendents are<br />
encouraged to nominate<br />
teacher and building<br />
leaders whom you<br />
believe, with support, are<br />
ready to step into larger<br />
leadership roles.<br />
NOMINATIONS ARE DUE BY AUGUST 15, <strong>2024</strong>.<br />
28<br />
Cohort will be selected from<br />
applications to attend five sessions.<br />
$500 tuition reimbursed to districts<br />
using KASB for superintendent search.
I N S P I R I N G S T U D E N T S T O S T A Y<br />
A N D T H R I V E I N W E S T E R N K A N S A S<br />
WESTERN<br />
KANSAS CAREER<br />
SHOWCASES<br />
<strong>2024</strong>-<strong>2025</strong> SHOWCASES<br />
September 12 -<br />
Ag Showcase - Montezuma<br />
Community Building<br />
October 17 –<br />
Multi-Career Showcase - Scott City<br />
October 31 –<br />
Multi – Career Showcase - Minneola<br />
November 14 -<br />
Business and Technology Showcase<br />
- Dodge City Civic Center<br />
December 12 -<br />
Education Showcase - SWPRSC<br />
February 6 -<br />
Healthcare Showcase - Garden City<br />
Fairgrounds<br />
February 20 –<br />
Multi-Career Showcase - Liberal<br />
April 2 –<br />
City/County Essential Career’s<br />
Showcase – Garden City<br />
ABOUT US<br />
We seek to create a system of career<br />
interactions between students, parents,<br />
school districts, business, and industry in<br />
Western <strong>Kansas</strong> in an effort to support<br />
students in staying in our Western <strong>Kansas</strong><br />
communities.<br />
PROJECT GOALS<br />
Build relationships with schools,<br />
students, business, and community<br />
Grow rural workforce retention<br />
Build a responsive workforce<br />
Job shadowing, internships, and<br />
apprenticeships<br />
Teach uncommon leadership and build<br />
student leadership<br />
MORE INFORMATION:<br />
620-353-9702<br />
JCOLES3311@GMAIL.COM<br />
WWW.STARTHERESTAYHERE.ORG<br />
2023-<strong>2024</strong><br />
HIGHLIGHTS<br />
29<br />
7 SHOWCASES<br />
1000+ STUDENTS ATTENDED<br />
30+ SCHOOL DISTRICTS<br />
REPRESENTED<br />
10-12 BUSINESSES/SHOWCASE<br />
3-5 COLLEGES/SHOWCASE
START HERE<br />
STAY HERE<br />
Strengthening Communities<br />
through Leadership and<br />
Partnership<br />
Work to create the Western <strong>Kansas</strong> Career Showcases (WKCS) <strong>Program</strong> began all the<br />
way back in February of 2016 under the leadership of Director Joe Coles. While the<br />
program has grown and advanced, the intention has remained clear from the<br />
start.This program focuses on connecting students with businesses, industry, and<br />
educational partners across Western <strong>Kansas</strong> so that students can learn about<br />
careers available within their own communities as part of a ‘start here, stay here’<br />
initiative. The goal of the project has always been to create partnerships with young<br />
adults and local organizations to explore career opportunities, build connections,<br />
and encourage young adults to remain in Western <strong>Kansas</strong>. The goals for the program<br />
include the following:<br />
Build trusting relationships with schools, students, businesses, and<br />
communities.<br />
Encourage young people to remain in our rural areas or facilitate them in<br />
returning to Western <strong>Kansas</strong>.<br />
Develop a workforce responsive to the needs of our rural area industries.<br />
Collaborate with rural area business/industry and professional educators to<br />
provide support and interaction via job shadowing, internships, and<br />
apprenticeships.<br />
Teach and expect leadership, teamwork, accountability, and essential skills at<br />
our showcases.<br />
30
Over the course of the program’s first two school years with student-led showcases<br />
(2021/2022 and 2022/2023), the program achieved the following:<br />
Over 800 students and professional educators from 26 different school districts<br />
attended the rural showcases;<br />
Over 30 businesses and professional organizations participated in the<br />
showcases;<br />
6 showcases were held: the first was with school counselors to onboard them to<br />
the program and the next five were for students to explore various career fields;;<br />
Showcases focused on 4 Career Fields: Agriculture, Education,<br />
Technical/Vocational, and HealthCare and Business Entrepreneurship;<br />
3 area community colleges participated in the showcases.<br />
Through participation in these showcases, students have the opportunity to learn<br />
more about themselves, research local career/education options, engage with local<br />
businesses, and create a strategic plan to assist them in reaching their professional<br />
goals.<br />
During the 2023-<strong>2024</strong> school year, seven showcases were planned to cover the<br />
following career paths: Agriculture/Beef Industry, Business/Technology,<br />
Educational, Healthcare, City/County Essentials and two multi career paths. This<br />
school year, over 1000 students attended at least one showcase, approximately 30<br />
school districts participated, and at least 10 – 12 businesses were present at each<br />
showcase, while 3 to 5 higher educational institutions attended every showcase.<br />
Given the incredible success of this program in just its first three years, we wanted<br />
to highlight the leaders who are making this work possible. Note, <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong><br />
became a direct partner in this program during the 2021-2022 school year.<br />
31
OUR<br />
MISSION<br />
The mission of the <strong>Kansas</strong> School<br />
Superintendents’ Association is to serve<br />
the growth, development and general<br />
encouragement of the <strong>Kansas</strong> System of<br />
Education.<br />
OUR<br />
VISION<br />
The <strong>Kansas</strong> School Superintendents<br />
Association was established to support<br />
<strong>Kansas</strong> School District Leadership in<br />
three areas: Professional Development,<br />
Communication and Advocacy.<br />
Learn more<br />
about KSSA here<br />
UPCOMING EVENTS<br />
Board Meeting - September 11, <strong>2024</strong> (Olathe)<br />
Meeting Dates<br />
<strong>2024</strong>-<strong>2025</strong><br />
Council of Superintendents - September 11, <strong>2024</strong> (Olathe)<br />
Emerging Leadership Development for Supts - September 18-19, <strong>2024</strong> (Topeka)<br />
Emerging Leadership Development for Supts - October 16, <strong>2024</strong><br />
Council of Superintendents - October 23, <strong>2024</strong> (Wichita)<br />
Superintendent of the Year Gala - November 14, <strong>2024</strong> (Wichita)<br />
32
KANSAS PRINCIPAL’S<br />
CONFERENCE<br />
Save the Date:<br />
November 6-7, <strong>2024</strong><br />
WHAT WE HEARD ABOUT THE 2023<br />
PRINCIPAL’S CONFERENCE:<br />
This was the best professional<br />
development I have received in a long<br />
time. I appreciated learning and<br />
networking alongside peers with the<br />
same responsibilities. The information<br />
was practical and useful!<br />
OVERALL, THE SURVEY SAID...<br />
4.4/5<br />
MEETING DATES <strong>2024</strong>-25<br />
UPCOMING:<br />
New Principals Workshop - July 24, <strong>2024</strong> (Goddard)<br />
New Principals Workshop - August 1, <strong>2024</strong> (Topeka)<br />
Board of Directors - September 20, <strong>2024</strong> (Topeka)<br />
Secretary’s Workshop - October 2, <strong>2024</strong> (Wichita)<br />
Board of Directors - October 18, <strong>2024</strong> (Topeka)<br />
Principal’s Conference - November 6-7, <strong>2024</strong> (Wichita)<br />
LEARN MORE<br />
ABOUT KPA HERE<br />
@KSPrincipals<br />
KSPrincipals<br />
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To be the voice of special education, to actively provide mentoring and<br />
support for leaders, and to advance the profession through policy and<br />
practice.<br />
Save the Date:<br />
KASEA WINTER CONFERENCE - FEBRUARY <strong>2024</strong><br />
January 30-31, <strong>2025</strong><br />
<strong>2024</strong>-<strong>2025</strong><br />
Calendar of Events<br />
CONNECTING WITH KASEA - VIRTUAL<br />
9/11/24 from 12:00-1:00 pm<br />
11/21/24 from 12:00-1:00 pm<br />
4/16/25 from 12:00-1:00 pm<br />
<strong>Kansas</strong> Association<br />
of Special Education<br />
Administrators<br />
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Our mission is to create an atmosphere of public trust and<br />
understanding by leading, counseling and influencing attitudes and<br />
behaviors in support of <strong>Kansas</strong> public education. Our members<br />
continue a long legacy of best practices in strategic communications<br />
and support of the great public schools and education leaders across<br />
our state.<br />
LEARN MORE ABOUT<br />
KANSPRA HERE:<br />
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INTRODUCING<br />
THE NEWEST<br />
ORGANIZATION UNDER<br />
THE <strong>USA</strong>-KANSAS<br />
UMBRELLA:<br />
KADPF<br />
https://kadpf.org/<br />
WHAT A KADPF MEMBERSHIP<br />
CAN DO FOR YOU:<br />
Times have changed drastically<br />
since the inception of KADPF. With<br />
New<br />
the changing times, networking<br />
with each other is even more<br />
important now than it was in the<br />
1950’s when the organization was<br />
established.<br />
KADPF is a strong organization<br />
that has a lot to offer your team.<br />
Regardless of the size of your<br />
educational facility, we all face<br />
similar issues. KADPF offers us the<br />
opportunity to learn from each<br />
other’s mistakes and share<br />
successful stories.<br />
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<strong>Kansas</strong><br />
Association of<br />
School<br />
Business<br />
Officers<br />
Learn more about staying<br />
connected with KASBO here:<br />
How to Engage<br />
with KILA<br />
KANSAS<br />
INSTRUCTIONAL<br />
LEADERS<br />
ASSOCIATION<br />
*New website coming soon!<br />
*Formerly KASCD<br />
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Executive Director<br />
MY BACKGROUND<br />
I have spent the last 34 years working in education, serving as a<br />
teacher, athletic director, principal, organizational president, and<br />
executive director. During the last nine years, I have served <strong>Kansas</strong><br />
Education as the Executive Director for the United School<br />
Administrators of <strong>Kansas</strong> and the <strong>Kansas</strong> School Superintendents<br />
Association (KSSA).<br />
HOW I SUPPORT <strong>USA</strong>-KANSAS<br />
My role is to ensure that <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> is able to actualize our vision of<br />
World Class Leadership, World Class Student Success.<br />
GABUIE@<strong>USA</strong>KANSAS.ORG<br />
785.232.6566<br />
Having visited dozens if not hundreds of schools in <strong>Kansas</strong>, the United<br />
States, and places like Finland, China, and the Dominican Republic, I<br />
know what it takes to be a World Class Leader. My job, and the job of<br />
<strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong>, is to make sure every <strong>Kansas</strong> leader has the supports<br />
they need to ensure World Class Student Success here in <strong>Kansas</strong>.<br />
Associate Executive Director<br />
MY BACKGROUND<br />
I spent 35 years in buildings and districts. I spent nine years as a<br />
mathematics teacher, two years as Athletic Director/Assistant<br />
Principal, 18 years as Building Principal, and six years as<br />
Superintendent.<br />
After I finished my six years as Superintendent, I started to work for<br />
United School Administrators of <strong>Kansas</strong>.<br />
HOW I SUPPORT <strong>USA</strong>-KANSAS<br />
My role at <strong>USA</strong> <strong>Kansas</strong> is to support our programs in reaching our<br />
vision of World Class Leadership, World Class Student Success. From<br />
the many programs I work with, Advocacy, Under the Umbrella,<br />
Coaching, and the Uniting Leaders Conference are the main areas of<br />
emphasis.<br />
JHENN@<strong>USA</strong>KANSAS.ORG<br />
785.232.6566<br />
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Assistant Executive Director for Professional Learning<br />
MY BACKGROUND<br />
I began my career as a primary looping teacher and spent 7 years in<br />
this role teaching 1st and 2nd grade. I then transitioned to the role of<br />
an instructional coach in a K-4 building. I was fortunate to then spend<br />
the next 13 years as an intermediate and elementary building level<br />
principal before joining <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> as the Director of Professional<br />
Development.<br />
HOW I SUPPORT <strong>USA</strong>-KANSAS<br />
My role at <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> is all things professional learning related! I get<br />
to design the content for the majority of our workshop series, facilitate<br />
these series across the state, and connect leaders over powerful<br />
content.<br />
JGRIFFIN@<strong>USA</strong>KANSAS.ORG<br />
785.232.6566<br />
Individual leadership coaching, customized professional development<br />
for districts’ leadership teams are some of the extras I do as well!<br />
Director of Principal Leadership and<br />
Executive Director of the <strong>Kansas</strong> Principals Association<br />
MY BACKGROUND<br />
I have been in education for 33 years. I began as a Language Arts<br />
teacher and athletic coach. I then moved to an instructional<br />
facilitator, and then spent 23 years in administration. I have been a<br />
member of the <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> staff since July of 2021.<br />
HOW I SUPPORT <strong>USA</strong>-KANSAS<br />
I am part of a team that designs and implements programs to enhance<br />
the professional development of principals statewide. We offer expert<br />
guidance on School Leadership, we work collaboratively with key<br />
stakeholders, we advocate for effective policies, and we champion the<br />
importance of strong leadership in schools.<br />
HOW I SUPPORT KPA<br />
I work to make a significant impact on the professional growth and<br />
development of principals in the state of <strong>Kansas</strong>. I am passionate<br />
about School Leadership, and I am committed to supporting principals<br />
in their important work and exemplifying the mission of the <strong>Kansas</strong><br />
Principal’s Association.<br />
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CLEDY@<strong>USA</strong>KANSAS.ORG<br />
785.232.6566
Business Manager<br />
MY BACKGROUND<br />
I have been with <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> for 35 years, and I<br />
have served as the business manager for the past<br />
9 years.<br />
KTORREZ@<strong>USA</strong>KANSAS.ORG<br />
785.232.6566<br />
HOW I SUPPORT <strong>USA</strong>-KANSAS<br />
My role is to manage the finances for <strong>USA</strong>-<br />
<strong>Kansas</strong>. This includes managing finances for all<br />
seven member associations under the <strong>USA</strong>-KS<br />
umbrella, and the <strong>USA</strong>-KS Leadership<br />
Foundation.<br />
Director of Marketing and Communications<br />
MY BACKGROUND<br />
I graduated from the University of <strong>Kansas</strong> in 2010 with a degree in<br />
Political Science and International Studies.<br />
I joined the staff of <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> in February 2016 as an<br />
Administrative Assistant, then transitioned to Communications<br />
Specialist, and now the Director of Marketing and Communications.<br />
HOW I SUPPORT <strong>USA</strong>-KANSAS<br />
As the Director of Marketing and Communications, I have a hand in<br />
all things communications related within <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong>, as well as<br />
many of the organizations under our umbrella.<br />
I manage websites, email communications, social media, marketing,<br />
and registration for our many excellent professional learning<br />
opportunities. I also layout and design our monthly magazine, Under<br />
the Umbrella.<br />
JCLARK@<strong>USA</strong>KANSAS.ORG<br />
785.232.6566<br />
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Operations Specialist<br />
SWARNOW@<strong>USA</strong>KANSAS.ORG<br />
785.232.6566<br />
MY BACKGROUND<br />
I began my career as a legal transcriptionist for an EEO<br />
Discrimination firm and was also an office administrator at a family<br />
law practice before becoming the EEO Office Manager for a<br />
combined 12 years. In September of 2016, I joined <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> as an<br />
Administrative Assistant and gradually grew into my current position<br />
as Operations Specialist.<br />
HOW I SUPPORT <strong>USA</strong>-KANSAS<br />
I wear many hats to support <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong>, including all aspects of<br />
membership, database updates and entries, payment receipts, and<br />
vendor and sponsor support, especially when it comes to my favorite<br />
event of the year, our annual <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> Conference. For<br />
Conference, I coordinate the Vendor Showcase and several preconference<br />
events. Working with our members and business partners<br />
is a very key part of my job and one I thoroughly enjoy.<br />
Office and Outreach Coordinator<br />
MY BACKGROUND<br />
I graduated from Baker University in 2019 with my Bachelor's<br />
Degree in Business Management/Marketing and Sports<br />
Administration. Post graduation I spent two years serving in roles<br />
centered around customer service and client-to-client<br />
communication. I joined <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> in May of 2021.<br />
HOW I SUPPORT <strong>USA</strong>-KANSAS<br />
I wear a variety of hats supporting a wide range of <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong><br />
events and initiatives. The most prominent of which include<br />
scheduling and coordinating all <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> events and activities,<br />
working with our incredible Corporate Partners, and ensuring<br />
everything behind the scenes is ready for all our programming.<br />
HCHINN@<strong>USA</strong>KANSAS.ORG<br />
785.232.6566<br />
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Impact and Advancement Specialist<br />
MY BACKGROUND<br />
I spent my first five years in education teaching English and English<br />
as a Second Language. I then spent just over 5 years at KSDE doing<br />
ELA consulting, School Redesign, and finally Accreditation. I joined<br />
<strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> in October 2023.<br />
HOW I SUPPORT <strong>USA</strong>-KANSAS<br />
My role at <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> is two parts:<br />
SPERRYMAN@<strong>USA</strong>KANSAS.ORG<br />
785.232.6566<br />
1. Evaluate the impact of the programs and the work we do each day<br />
to achieve world class leadership and world class student<br />
success, and<br />
2. Use that data to advance the work of the organization and create<br />
impact at scale in <strong>Kansas</strong>!<br />
Director of Legislative Services<br />
MY BACKGROUND<br />
I served as a Building Principal for over 20 years. After that, I was<br />
able to serve as a Superintendent for 10 years. I then became a<br />
Member of the <strong>Kansas</strong> House of Representatives for 2 terms. Now, I<br />
serve as <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong>’s lobbyist which I have done for 2 terms.<br />
HOW I SUPPORT <strong>USA</strong>-KANSAS<br />
Communicate with Legislators on key educational legislation<br />
regarding how legislation would impact <strong>Kansas</strong> schools.<br />
Communicate to <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> members about legislation under<br />
consideration and how it will affect the day to day operation of<br />
their school/district.<br />
Create weekly legislative reports during session, to share with<br />
<strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> members.<br />
Provide testimony to legislative committees on legislation under<br />
consideration.<br />
JKARLESKINT@<strong>USA</strong>KANSAS.ORG<br />
785.232.6566<br />
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Director of Executive Leadership<br />
MY BACKGROUND<br />
MSTESSMAN@<strong>USA</strong>KANSAS.ORG<br />
785.232.6566<br />
I joined <strong>USA</strong>-<strong>Kansas</strong> in July of 2022 after a distinguished 34-year career in<br />
public education. I spent 29 years as a school administrator, including 22<br />
years as a superintendent across three diverse districts. My extensive<br />
experience spans 2A to 5A school classifications, with work impacting nearly<br />
every region of the state. Beyond my educational leadership and experience,<br />
I also bring expertise in executive coaching and strategic planning and a<br />
passion for public education.<br />
HOW I SUPPORT <strong>USA</strong>-KANSAS<br />
I serve as an executive coach, providing dedicated support to school<br />
administrators in their leadership roles. I guide districts through<br />
comprehensive strategic planning, facilitating action plans to achieve their<br />
strategic goals. Additionally, I support the development of school leaders<br />
through various programs, including the <strong>Kansas</strong> Emerging Leaders <strong>Program</strong>,<br />
the Aspiring Superintendents <strong>Program</strong>, the Elevate Leadership <strong>Program</strong>, and<br />
KELI. My primary goal is to foster the growth and success of educational<br />
leaders across the state!<br />
Assistant Director of Leadership and Learning<br />
MY BACKGROUND<br />
I started my career as a Middle School Reading and Teen Leadership<br />
Teacher near Houston, TX. After teaching there, I moved to <strong>Kansas</strong> where I<br />
joined the team at Southwest Plains Regional Service Center as an<br />
Education Consultant specializing in systems training, instructional<br />
coaching, and personal and skill development. Before joining the team at<br />
<strong>USA</strong> <strong>Kansas</strong>, I was a junior and senior high building leader at Cimarron High<br />
School.<br />
HOW I SUPPORT <strong>USA</strong>-KANSAS<br />
I serve as the Assistant Director of Leadership and Learning where I<br />
facilitate the professional development of principals in <strong>Kansas</strong> in<br />
collaboration with our leadership team. My responsibilities include leading<br />
training programs such as Elevate Leadership, KELI, and other professional<br />
development initiatives. Additionally, I assist principals in the building and<br />
implementation of chatbots to enhance their operational efficiency and<br />
support their professional endeavors.<br />
JWILSON@<strong>USA</strong>KANSAS.ORG<br />
785.232.6566<br />
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