The First Annual WOCEC National Convening
The inaugural WOCEC National Convening took place from October 10-12 at the Westin Georgetown in Washington, DC, and it was a smashing success, with more than 75 women of color school and district leaders attending and sharing successes and challenges and ideas on increasing the number of diverse leaders in the US school system. Highlights included:
Keynote speakers: Both Elizabeth Leiba (below with executive coach Nakia Nicholson) and Michelle Singletary (below on the stage with executive coach Cheryl Logan) were incredibly well received, with important messages about financial thoughtfulness and women of color in the workplace. All participants got each author’s most recent book.
Superintendent panel: A plenary panel on the first day included thoughtful conversation and actionable items from three speakers: Dr. Shawn Joseph, Assistant Professor and Co-Director, Superintendent Academies, Howard University; Dr. Sharon Pepukayi, Superintendent, Talbot County Public Schools in Maryland; and Dr. Maria Navarro, Superintendent, Charles County Public Schools, also in Maryland.
Health and wellness: Led by executive coach Suzanne Anderson, this part of the conference included talks about staying well and keeping fit in a stressful job, individual coaching between Suzanne and WOCEC cohort members, and multiple chances to move and meditate during the conference, with an exercise class first thing in the morning.
Museum visits: Several WOCEC cohort members took advantage of being in DC and visited both the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
The Upcoming NABSE Conference in Atlanta: The WOCEC Will Be There!
The WOCEC team will be at the NABSE conference this November. First off, be sure to attend a session by WOCEC executive coaches Danita Ishibashi and Denise Lowe called Principal Leadership Pipeline for Women of Color: What Does Meaningful Support Look Like? The session will delve into five critical areas that transitioning leaders need to leverage to promote their success: self-care, budget/resource allocation, board relations, conflict management, and communication. A critical emphasis will be on coaching and mentoring. Once you attend that session, come by the WOCEC booth in the exhibit hall and meet with WOCEC executive coaches to learn about the WOCEC”s next cohort of principal and district fellows; membership options; and executive coaching, which can be purchased on site. Click here to connect with us!
New Research: The Enactment of Anti-Deficit Thinking by Latina/o/x School Leaders
WOCEC cohort alumna Dr. Silvia Romero-Johnson and her co-author Dr. Kendra Lowery, Associate Dean for Engagement and Professor of Educational Leadership, Teachers College, Ball State University, published a recent article in the Journal of Latinos and Education that considered how Latina/o/x school leaders enacted anti-deficit thinking regarding Latina/o/x students and families. Testimonies from eight Latina/o/x school leaders were analyzed through the theoretical lens of LatCrit to understand how anti-deficit thinking was enacted, and data analysis revealed that anti-deficit thinking was enacted through leaders’ a) upholding of high expectations; b) embracing Latinidad which informed social justice advocacy; c) promoting bilingualism; and d) engaging parents and families equitably. Findings contribute to increased understanding of Latino educational leadership and the operationalization of anti-deficit thinking by school leaders. Click here to read.
Principals’ Social and Emotional Competence: A Key Factor for Creating Caring Schools
School principals impact innumerable aspects of their schools, including climate and culture, teacher well-being and retention, and student success. As such, their personal and professional development is key to creating a caring school in which adults and children feel welcomed, cared for, and challenged. It is well recognized that principals experience substantial job-related stress, and that can compromise their personal well-being as well as their leadership. Obviously, the social and emotional development and well-being of principals needs more attention. Click here to read.