 | MESPA seminars sharpen our skills as principals
September 2007 --
from MESPA President Richard Oscarson
"Professionally, I’ve attended a MESPA legal seminar almost every year since becoming a principal 20 years ago, and each time I have learned something new or gotten a refresher on an issue that could impact my school or me."
I’m sitting in my office on a beautiful late June day thinking of what to write for my first MESPA Advocate “President’s Message.” I decided to look back at my election campaign literature and my Institute 2006 speech for an idea. I noted that when I asked for your vote two years ago, I pledged to represent all Minnesota principals and to work to see that you have the best tools and opportunities to be successful at your schools. I still see this as my top responsibility as your president.
Our MESPA staff, led by Executive Director P. Fred Storti, have scheduled a number of seminars and workshops this year, available for all MESPA members, that will give you the tools to sharpen your skills as principals and school leaders: Legal Issues, Data Leadership, Surviving and Thriving in the Principalship for new principals, Three-Minute Walkthrough, Previewing the 21st Century Principalship for aspiring principals, and The Breakthrough Coach, as well as our annual statewide convention, Institute 2008 Changes, Challenges, Connections. Each of these professional development opportunities will provide valuable information that that will help us be more effective in what I believe to be the most important job at a school: the building principal. If you have missed any of the registration materials contact the MESPA office or check out the MESPA Web site: www.mespa.net, click on Professional Development.
Personally, I recommend attending one of the five MESPA Legal Issues Seminars offered throughout our state this fall. Professionally, I’ve attended a MESPA legal seminar almost every year since becoming a principal 20 years ago, and each time I have learned something new or gotten a refresher on an issue that could impact my school or me. The presenter for these legal seminars is our MESPA Legal Counsel, Roger Aronson, who will provide insights in school law for elementary and middle level principals in his entertaining, yet thought-provoking style.
For all first time principals you won’t want to miss Surviving and Thriving in the Principalship, the new principals’ seminar on October 11. You will leave this seminar with renewed energy and confidence as you return to your school the next day. Most importantly, you will get connected with colleagues from around Minnesota who will become life-long friends. New this year, MESPA has scheduled a Three-Minute Walkthrough seminar on October 12, as an optional second day seminar for new principals; this seminar is open to all principals – through it you will learn to use walkthroughs to guide teachers and set your school on a continuous improvement cycle.
My son just called me. He has a tee time for us, so it’s time to go, but first I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent you. While my number one professional responsibility is being principal of my school, I want each of our 950 members to know I’m just a phone call or an e-mail away if you have a question, concern, or idea: 952-232-2900; raoscarson@isd194.k12.mn.us. (And if lose my e-mail or phone number, or want my address or contact information for any MESPA officers, division presidents, or committee representatives, it’s all printed in the MESPA Leadership Directory mailed to every MESPA member at the start of each school year!)
May this be your best year ever!
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