Superintendent: Year 1 (You Are Not Alone)

I am half way through my first year as a superintendent and it’s been great! I just love my staff and students and I adore our community. When you are our pursuing your superintendent (or other leadership) position make sure you are looking to see if they are a fit. Many times people speak about how the board is looking for the right fit for their district, you must be looking too. Yes, do your research on the board but also look at the district and community. This is where you will live, work, and spend most of your time. Do your homework.

That is not today’s topic though. Today I want to let you know that yes you were created for this work but you were not made to do it alone! When you are the superintendent, you are the only one of you in your district. At times that can feel like you are alone and the weight of the role is solely on you. However, let me repeat this, ‘you are not alone’. One thing I did not know until I became a superintendent was that there are people, organizations and more ready and willing to assist you on your journey. As soon as I was named I called one of my mentors and shared the news. I was immediately added to several superintendent groups. It was awesome! I have met men and women superintendents across the state and it is so encouraging to share ideas, thoughts and even ask questions, there is always support. Iron truly does sharpen iron. Outside of the informal supports there are formal supports.

As a first year superintendent you are required to have a mentor. This has been a blessing to me. I also have a coach. I received both through my membership through TASA (Texas Association of School Administrators). TASA also offers the First Time Superintendent Academy (FTSA) which has provided sessions for new superintendents which guides us through our first year and is perfectly timed with events that are taking place in your district. This past session we discussed hiring processes and procedures as we are approaching staffing season. There have also been panel sessions with superintendents who have been in the role for a few years to those who have served in multiple districts over multiple years. We have discussed superintendent evaluations, leaving a legacy, preparing for year two, board relations and more. Each session is tailor made to the work we are leading and provides just in time training for new leaders. This has been such a valuable resource and comfort on this journey. (If you are not in Texas check out what organizations your state has in place…then join).

Earlier I talked about having a mentor and a coach. About 10 years ago I read an article (Thank you T) about why you need these three people in your life: Mentor, Coach, and Sponsor. I thought I knew what they were but this one read changed my life and challenged me to get all three. Here are my basic definitions that I operate by (I am sure there are formal definitions and illustrations out there but this is how my mind simplified it for me).

Mentors - advise you. This person helps you navigate your role and gives you advice on your journey.

Coaches - listen to you. They ask you powerful and reflective questions to guide you and give feedback.

Sponsors- talk about you. This person says your name in rooms and spaces you are not YET able to enter.

These three people are sometimes one or two people, sometimes they are three unique people. For me I have a combination because I have more than one in a couple of categories. I have a few mentors that I can pick up the phone, call and they are spot on with advice. Before I was a superintendent several of these individuals were pouring into me because they could see my trajectory, even when I could not. These are people that I can share deep thoughts and/or concerns and they will keep it to themselves, pray for me, and give me wisdom. They are priceless and I truly consider them life long friends. I also have a coach this year, thank you TASA. I have enjoyed the experience and plan to keep her as long as I can. I did not know this particular person before she was assigned to me but it has been perfect. She is a former superintendent, she has severed in a similar size and demographic district such as mine and she challenges me with some assignments and tasks to work through on my journey. This was new but well worth the invest of time. Last but not least, a sponsor. I did NOT know what that was or that I needed one…at all. I believe this person was and is a game changer for me. I have a few. These people have solid reputations and credibility in the field of education, when they speak people listen. These people have said my name in spaces I where I was not at the table. You must have people like this in your corner. Your job is to make sure you are a person of integrity and virtue where they will not mind putting your name out there and endorsing you. This is a must. I tell people all the time, you are always interviewing. What I mean by that is people are always watching you especially when you think no one is looking. When people see you in action and get to know you (words and actions aligning) that is when you will be able to get a sponsor…or two.

I have had multiple people in my life who have served in these various roles. Whether we think we need them or not we do. Period. You cannot do this work alone. There is a mental, physical and even spiritual strain that comes with leadership and you must have a support system. One thing I have committed to do and will continue to do is pay it forward. This year I have been honored to speak at several events (and I have a few more coming up). After each event I always make myself available to listen and share. I have had people share how they have taken their next steps because they feel inspired or challenged to step out of their comfort zone and go forward. I have been asked to mentor individuals where we talk, review portfolios, look at resumes, or talk through last minute prep before the big interview. I feel I must pay it forward as I have had countless people take the time and resources to serve as my mentor, coach and sponsor.

As you continue your journey think through the people who have taken the time to invest in you. Take a moment to also tell them thank you! (Do it now so you don’t put it off ;). As you progress on your journey you too must pay it forward and help those who are looking to you and following your career and journey. Always remember to…

#InspireExcellence