AASAInsight

PRESIDENT’SCORNER | DEBORAH L. KERR

EXECUTIVE Leveling Up Leadership COMMITTEE 2019-20 (terms expire June 30 BABE DIDRIKSON ZAHA- never too experienced to stop learning. of the year indicated) RIAS. . Mia Leadership is complex work that demands PRESIDENT Hamm. Jackie Joyner-Kersee. we be adaptable to thrive and excel. Coach- Deborah L. Kerr . Bon- ing can be a lever to advance our practice, Superintendent nie Blair. Annika Sorenstam. an invaluable tool to develop ourselves and School District Nadia Comaneci. Danica Pat- further the expertise in our organizations. An of Brown Deer rick. Lindsay Vonn. Billie Jean investment in coaching is an investment in tal- Brown Deer, Wis. King. Mary Lou Retton. Misty ent development. IMMEDIATE PAST May-Treanor. Research confirms the many benefits of PRESIDENT These women are some of the most influen- coaching. According to the Institute of Coach- Christopher O. Gaines tial athletes to ever compete in their respective ing (www.instituteofcoaching.org), 80 per- Superintendent sports, and for each, one person contributed cent of people who receive coaching report Mehlville School District R9 much to her overall success: her coach. Today, increased self-confidence and more than 70 Saint Louis, Mo. the role of coaching has transcended the percent say they benefit from improved rela- sports world to the professional fields of busi- tionships, work performance and better com- PRESIDENT-ELECT Kristi A. Sandvik ness, health care and education. How can we munication skills as a result of coaching. Superintendent become more effective leaders by being effec- Essential questions to consider as we reflect Buckeye Elementary tive coaches? on the importance of coaching include: School District A beneficiary of Title IX, I had the oppor- Buckeye, Ariz. ll Why are leadership coaching and mentoring tunity to participate in interscholastic athlet- essential for today’s leaders? ics in high school, college, and beyond. At MEMBERS Nicholas Ceglarek (2021) the time, I was unaware how much athletics ll How does an executive coach work with Gladys Cruz (2022) would shape my journey as an educator, leader leaders to help them clarify and attain goals, and lifelong coach. strategically solve problems and inspire them Jay Curtis (2021) I was fortunate to have quality coaches who to lead effectively? Traci M. Davis (2021) understood and taught the skills our teams Brian Harris (2021) ll What is the role of a professional mentor? needed to improve. They provided continuous Blaine Hess (2020) feedback, created a sense of community and ll What are the key characteristics of coach- Shane Hotchkiss (2021) promoted a growth mindset to excel. They ing and mentoring models that best fit various Paul Imhoff (2020) understood and used the psychology of work- styles of leadership? Ralph Marino Jr. (2021) ing with individuals with just the right blend Joseph Maruszczak (2022) of high expectations, inspiration and encour- No matter where we are in our leadership Janet Mason (2020) agement to create winners and champions. journey, coaching and mentoring relation- Raymond C. Morgigno (2022) These attributes taught and used by coaches ships are critical aspects of our work. Coaching Candace Singh (2020) are those that also describe what successful provides access to informal networks that can Max R. Tanner (2022) coaching can look like in our districts and in offer opportunities for personalized profes- Scott Thielman (2022) our schools. We are the “head coaches” of our sional development. Mentoring and coaching Tom J. Turrell (2020) organizations with a vision to provide the very also make available opportunities for us to give Ronald C. Whitmoyer (2020) best learning opportunities for our staff as well back to our profession by supporting new lead- as our board members. ers as confidants and encouragers. Engaging Daniel A. Domenech Coaching is a critical aspect of transforma- in a coaching or mentoring relationship is a AASA Executive Director (Ex Officio) tional leadership in education. As we embrace critical pathway to inspiring others, including continuous improvement, we should explore women and colleagues of color. R. Kirk Hamilton (2020) multiple strategies to achieve our goals, and Most importantly, implementing best prac- Association of State Executives Liaison that includes coaching not only others but tices of coaching and mentoring helps elimi- (Ex Officio) coaching ourselves as well, regardless how long nate barriers to career advancement, especially we’ve been in our leadership positions. We are for women leaders and colleagues of color.

36 SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR September 2019 AASA Insight

Prez Corner overset

Being coached as an athlete, engaging in coaching for my own professional growth and being a coach for others has empowered me to level up my leadership. I have learned much about myself and my colleagues through these personal experiences. Coaching can inspire others to accomplish their greatest goals, embark on a path to self-discovery and unlock their greatest potential. Inspire and innovate through coaching to lead greatly!

DEBORAH KERR is AASA president in 2019-20. E-mail: [email protected]. Twitter: @DrDLKerr

38 SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR September 2019