Registration is open for the 2019-20 Principal Leadership and Development program, sponsored by DOE and School Administrators of South Dakota. This program helps early-career administrators acclimate to their new role. Hear from your colleagues about the value they have gotten out of the program:
Andes Central 6-12 Principal Bill Hummel:
The mentor program for principals was beneficial in three ways:
- Networking with other administrators
- Informative: We were able to ask questions and were given examples of calendar events or situations that might arise during the year.
- Comfort: It allowed me to realize that we are all dealing with the same issues and the knowledge base is out there to help you.
Arlington School District K-12 Principal
Lisa Parry:
Being paired with Belinda Miller, Sioux Valley High School's veteran principal, was critical to my success as a first-year administrator. When I found myself feeling uncertain or overwhelmed, I would call or email Belinda, and she would provide sage advice. As I grow and evolve, I know I will continue to collaborate with her, and I hope ours will grow into a mutually beneficial relationship.
Dakota Valley Elementary Principal
Kristi Maloney:
As a new principal, there were so many things that I needed to learn and understand to be effective in my new role; the most pressing being how to effectively transition from teacher to administrator. The Principal Leadership and Development program was an excellent way for me to begin learning and growing as an administrator, differently than I had grown as a teacher, and allowed me to connect and network with others who were in similar situations. I was assigned a mentor with whom I was able to problem-solve, plan, and share in order to keep small things small, and with whom I will be able to collaborate for the length of our careers as we both navigate the unique position of building principal.
Dell Rapids High School Principal Drew Bunkers:
The Principal Leadership and Development program was a tremendous aspect of my professional growth during my first two years as a building administrator. You will not find a better opportunity to learn from veterans in the education field while also networking and bonding with others just beginning their leadership careers in their respective schools. I found every session to be beneficial and believe the greatest takeaway from the program will be the friendships I was able to develop with other early-career principals in my area.
Georgia Morse Middle School (Pierre) Principal Dr. Kyley Cumbow:
The principal mentoring program is a great professional development opportunity for both new principals and for mentors. The greatest outcome for the program is the “cohort” that naturally develops and creates a greater networking system for both principals. This is an avenue that helps alleviate some of the isolation that principals in South Dakota can experience. I highly recommend this program for all of South Dakota’s new principals.
Madison Middle School Principal
Dr. Cotton Koch:
The mentoring program provided me the opportunity to work with two principals. I enjoyed the professional collaboration and reflection that comes with mentoring a person. For me it was rewarding to give back to our profession and work with innovative leaders in our state.
Martin Grade School Principal Amie Kuxhaus:
I would recommend new principals participate in the Principal Leadership and Development program. It was a great way to get to know and network with other principals across the state. Many of the topics that were shared at conferences and webinars helped focus and develop instructional leadership skills. It also gave me resources (other principals) to call and bounce ideas off and ask what is working for them. It felt like there was a support system that was working along with me through my first years as a principal.
Stanley County Elementary Principal
Terri Mehlhaff:
The Principal Leadership and Development program offered great networking with both new and experienced administrators across our state. The relationships and support from other administrators has been priceless. The program also met my needs by providing a variety of topics to discuss, readily available resources, and strategies to take back to my building. I have grown greatly as an administrator in the areas of confidence, communication, and self-reflection as a result of participating in this program.
Wagner High School Principal Neil Goter:
I believe in the program as it gives starts to set up networks with other peers in the profession. It gives the new principal a sounding board for ideas and problem solving as well as for the experienced principal to hear some new ideas. Overall it is a good program for new principals to feel welcomed into the profession.
