Monday, March 08, 1999
Leaders Academy helps teachers become principals
Program designed to reduce shortage
BY MIRIAM SMITH
The Cincinnati Enquirer
DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP — A Warren County elementary school administrator is working to help solve the principal shortage in Southwest Ohio.
Darcy Hanley, principal of Kings Mills Elementary, helped initiate the Ohio Principals' Center in 1993. It's designed to enhance leadership skills of its 150 members.
In response to worries about a principal shortage, the group last year established the Aspiring Leaders Academy for teachers who want to be principals.
In the spring, applications are taken from teachers, who are assigned a mentoring principal who meets with them three times a year to talk about the position and its requirements.
Mrs. Hanley, who is a mentor in the program, agrees there may be a principal shortage because of baby boomer retirements. But she hopes to combat that by grooming prospective principals and encouraging professional development for those already on the job.
Educators from area universities, such as the University of Cincinnati, Miami University and Xavier University, ask academy members for recommendations of teachers interested in pursuing administrative careers.
“Our hope is, down the road, we will have groomed some up-and-com ing principals,” she said.
The principal's job is increasingly challenging because it is more than just middle management. It also involves public relations skills, marketing skills, curriculum knowledge and the ability to deal with safety issues, Mrs. Hanley said.
“I think it can be intimidating to young people who are thinking about a career choice,” she said.
Statewide organizations, such as the Ohio Department of Education, also are encouraging programs.
A statewide conference is held annually for administrators, and educators visit university graduate programs, said Steven Raines, executive director of the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators.
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