AASPA Compass Magazine - Now Available!
AASPA’s Compass magazine features articles, news and association information of interest to AASPA members. It is published three times per year.
Featured Articles for this issue:
Performance Management in K12 Education
In the dynamic landscape of education, teachers’ performance is pivotal to the success of students and the school district. Effective performance management is essential for creating an environment where school leaders, teachers, and students can thrive. School leaders, supported by Human Resources (HR) and unions, play a crucial role in identifying and addressing engagement issues stemming from knowledge, skills or motivation gaps. However, educational leadership programs often lack preparation for those aiming to lead HR departments, particularly in understanding the processes needed to support school leaders. Read more...
The New Recruitment in Education: Evolutionary Trends in Teacher Hiring
Recruiting educators has always been a pivotal aspect of the education sector, as the quality of teachers directly impacts the quality of education. Over the years, the recruitment landscape in education has undergone significant evolution, driven by technological advancements, changing demographics and evolving teaching methodologies. In this article, I delve into the transformative journey of teacher recruitment, exploring the emerging trends, challenges and implications for the future of education. Read more...
Hard Conversations: Messy to Meaningful Starting with Me
Communication can be difficult even when it doesn’t have to be. And when we find ourselves in situations where messages are going to be hard to hear, relationships are troubled or perspectives are unalike, it’s even more difficult. After years of top leadership in human resources, watching great school administrators communicate effectively and weak ones lose respect, status and influence, I realized there are huge benefits to being able to navigate messy conversations. Read More...
Navigating the Complexity of Equity Work in Human Systems
In my 22-year journey through various educational roles, culminating as the Director of Equity and Inclusion in a mid-sized school district, I have been responsible for developing policies, guidelines and systems to ensure equitable outcomes. This complex task extends beyond mere good intentions—it necessitates a profound understanding of human systems and the nuanced dynamics of interpersonal relationship. Read more...
Building a Foundation for Leaders
“Sam has been out for three weeks with some kind of illness. Do you need any other information from me?” “We’re ready to terminate Robin. We keep having issues with them...no, we don’t have anything written down about the issues.” Do these sound familiar? Read more...
Components for Sustainable Schools and Personnel Buy-in
As a school leader, how do we get our staff to embrace environmental conservation? Getting school staff to buy into sustainability involves a combination of education, motivation and practical strategies. Sustainability occurs through a partnership between school district leaders, the community, the city and local architects and construction companies. Foremost, the school administration and board of education must be willing to integrate sustainability into the district’s mission, vision and policies. Read more...