DESE leadership program explained to State Board of Education

(From the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)

More than 300 superintendents, principals, assistant principals and teacher leaders from across Missouri have participated in the first two rounds of effective-leadership training provided by the Missouri Leadership for Excellence, Achievement and Development (MoLEAD) program. The Department presented an update on the training to the State Board of Education on Tuesday.

During the first round, more than 200 participants and 45 trainers took part in nine regions: St. Joseph, Raytown, Springfield, Central Missouri, Southeast Missouri and four locations in the St. Louis area. More than 90 school leaders are currently participating in the second round, which is being conducted in Independence, Jefferson City and two regions in St. Louis. A third round of training will be held later.

“Quality instructional leadership training is key to ensuring high quality education opportunities for students in schools across the state," said Deputy Commissioner Margie Vandeven. “The Department is pleased to offer a program of this caliber to Missouri educators.”

The MoLEAD program combines online and face-to-face training with hands-on experiences and mentoring opportunities to enhance best practices in schools. The training includes 27 days of instruction, 40 hours of online learning and access to a variety of resources.

Jana Haywood, a new Missouri principal, says, “Through my MoLEAD experience I have become equipped with numerous tools to create a school of high achievers. Given proper supports and enough time, all students can achieve.”

MoLEAD is partnering with the National Institute for School Leadership to teach participants how to lead more effectively and strengthen classroom instruction, thereby resulting in increased student achievement. One of the Department’s goals for the Top 10 by 20 initiative is to prepare, develop and support effective educators. Top 10 by 20 calls for Missouri to place within the top 20 performing states by 2020.