Leadership is defined in MPS as the art and science of inspiring others toward a common mission and a shared vision through collaborative relationships characterized by integrity, humility, resiliency, and commitment to empowering others to reach their highest potential.  

The purpose of MPS Leadership Academy is to develop leadership capacity in certificated staff throughout the District.   MPS Leadership Academy is open to internal staff only.

Candidates must have:

• A commitment to working within the Millard Public Schools.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in Millard Public Schools.
• A proven record of educational success and leadership.
• A willingness to participate in a year-long program that extends beyond the normal work hours.
• Recommendation from immediate supervisor.  This recommendation will not be a separate letter. Human Resources will send an electronic recommendation form to the supervisor via TalentEd after candidates complete the application and list the names of their references.

Participants of the MPS Leadership Academy will:

• Use the MPS Leadership Framework to develop specific leadership skills that improve staff performance and increase student achievement.
• Relate theory to operational Millard practices.
• Reflect on personal strengths and leadership styles.
• Engage in practicum and shadowing experiences throughout the District.
• Build lateral capacity of leadership throughout the District.
• Have the opportunity to earn 3 hours of graduate credit at a 50% reduced rate.

Millard Public Schools Leadership Academy Overview & Expectations 

2021-2022

Leadership in MPS is defined as the art and science of inspiring others toward a common mission and a shared vision through collaborative relationships characterized by integrity, humility, resiliency, and commitment to empowering others to reach their highest potential.   

The purpose of the MPS Leadership Academy is to develop leadership capacity in staff throughout the District.  Staff includes leaders who aspire to become principals, District teacher leaders, or leaders who grow as a building teacher leader.

Participants of the MPS Leadership Academy will:

• Use the MPS Leadership Framework to develop specific leadership skills that improve staff performance and increase student achievement.
• Relate theory to operational Millard practices. 
• Reflect on personal strengths and leadership styles.
• Engage in practicum and shadowing experiences throughout the District.
• Build lateral capacity of leadership throughout the District.
• Have the opportunity to have 50% tuition paid - 3 hours of graduate credit (UNO)

Resources:

• Gallup Strengths Materials & Invitation for 1:1 Coaching Conversation       
• MPS Leadership Framework
• Books (e.g. Multipliers)
• Fierce Conversations Workshop (Offered every other summer.)
• Listening & Speaking Workshops (Offered every other summer.)
• Substitute Teachers for Planned Pull Out Days
• People Resources:  District & Building Leaders – Presentations
• 50% UNO graduate course tuition paid (3 credit hours)
• Superintendent Approved course to move from +36 to +39 for salary advancement.

Expectations:

• Attendance & Active Participation in Class & Homework & Leadership Opportunities 
• Professionalism 
• Observe 1 Board Meeting 
• Participate in two 4-hour Shadowing Experiences by March 1
• Participate in a minimum of 16-hours of Leadership Experiences

Meeting Location:         DSAC     (Please park in the side or back lots.)

Meeting Time:               4:15-6:15PM

Meeting Dates:              August 26, September 23, November 11,  January 27, February 24, March 24

Shadowing Experience 

This activity will require time during school hours and time after school hours.

Select an administrator or district level leader (e.g. teacher leader) to shadow for half a day.  You will be working with more than one as 8 hours is required.  We will provide up to 1 day for a substitute in your classroom if necessary.  Please arrange your substitute through Shelly Mann.  (Note - we will not provide a sub on a Monday or Friday.  Please arrange these experiences that require subs on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.)

Examples:

• Arrange to shadow a disciplinary conference with a student.  
• Arrange to shadow a district teacher leader to observe him/her facilitating or participating in a meeting.
• Arrange to shadow a meeting with the building level team, a department or grade level meeting, or a School Improvement Team meeting.  
• Arrange to shadow a typical ½ day in the life of your mentor.  You might want to inform your mentor that you would like to see how he/she goes about the business of effectively communicating with his/her public and discuss/observe ways he/she involves parents.

Leadership Experiences

Discuss with your supervisor an appropriate administrative experience for you to complete.  

Examples:

• You might facilitate a staff development session on a given topic.
• You might fill in if an assistant principal is going to be out of the building.
• You might coordinate a special project for your building administrator.
• You might volunteer for a special assignment like site planning action team leader. 

Leadership Workshops

Leadership workshops will be offered to each participant.  Workshops will be offered in the summer before and the summer after the year of Leadership Academy.

• Fierce Conversations Workshop (Summer 2021)
• Fierce Conversations teaches attendees how to ignite productive dialogue that interrogates reality, provokes learning, resolves tough challenges and enriches relationships.  It's the place to begin, the cornerstone of great leadership, healthy cultures, intelligent strategies and whole-hearted execution.

• Workshops:  Effective Listening & Speaking (Summer 2022)

• Effective listening and speaking skills are vital in any leadership role.  This session will provide opportunities for reflection on your personal strengths and tendencies in these areas.  We'll discuss strategies to become a reflective listener and preparation tips for effective speaking.