Rise in women leadership seen in Northeast Ohio school districts
Through various services provided by Summit Educational Service Center, Northeast Ohio’s school districts have seen an increase in the number of women filling leadership roles over the last couple of years.
Six years ago, Dr. Christina Dinklocker created Summit ESC’s leadership training program “Lifting Leaders” and has since branched out into a wide array of topics to further educators’ professional development. Among the many programs offered to encourage educators to become principals, superintendents, and treasurers, an impactful network was developed called the Women’s Leadership Network.
The local network features regular sessions for women who seek to further their careers in leadership, connect with others who share like goals, and build their skill set. Topics have included updating resumes, interview strategies, and effective public speaking. Network sessions often feature a guest speaker invited to present to the group their topic of expertise or on their experiences in their role.
Districts across Ohio have experienced an increase in women taking on leadership roles in thePortage and Summit County areas. Those recently appointed are:
Superintendent Angela Terrella in Waterloo
Treasurer Julia Rozsnyai in Twinsburg
Superintendent Andrea Celico in Cuyahoga Falls
Superintendent Shelly Monachino in Springfield
Interim Treasurer Sherry Tyson in Waterloo
Not long after these women are appointed to their new position, they are invited to share their experiences with the Women’s Leadership Network on what it is like to transition into their role – oftentimes in a new district where they have to win the trust and loyalty of the community. Meeting attendees are left with a story of inspiration and advice on how to develop themselves further as effective leaders in their roles.
Dinklocker shares, “Just as we are invested in growing our young people in the classroom, as school leaders we are also committed to encouraging our colleagues to grow in pursuing their hopes and dreams of becoming district leaders. The Women's Network provides for skill building and gives the confidence boost that has encouraged women to pursue the top leadership position in today’s school systems. The ongoing comradery and network truly lifts our leaders.”
Founded in 2017, the Women’s Leadership Network has been recognized by the Buckeye Association of School Administrators in Columbus as the women’s leadership concept has picked up momentum throughout Ohio. The network has been recognized and highly praised by the Buckeye Association of School Administrators in Ohio (BASA). Through BASA’s recognition, additional networks have emerged throughout Ohio, meeting once a year in Columbus at BASA’s annual women’s conference. The participation at the annual BASA women’s conference doubled last March to include 450 women. Each year a local leader is selected as a facilitator for the Women’s Leadership Network. This year’s chairperson and facilitator is Sandra Isabella, principal of the Mogadore Local Schools.
For more information about the Summit Educational Service Center or their work providing personalized solutions for Ohio educators, families, and students, visit www.summitesc.org.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Rise in women leadership seen in Northeast Ohio school districts
