As we boldly embrace the arrival of another new year, I am filled with gratitude for the progress we have made and excitement for what lies ahead. Together, we’ve journeyed through a remarkable year of professional growth and resilience. Happy New Year and welcome to 2024! 

One of the most gratifying things for me over the past year has been seeing the impact that collaborative learning, networking, and data can make for women in education leadership. Following a recent session of our Women Superintendents’ Policy Leadership Academy (WSPLA), I had the opportunity to talk to Deb Smith, Superintendent of the Fremont County School District on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming. I was moved as she shared with me the impact that the WSPLA network has had in encouraging her to further use her voice in policy leadership on behalf of her reservation, her schools, and her community. Her words made me want to do more to increase the visibility of, and support to, women leading selflessly in the equity space on behalf of our nation’s children.

For me, every new year is an opportunity to reflect on challenges and accomplishments, while re-focusing on the mission that drives us. Voice4Equity accomplished a number of key milestones in our staffing and capacity, policy leadership programming and technical innovation:

• We doubled participation in our two national keystone programs –  the H.S. Girls Policy Leadership Network (GPN) and the Women Superintendents’ Policy Leadership Academy (WSPLA);
• We sold out our inaugural When Women Lead education summit, engaging over three days with more than 200 women in education leadership roles.
• We launched The Flamboyan Network (TFN), a private online network designed by women, for women, and focused on equity, policy and peer collaboration;
• We received Woman, Minority Owned status from both the state of Washington and the U.S. SBA (of the mere 20% of businesses in the U.S. that are led by women, only 20% of these businesses are led by women of color).
• We expanded our team with two amazing Superintendents in Residents: Dr. Alicia Thompson, retired Superintendent of Wichita Public Schools who brings leadership voice from one of our large urban centers; and Teresa Chaulk, Superintendent Lincoln County School District #1 in Wyoming – bringing in the rural educator voice;
• We established a ten-member Advisory Board of leading women Superintendents in the nation;
• We developed a new data platform that supports analytics across the education leadership spectrum at state and district levels.

In 2024, we are building on these successes, prioritizing three key focus areas:

1. Data and research partnerships that add value to our mission
2. Public release of our AI-powered Education Leadership Data Platform
3. Direct engagement on and advocacy for specific policy issues of importance to women and leaders of color

You will see our focus on policy issues in this month’s newsletter, with an exciting discussion on AI and STEM with DeNelle West, Chief Learning Officer of Gwinnett County Public Schools. Also, look for exciting announcements around technology, data, and research!

What can you do now? If you are a woman in education leadership, then register to attend When Women Lead! Registration is open and the hotels are filling up! Are you an ally for gender and racial equity? Then give an empowering gift to women Principals and Central Office leaders on your team and support their attendance at this one-of-a-kind event.

I am profoundly grateful for your participation in this journey. Whether you engage with us as a newsletter reader, a member of The Flamboyan Network, an ally, a corporate sponsor, your ongoing support is vital to advancing the movement toward a more equitable future.

The team at Voice4Equity wishes you a joyous transition into the new year! 

Abrazos!

Christina

Dr. Christina Kishimoto sits down with DeNelle West, Chief Learning Officer of Gwinnett County Public Schools. DeNelle has a deep personal commitment to our nation’s public education system and the children we serve. During the conversation, DeNelle shares what Gwinnett County Public Schools has done to ensure student success with AI and STEM. Watch the video and read the transcript.

Dr. Elizabeth Alvarez, Superintendent of Forest Park School District 91 in Forest Park, Illinois

For the first 13 years of my teaching career, I was a science teacher with a dream – to provide my students with a dedicated STEM lab. Little did I know that my dream would be realized as the United States National Research Council introduced the concept of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) in 2012 as the new approach to K-12 science education. My dream became a reality twice – once when I served as a principal requesting a larger building with dedicated STEAM labs and now as the Superintendent of Forest Park D91.

The shift to STEAM in our curriculum was driven by the influence of STEAM policies. These policies, developed at various levels of government, from federal to state and local, are pivotal in shaping education and workforce readiness. STEAM provided the dots that connected for children to see how it is all aligned. STEAM was their “Aha moment”.

Some important items to consider for our students to reach the “Aha moment” are STEAM policies. These policies primarily emphasize curriculum development. They champion an interdisciplinary teaching approach, nurturing creativity and critical thinking in students by melding science and art, technology and math. These policies establish standards and guidelines for K-12 education, ensuring students actively engage with these subjects, encouraging research, design, and presentation skills.

Teacher development is another core policy. To effectively deliver STEAM education, educators need specialized training and support. These policies empower teachers with the knowledge and skills to inspire their students through resources like workshops, mentorship programs, and incentives for retaining qualified STEAM educators. Collaboration with local institutions and mentorship opportunities provide teachers with the support they need.

Funding and grants are essential instruments for achieving STEAM education goals. Government agencies allocate resources to support institutions, funding curriculum development, research projects, and the acquisition of educational technology, ensuring a well-rounded STEAM education.

Inclusivity, diversity and belonging are central themes in STEAM policies, aiming for equitable education. These policies promote diversity and relational inclusion in STEAM fields, striving to reduce disparities and ensure all students, including women and minorities, have access to STEAM education and career opportunities.

Public awareness and outreach are vital components of STEAM policies, raising awareness about STEAM fields and engaging the community through science fairs, art exhibitions, and technology showcases, inspiring students and the public alike.

High school-bound students benefit from collaboration between academia and industry, which is a key feature of STEAM policies. These policies create opportunities for internships, co-op programs, and employment for STEAM graduates, strengthening the link between education and the workforce.

Effective STEAM policies also include mechanisms for evaluation and assessment, ensuring positive impact and the adjustment of initiatives based on feedback and evidence.

As D91 embraces a student-centric STEAM curriculum to get as many “Aha moments”, we’re adopting a comprehensive approach to education, innovation, and economic development. These policies are the catalysts for nurturing the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and creators, preparing them to tackle the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly evolving world. STEAM education not only enhances the curriculum but also ensures that District 91 students are well-prepared for high school and beyond, reflecting our dedication to their holistic development and future success.

Kathy Hoffman is an educator and speech-language pathologist who served as the Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction from 2019 to 2023. She will be leading a session on The Flamboyan Network on January 31, 2024, where she will share her experiences running for and winning a seat as the statewide education leader in Arizona.

Welcome to the Wellness Corner! Join me for yoga for strength to welcome in the new year!

Grab your mat and I’ll meet you there.

Tiana

When Women Lead is the premier national event for women in executive leadership in public education.

The Flamboyan Network is a private professional online community for women in public education leadership. Join our by-women, for-women network today!