BALTIMORE — The decision to leave teaching and student support roles for administrator positions can be a difficult one for special educators. But, current and former special education directors say, doing so became easier when they realized they could have positive impacts on both adults and students.
"I did it because what happens when you take this job is you begin to have influence in a way that you never anticipated. And a large part of our job is creating the environment in which adults are successful so that kids are successful," said Eric Hoppstock, superintendent of Berrien Regional Education Service Agency in Berrien Springs, Michigan.
Hoppstock, who began his career as a school psychologist, said he still keeps the note from his former supervisor promising him that he could have his former position back if he didn't like administration. He said he stayed in administration, however, because the job opened opportunities for different roles and responsibilities that have positive impacts for students.
Hoppstock and other administrators shared their career journeys — and advice for aspiring and current administrators — during a March 14 session at the Council for Exceptional Children's convention.
Keep the connection to the classroom
In order to ensure she spent time in classrooms in the midst of administrative duties, Zabrina Cannady, a former director of student services for Georgia's Houston County School District, said she would block off two hours every week for classroom visits.
"Because if it's not on your calendar, it's not going to happen," said Cannady, who is now the director of professional learning for the Council of Administrators of Special Education. "It will keep you focused on the main thing — those kids."
Tina Kauffmann, director of exceptional student services at Arizona's Littleton Elementary School District, says she meets with principals at their schools every six weeks. Before those meetings, she'll schedule time to spend in classrooms. On some campuses, she'll conduct "walk and talks" where she and the principal will talk business while walking around the school and between visits to classrooms.
Kauffmann, president of the Arizona chapter of CASE, also recommends doing desk work in a classroom and attending school events, such as curriculum nights. "That way you can stay in connection with your families," Kauffmann said.
Stay calm and flexible
The current downsizing of the U.S. Department of Education and other local, state and national changes in education policies can fuel discourse and add stress and strain to education leaders' roles. The speakers recommended focusing on what can be controlled and prioritizing student needs.
"Some of the stuff that's swirling around us is unknown, and so that's where candor comes in," by communicating what you don't know, Hoppstock said. He emphasized that leaders should model calmness as well as flexibility to adjust to change.
"There's a lot of things to be nervous about, and that's been true through my entire career. This is just what is in front of us today," Hoppstock said.
Cannady said leaders should stay knowledgeable about proposed policy changes but that their work should center on students, families and staff. "You focus on what is under your control, and then remind your staff at all times, we have to look at what we are able to impact. We have to keep the main thing the main thing, and that is serving our students and our families."
She also advised leaders to keep in mind that not everyone shares their same philosophies. "People can be respectful of that — that while we might not agree on everything, that's OK. We can disagree, and that's the basis of democracy."
Balance work, life and self-care
Kindel Mason, director of support services for Twin Falls School District in Idaho, said education administration roles can be stressful, and people can burn out if they don't take care of themselves.
Cannady echoed Mason's message about the importance of self-care.
"You don't go into this profession because you're self-centered, right?" Cannady said. "We are all helpers. We're servants. And so the person that we tend to not take such good care of is ourselves, because we're so busy taking care of everyone else. You have to be mindful of that."
She recommends making time to connect with friends, family and other professionals and to not abandon favorite hobbies. "There's a weekend for a reason, and you need to take time and do not feel guilty about it," Cannady said.
Kauffmann said she has a goal of going out to lunch twice a week to socialize with people. She also tries to leave early from the office or come in late once a month. "I try to be very mindful of how I utilize my time so I'm not working 14 hours every day," Kauffmann said.
Hoppstock said part of managing his time is about setting expectations for messages. He and his co-workers agreed that there would be no texts after 8 p.m. or before 6 a.m.
"Make some agreements with the staff that you supervise how communication will work," he said.
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