Fifth Annual Team Leader Academy Builds Skills, Teaching Capacity Among 200 Participants

August 5, 2011

More than 200 team leaders, department chairs and future leaders, representing each campus in Plano ISD, gathered for five days in July at The Sockwell Center for professional development to focus on honing their existing leadership skills, exploring and developing instructional and leadership strengths and becoming more thoughtful and transparent communicators.

Strengthening their leadership skills were Lauren Gibson, McMillen H.S.; Tammy Harbin, Renner M.S.; Catherine Gaschen, Williams H.S.; Jennifer Novak, Mathews Elementary; Paula Neville, Clark H.S.; Carla Vogel, Mitchell Elementary; Virginia Kasenic, Guinn Special Programs Center; Kristi Alexander, Barksdale Elementary; and Abby Villarreal, Otto M.S..

During the Fifth Annual Plano ISD Team Leader Academy, mixed groups of leaders representing all grade levels, prek-12, shared unique perspectives on the importance of leading peers to reach each and every student.

Following the academy, many table groups scheduled time together to further their skill development and celebrate successes. During follow-up sessions offered by the Team Leader Academy facilitators, these groups shared their thoughts on the experience.

Participants who collaborated at table #8 for the five days of training were Cinnamon Hodges, Schell Elementary; Anna Vines, Frankford M.S.; Catie Inge, Rice M.S.; Jean Jones, Hickey Elementary; Dyan Kethley, Plano West Senior High; and Kim Ramirez, Wyatt Elementary.

Quotes from Academy Participants

“This week was life-changing and not just when considering my role as a team leader. I learned so many skills that will make me a better communicator in all facets of my life. I am leaving the academy inspired to be the model for others. I’m prepared to talk the talk and walk the walk. Thank you for quite possibly the greatest week I’ve ever experienced in professional learning!”

More than 200 educators participated in leadership training this summer at the district's Sockwell Center for professional development.

“I will walk away from this week with many essential tools, knowledge, and friendships. I came here wanting to give away my leadership role, and I’m leaving cherishing it.”

Jessica Malloy, Christie Elementary; Kris Hinds, Brinker Elementary; Janet Hatcher, Renner M.S.; Maritza Bradshaw, Otto M.S.; and Hilary Morris, Forman Elementary. Not pictured but a member of table #9: Kathy Braffman, Rasor Elementary.

“I cannot thank you enough for inspiring me this week. I feel so blessed to be a part of a district that respects all, honors diversity and understands human dignity. You have refilled my cup, and I will strive to bring that feeling back to my team and hopefully to my friends in another district who need so desperately to hear and feel the words you convey. You don’t know how much you have changed my life.”

Proud leaders at table #14 were Hattie Fowler, Hunt Elementary; Megan Boward, Schimelpfenig M.S.; Jana Harvey, Plano East Senior High; Leslie Berends, Jasper H.S.; Kyla Ahnemann, Skaggs Elementary; and Leslie-Anne Rounds, Centennial Elementary.

Team Leader Academy Facilitators

The academy leadership crew: (back row) Amy Bates, Vickie Scott, Lou Ann Dunkle, Jan Whelan and Jan Gerick; (front row) Amanda Fuller, Karen Shepherd, Shelli Brown and Lisa Barrett.