4 EDCAL September 19 , 2016 |
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to the Professional Learning Communities at Work Institute ,” Herbstreith said . “ This has given administrators and teachers the tools needed to work toward a truly collaborative culture on our sites .”
When challenges do arise throughout the course of a school year , Herbstreith tackles them head on . She ensures that staff and parents know their voices and concerns are heard . In addition , Herbstreith noted the support she receives from the district office and said she knows she always has someone she can call to help resolve issues .
Even after more than 27 years in education , Herbstreith still finds coming to work exciting , and she ’ s welcomed the implementation of Common Core Standards , as well as infusing technology into the classroom .
“ My staff has really shown initiative in wanting more technology in classrooms and taking their own professional development seriously by becoming more tech savvy themselves ,” Herbstreith said . “ In our district we ’ ve implemented digital media and iPad Academies to build staff and student technology access and competence .
“ I ’ m looking forward to supporting my staff by becoming more technology proficient as well . As a leader , I ’ m willing to
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challenges head on .
In the seven years she has served as principal , Gahr High School has developed into a place where students can thrive . From the revitalization of the Career Technical Education Program , to the adoptions of AVID and Project Lead the Way , to becoming a STEAM magnate school , it ’ s hardly surprising that Gahr was chosen as a California Distinguished School in 2007 and a Gold Ribbon School in 2015 .
“ Having students prepared for college and career readiness has been the primary mission for the school even before the state ’ s LCAP priorities were implemented ,” Sieu said . This is just one example of Zietlow ’ s commitment to reaching for solutions in “ the greatest challenges .”
“ Students want high school to be relevant for them and make them feel connected ; yet this does not happen without dedicated faculty , staff and administration ,” Zietlow said . “ The greatest challenge is
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walk the talk and would never ask my staff to learn something I ’ m not willing to tackle myself . We ’ re in this together , and collaboratively we ’ ll learn with and from each other – and the students too .”
That ’ s part of what keeps the work fresh . “ Whatever the future
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learning for both students and teachers just makes sense ,” she said . “ Everyone is learning , and this often involves being out of our comfort zone and accepting the challenges the Common Core curriculum and testing mandates bring .”
Herbstreith said she finds her relationships with staff , students and parents invigorating .
getting the majority of the staff in a comprehensive high school to move forward together when you are asking them to all be part of very different aspects of the campus .”
Zietlow said Gahr is successful because it offers so many options for students . It took hard work , patience , time and giving faculty leadership roles on campus to get everyone working toward a vision of ensuring there is something for every student to connect to at school .
In addition to fostering a collaborative , innovative school culture , Zietlow has been instrumental in creating positive partnerships with families , businesses and community organizations . Internally , she is highly involved with all school programs , including athletics , band , the school site council , the wellness coordinator team , as well as student populations such as racially diverse groups , ESL and special education .
Zietlow makes it a point to attend every major school event , and assigns her administrative team to be present at all sports , arts , social and academic events .
She credits her mother with helping to create her united leadership style .
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“ By having honest , meaningful relationships and you begin to understand the culture of a site and staff , students and parents begin to trust you and your leadership ,” she said . “ I believe in hard work and have a high bar for myself , staff and students . Remembering that we are professionals entrusted with educating parents ’ most cherished asset and our future can be quite overwhelming when you really think about it ; yet when it is your true passion , your energy and inspiration for this work naturally shines through .”
ACSA has been a big support in Herbstreith ’ s career . Fourteen years ago a colleague invited her to her first ACSA meeting , and she was hooked . She embraced membership with the same gusto with which she approaches her job , becoming the elementary representative , vice president , president and now treasurer for Region 13 Northern Santa Barbara Charter .
“ Being an active member of ACSA has provided me with another avenue to learn and keep up to date with the latest education news and happenings in the state ,” she said . “ To be an effective leader , I feel it is extremely critical to continue learning and be up to date and competent with the latest trends . Through my continued learning and experiences I can then encourage , support , mentor and lead aspiring administrators in this extremely rewarding profession .”
“ My mother made a huge impact on how I lead and create goals ,” Zietlow said . “ She helped me to think through where I wanted to go or what I wanted to do and gave me permission to go and do . I ’ ve used this approach with my staff and colleagues , and it has created a space for teachers , staff and co-administrators to lead and achieve great things for students .”
As current Region 14 representative on the state Secondary Education Council , Zietlow credits ACSA with keeping her aware of issues that impact the students and staff she serves : “ ACSA has helped me to prepare staff ahead of time for potential changes in the educational landscape , and I ’ ve found that teachers respond well to change when you share information with them early on .”
In the future , Zietlow hopes to continue her commitment to student learning .
“ My ambitions have always been based in what I can do and where I am to make the educational opportunities and experiences for students happen ,” she said . “ It keeps me grounded in the truth that I am here to serve , teach and love students .”
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Transitions ACSA is saddened to report the death of former Executive Director Tom Giugni Sept . 8 at the age of 85 . Dr . Giugni was a founding father of ACSA and had a heralded career in public education . In a tribute before the Legislature when he retired from ACSA , he was called “( one of ) those who outshine even the brightest educators .” Dr . Giugni was
Giugni
a teacher , a junior high school principal , high school principal and assistant superintendent
before serving as superintendent of the Armijo Joint Union High School District , Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District , Sacramento City USD and Long Beach USD . After he retired , Dr . Giugni served as interim superintendent in Howell Mountain SD in Napa Valley . While serving as superintendent of SCUSD , he was the recipient of the 1984 Marcus Foster Memorial Award for Administrator Excellence . His legislative salute included the following words : “ Teachers , parents , administrators , and the business community have consistently looked to him for ideas , direction , and inspiration in serving students .” Dr . Giugni will be remembered during a rosary at 6 p . m . Sept . 23 at St . Helena Catholic Church . A Mass will be held at 11 a . m . Sept . 24 at the church . Memorial contributions may be made to the Tom and Lennis Giugni Memorial Scholarship Fund to support students pursuing a career in education . Please mail checks to 1777 Adams St . St Helena , CA 94574 .
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Superintendent Joel Ruiz Herrera of Orchard SD has named Yvonne King as the new director of Special Education . In addition , the district announced the appointment of Michelle Quilantang as assistant principal / program manager .
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In Perris ESD Jason Archard has been named human resources coordinator II ; Jewel Desosa is the new principal of Railway Elementary ; Sharill Cortez has been named principal of Innovative Horizons Charter School ; Karen DeBerry is the new assistant principal of Railway Elementary ; and Jacqueline Howe is now assistant principal of Good Hope Elementary .
Send ACSA-member news for Transitions to EdCal Assistant Editor Cary Rodda at crodda @ acsa . org .
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