News
Ankeny leaders share their expertise
Al Neppl, Director of Professional Learning and Leadership Development, and Jodie Graham, Director of Human Resources co-presented at the 2022 National American Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA) Conference in Orlando Florida on Tuesday, October 11. Their session was called “Is it time to update and redesign your teacher mentoring program?”
In an era where teacher shortages are haunting, recruiting, hiring, and retaining teachers is tremendously critical. Al and Jodie shared how the district redesigned the teacher mentoring program, developing a more holistic and comprehensive support system to foster the growth of new-to-the-profession teachers and new-to-the-district teachers. They also shared details of the recently redesigned mentoring program in Ankeny. A program built to create a multi-year structure, strategically outlining and designing the roles of the mentor teacher, instructional coach, administrator, and the PLC.
Ken Morris, Jr., Chief Diversity Officer was a panelist at the Iowa Ideas conference on Thursday, Oct. 13. Erin Murphy, with the Gazette, moderated the event on Cultural Proficiency & Inclusivity. Ken joined Dr. Monic Behnken and Nathan Wear to discuss topics from curriculum to censorship issues, causing educators uncertainty about what’s allowed and not allowed in the classroom. Together, they discuss who is keeping these issues top of mind and how our systems are ensuring accountability. View the panel discussion here.
We are proud to have our leaders share their experiences with others as well as gain perspectives from their peers.