When I started in my adult literacy leadership position, I did not have
a formal mentor. Coming from a K-12 background, I was navigating
uncharted waters as far as law, NRS, OVAE, CASAS, etc. To survive
(notice I did not write succeed) in the position, I depended upon the
following:

*         NAEPDC (National Adult Education Professional Development
Consortium) staff and conference

*         Relationships built with other new State Directors at various
conferences including OVAE's New Director Conference

*         State Directors from neighboring states in the Midwest to whom
I could direct questions as I needed answers

*         Local program directors who were very patient in orienting me
to my new role.

*         My regional OVAE contact

 

The adult literacy leadership role is somewhat isolated in our state.
However, passion for education and doing what is right for students
provides the fuel to keep going, no matter how rocky those waters may
become. I am very interested in the concept of how our role is a manager
vs. educator.

 

Helene Grossman 
State Director for Adult Literacy, 

and GED Administrator

Division of Community Colleges and Workforce Preparation 
Iowa Dept. of Education 
400 E. 14th St. 
Grimes Building 
Des Moines, IA 50319 
515-281-3640 

P BE GREEN: Please don't print this email unless necessary!

 

 

 

From: specialtopics-bounces at nifl.gov
[mailto:specialtopics-bounces at nifl.gov] On Behalf Of David J. Rosen
Sent: Monday, September 28, 2009 7:08 PM
To: specialtopics at nifl.gov
Subject: [SpecialTopics 1416] Professional development for leadership

 

Special Topics Colleagues,

 

The last two questions, from me at least, for this discussion on
leadership are:

*	Does your state professional development system explicitly
provide opportunities for leadership development, or "grooming", such as
program leadership mentoring, public policy leadership development, and
state-level program management training?

*	What are other ways that those who want to be leaders acquire
these skills? Does our field have formal or informal apprenticeships?
Internships? Leadership seminars?

This is a chance for those interested in professional development to
weigh in. If there are some good models used in your state, let's hear
about them. 

 

Remember, Tuesday, September 29th is the last day of this discussion.

 

David J. Rosen

Special Topics Discussion Leadewr

djrosen at theworld.com

 

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