2015 Superintendent of the Year

Congratulations to Dr. Wanda Shelton of Lincoln County Schools!

Lincoln County Director Named 2015 Superintendent of the Year

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents met in Gatlinburg, TN on September 7th for the annual awards and recognition dinner. The 2015 Tennessee Superintendent of the Year was announced at the banquet on Sunday night. This year’s honor was awarded to Dr. Wanda Shelton, Lincoln County Schools, South Central District.

Dr. Shelton was named statewide Superintendent of the Year. She was chosen for this honor out of a distinguished group of 8 regional superintendents of the year. Honored as regional Superintendent(s) of the Year 2015 were Dr. Buddy Bibb (Tipton County), Southwest District; Dr. B.J. Worthington (Clarksville-Montgomery County), Mid-Cumberland District; Dr. Gary Lilly (Bristol City), First District; Mr. Mike Jones (Fentress County), Upper Cumberland; Dr. Vicki Violette (Clinton City), East District; Mr. Randy Frazier (Weakley County), Northwest District; and Dr. Martin Ringstaff (Cleveland City), Southeast District.

Dr. Shelton is a graduate of MTSU, Tennessee State University, and also attended the University of Alabama. She served as 2013-2014 President of the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents. Dr. Shelton has formerly received the Fayetteville/Lincoln County “Boss of the Year” award, is a Tennessee State University “Wall of Fame” inductee, and was the South Central Regional Superintendent of the Year in 2011. She has served as superintendent in Lincoln County for 8 years.

My dad told me when I left for college, ‘Men, friends, jobs, and hobbies can come and go, but your education is a gift that no one can ever take away from you.’ That passion to learn was instilled in me by my family, and I feel that it is my job to make sure the 4,100 children under my care feel the same way about their opportunities … I believe that all students can succeed. We must have a climate of rigorous educational demands and dedicated educators who are willing to work collaboratively to execute the components of a comprehensive intervention program. With this in place, we can create an educational environment that meets each child’s needs.

Dr. Shelton will submit her application for the National Superintendent of the Year sponsored by the American Association of School Administrators and will represent the state of Tennessee in San Diego, CA at the American Association of School Administrators National Conference on Education.

Additional honors awarded during the dinner this year were the 2014 George (Kip) Reel Award for Educational Leadership to Charles W. (Chuck) Cagle, Esq., the 2014 TOSS Legislative Award to Representative Harry Brooks, and the 2014 TOSS Friend of Education Award to John Wilburn former Trust Administer for Tennessee Risk Management Trust.

TOSS August Feature on Dr. Dale Lynch

 … Seek wise counsel. The first job would be to determine “who is wise,” then, make them your best friend.

Dr. Dale Lynch was Tennessee’s 2014 Superintendent of the Year. As we are only weeks away from the fall conference (September 7-10th in Gatlinburg), I thought it would be nice to catch up with him and hear about some of the important things that have happened in his district this year.

Dr. Lynch has been in public education for 26 years. He began his teaching career in Washington County where he taught Economics and Business Education. He later transitioned into administration in Washington County at Jonesborough Middle School before becoming the Assistant Superintendent/Curriculum Instruction. After being in that role for six years, he became superintendent in Elizabethton. Dr. Lynch has now been the director in Hamblen County for 13 years.

“I have always wanted to take on roles that led to additional responsibilities. I love leadership.”

When asked who inspires him, Dr. Lynch spoke about two early leaders in his life – his parents. “Inspiration … it all begins with my parents. My father received his doctoral degree in Theology from Southern Seminary and served as a Baptist minister for over 50 years … 27 in the same church. My mother was the first female County Administrator (in Tennessee we call them County Mayors) in Virginia and she served in that role for over 20 years.”

Another thing that contributed to Dr. Lynch becoming a leader later in life, was learning the significance of servanthood. “I think leadership is all about helping and serving others. I had many responsibilities at the church while growing up that led me to learn the importance of working and serving with others.” When I asked Dr Lynch what he was most excited about concerning the district where he serves he shared about teamwork and hands-on learning.

Our school system has been working very closely with our County Mayor, City Mayor, Chamber of Commerce Board, and Industry leaders to develop a comprehensive program for students and teachers to match our local industry needs with our educational outcomes. This past summer we initiated a program called STEP (summer teacher externship program) that involved 39 teachers in teams of 3. We had math, science, and career & technical teachers working on teams that spent part of their summer in local industries experiencing hands-on learning. These teachers have been working on developing Common Core lessons specifically designed with our local industry challenges and will be presenting them to our students this fall.

And how does the 2014 Superintendent of the year take time to relax?

“Relax … every day is relaxing. I enjoy exercising and golfing as my past time hobbies. Some of the most fun times I have had in recent years is running with superintendent friends at TOSS events (the Donut Friar is the best place to run).” Dr. Lynch also enjoys spending time with his wife, Shannon, and their sons. “My wife . . . is a special education teacher and our two boys are in college. Family time for us is always special. We are a very busy “crew.” We love the summer life of spending time on the lake with family and friends.”

As we are approaching September, when Dr. Lynch will announce the 2015 Superintendent of the Year, I asked what it meant to him to be 2014 Superintendent of the Year. “I was extremely humbled by the announcement. The group of fine leaders across our state is truly amazing. The friendships I have made over these years are what make the superintendent’s job special.” What profession would he like to try other than education? Other profession … I can’t imagine myself in any other profession than education. After almost 3 decades in education, I love my job now more than ever.”

TOSS July Feature on Dr. Bruce Borchers

“My primary motivation comes from the students, families, and staff that I serve. Every year we have the ability to help prepare our children for a successful future. This is a daunting but rewarding task.”

Dr. Bruce Borchers has been involved professionally in education for 21 years. He started his career as an elementary physical education teacher in Sioux City, Iowa, Community District in 1993. He shares, “I also worked as an interim assistant principal and guidance counselor in Iowa City, Iowa, as assistant principal and principal in Mankato, Minnesota, and as associate superintendent of secondary schools for the Anoka-Hennepin School District (Minnesota). Prior to joining the Oak Ridge School System, I was the superintendent of the Rockwood School District (Missouri) from 2010-2013.” He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, his master’s degree from Wayne State College and the University of South Dakota, and a bachelor’s degree from Morningside College.

This year is Dr. Borchers first school year with Oak Ridge and some exciting things are taking place within the system under his guidance --

This past year, the Oak Ridge Schools announced a new collaboration with Discovery Education, to create authentic digital learning environments in classrooms district-wide. Through a six-year partnership, Discovery Education will support Oak Ridge Schools’ plan to implement a BYOD learning initiative with engaging digital content and sustained, customized professional development.

This new partnership also supports our plan to transform Oak Ridge Schools into the premier preK-12 STEM school district in the nation. The district’s goal is to become a leader in STEM education through continuation and expansion of Oak Ridge’s already well-regarded educational opportunities for students along with additional enhancements to technology infrastructure, professional development and access to devices, which will place dynamic digital content in the hands of each student. 

Oak Ridge Schools is also providing its educators robust, customized professional development from Discovery Education experts who will guide them through the process of integrating Streaming Plus and Techbooks into classroom instruction. 50 teachers will join a STEM cohort that will receive 10 days of customized professional development and coaching from Discovery Education each year.  

In addition to our STEM initiative, we engaged our community in a discussion about College and Career Readiness.  Improving the college and career readiness of all Oak Ridge students will provide them with a better foundation of knowledge and skills, allowing them to be prepared for a more technologically sophisticated and internationally competitive working world. (To read more about the Seven Keys to College and Career Readiness or learn more about this program, please click here.)

While Dr. Borchers is leading his district in new learning initiatives and preparing the students for a successful future when they enter into higher education and society in general, I asked him the most fun thing about his job as a director in TN – “to have the ability to help students develop into successful adults is truly the best part of my job . . . My primary motivation comes from the students, families, and staff that I serve. Every year we have the ability to help prepare our children for a successful future. This is a daunting but rewarding task.”

Dr. Borchers has achieved a lot during his freshman year as a superintendent in Tennessee and I wanted to “pick his brain” for any advice he might have for other new superintendents or those directors that might fill a bit weary as the school year has come to a close, “One of my favorite sayings is ‘make decisions based on the needs of the students … not the comfort level of adults.’ When I’m having a difficult day I reflect on this statement and it gives me the resolve to make decisions for the right reasons.”

I asked Dr. Borchers if he had a favorite teacher as a student and his reply reflected a gift of support and encouragement that he has brought into his own life and career in education. “My favorite teacher was Mr. Craig Ihnen. He was a high school speech/drama teacher and also directed plays. He was always supportive and made me participate in things (one-act, chorale reading, plays, musicals, etc.) that I most likely would not have, had it not been for his encouragement.”

I was curious about a few things that Dr. Borchers believes students are looking to from their leaders that cannot be found in a textbook. “I find students wanting to have ‘real’ engaging learning experiences. They are the ‘I want it now’ generation and tings need to be very relevant to them in order to maintain their attention. Real life solutions to real life problems seem to engage them more than a traditional textbook.”

Speaking of textbooks, I wanted to know Dr. Borchers favorite subject when he was in school, “I was a very ‘active’ young man and was drawn to classes that were hands on and engaging. When I entered college, in addition to wanting to be an educator, I became very interested in psychology and decided to double major in physical education/teaching and psychology. One … favorite book from my college days was, Choice Theory by William Glasser.” Dr. Borchers find inspiration from a quote that came from another favorite book, this being a book that he read growing up. “Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how’.” The book was Man’s Search from Meaning by Viktor Frankl who was a Holocost survivor as well as a psychiatrist.

We at TOSS wish Dr. Borchers the best as he continues to serve, encourage, and inspire his students to success in Oak Ridge.

Most Interesting or Most Fun Vacation You've Taken

Being new to the area, my family and I took a “southern” vacation this past June. We visited Asheville, Charleston, visited many beaches (Folly, Tybee, Kiawah, Hilton Head, etc.), Savannah, Atlanta, and then back to Oak Ridge. It was a great vacation . . . I can’t wait to do it again! -- Dr. Bruce Borchers

TOSS June Feature on Dr. Mike Winstead

If the memories of your past are greater than your vision for the future, then you are going in the wrong direction.

Dr. Mike Winstead has been professionally involved in the education for 21 years. He spent 7 years teaching in the classroom, 1 as a school administrator, 12.5 as a central office administrator, and in the last six months he has begun a new chapter as Director of Maryville City Schools. As a new superintendent himself, I thought Dr. Winstead might have some pertinent advice for other new superintendents. Even though I had been in Maryville for 6 years, it was important for me to reintroduce myself to all the stakeholders and listen to parents [as well as] teachers share their views on Maryville City Schools and where we could do better. In my opinion, two keys are communication and visibility. It is important to cast a clear vision for the future.

With Dr. Winstead’s guidance Maryville City Schools is heading in an exciting direction in the near future. Maryville has a rich history of excellence. We enjoy incredible support from our parents and community at-large. I look forward to the opportunity to work with all stakeholders, especially the outstanding educators in our system, to continue moving us forward. When asked about the things he was looking forward to in his district this fall, Dr. Winstead shared, We are embarking on a digital conversion initiative that we are calling iReach. The most visible aspect of this initiative is providing each child with a device 24/7. It is more than just hardware and software. Digital conversion speaks to the way that teaching and learning are transformed when the tools are properly used. We have made a large investment to enhance our infrastructure and purchase the first installment of devices. I am excited about the buy-in among our teachers and the impact this initiative will have on our students.

Yet, before fall arrives there is a summer ahead to enjoy as well as many summers past to look back on. The best summer job that I had growing up was umpiring tee ball for the parks and recreation department. I had a blast with the 4 and 5 year old kids. It would have been even more fun if not for some of the parents who treated tee ball like it was the major leagues. This summer will be a special one for Dr. Winstead as he has the opportunity to fulfill a childhood dream – taking a trip to Alaska with his wife and kids. “I can’t wait to the natural beauty and majesty.” As an avid reader myself, I am always interested in what others are reading and Dr. Winstead shared a book off of his summer reading list. “The next book I plan to read is Nobody Knows Your Name by John Feinstein. This book is about the life of a minor league baseball player. This topic has particular significance for me because my oldest daughter’s fiancé currently plays minor league ball in the Detroit Tigers system.

Dr. Winstead married his high school sweetheart a month after turning 19 years old. “Our wedding was held during our first spring break in college. Sonya and I recently celebrated our 27th anniversary.” Dr. Winstead’s wife is not the only family member who has had a positive and significant impact on his life. He credits his Mom with helping him become the man he is today. I have been blessed to have a multitude of people who have had a positive impact on my life. I can think of several teachers, coaches, friends, and colleagues who helped provide direction and shape my beliefs. The person who has had the biggest impact on my life is my mom, Jean Winstead. She is an incredibly passionate, Godly woman. So much of who I am today, what I believe, and how I treat others comes from her influence.

A Time A Student Was An Overcomer

Early in my high school teaching career, I had a 9th grade student in the lowest level of math that our school offered, Applied Math. This young man entered 9th grade with very few passing marks in grades 6-8, and he struggled the first few weeks in my class. He was a very bright individual with strong reasoning and problem solving skills. His issues were lack of effort, organizational skills, and overall apathy for school. However, as he started having success, he grew more and more confident and engaged. This young man became the leader in that 9th grade class and went on to take two math classes every year of high school (we were on the 4X4 block which allowed that to happen).  I had the joy of teaching this student again three years later in Advanced Placement Statistics. He also successfully completed AP Calculus.  He went to college on a four year scholarship and completed a degree in engineering.

Tennessee Risk Management Trust Names Dr. Phillip Wallace As Administrator

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 4, 2014)—The Tennessee Risk Management Trust (TNRMT) has
named Dr. Phillip Wallace as Trust Administrator. Wallace, a perennial figure in the state’s
education system, will retire as Director of Stewart County Schools this month and assume his new role with TNRMT in July! To read more, please click here.