SUPERINTENDENT SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Mike Winstead (Maryville City)

This month, TOSS would like to recognized Dr. Mike Winstead as our July Superintendent Spotlight.  He has served as the superintendent in Maryville City Schools for two and half years.

When asked to share some exciting things going on in his district, Dr. Winstead spoke about iReach.  This is the district's digital conversion model, which if flourishing in its second year.  Every student k-12 now has a device in-hand!  This has led to a determination to focus on high quality instruction with meaningful and engaging integrated technology.  Dr. Winstead said that administrators have encouraged teachers to adopt a growth mindset by setting goals and plan for taking the next steps.  The message he is sharing is, "You can set the path.   You can set the pace.  But, you have to keep moving on your iReach journey."  By setting this expectation and providing the right tools and resources to teachers, they're giving students limitless learning opportunities.  

Dr. Winstead was excited to share about a new multi-district project to increase literacy and promote a love of reading.  Along with Alcoa City, Blount County, and local private schools, Maryville schools are participating in One Book Blitz, which Dr. Winstead described as "a unique program where all k-5 students in the area are provided a copy of the same chapter book for a shared reached experience."  He said, "we expect this event to build enthusiasm for reading, provide a rich literacy experience for our younger students, and build unity among our schools." 

We asked Dr. Winstead to share his favorite part of his job, to which he responded:

"Building relationships through weekly visits in the schools is my favorite aspect of my job. I prioritize the opportunity to walk through halls, step inside classrooms during instruction, and speak personally to faculty, staff, and students. As this habit has developed, I am overwhelmed with the outcomes.  Teachers are eager to highlight effective teaching strategies and learning experiences, and students know my name and speak to me as I enter the classroom.  I am invited to participate in class activities and demonstrations.  In addition, I make special effort to attend and engage in the special events and athletic competitions in the district.  This past school year I enjoyed sliding down an inflatable during an elementary field day and conducting the grand finale of the 7-9th grade orchestra concert.  Experiences and opportunities like those keep me inspired and motivate me each day." 

Fun Fact about Dr. Winstead: 

He has a rich family history of enjoying all types of games, which he has brought into his leadership with central office staff and the principal team.  This has been welcomed with enthusiasm and helped to build deeper relationships.  Just recently the Leadership Team worked together to successfully escape the "Breakout Room" before time ran out! 

Tennessee Digital Resources Library

TOSS is excited about the recent release of the Tennessee Digital Resource Library, which makes digital educational content available to educators for FREE on iTunes U.  We encourage you all to take advantage of this resource and share it throughout your district.  The digital library contains open resources for the following fourteen high school courses: Algebra I and II; Biology; Chemistry; Economics; English I, II, II, and IV; Geometry; Government; Physical Science; U.S. and World History.  Teachers from more than twenty districts participated in this project.  

Partners on this project: 

• Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA)
• Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents (TOSS) 
• Tennessee Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (TASCD)
• Tennessee Educational Technology association (TETA)
• American Public Education Foundation

You can read more about it in the Huffington Post article linked below. 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mia-toschi-/new-tech-in-tennessee-tha_b_10945638.html

SUPERINTENDENT SPOTLIGHT: Branson Townsend (Decatur County)

This month, TOSS is happy to highlight Branson Townsend as our Superintendent Spotlight!  He has served has the Director of Schools in Decatur County for nearly two years now. 

Mr. Townsend was excited to share that his district was invited by the TN Department of Education to participate in the state Teacher-Leader Network, which has helped Decatur County Schools identify exemplary leadership practices and build a strong culture that emphasizes the importance of teacher leadership.  He said, "effective teachers can serve a critical role in providing high-quality, relevant, and ongoing professional learning.  The National Comprehensive Center for Teacher Quality identified seven areas that effective teacher leadership can foster in schools.  Each of these has been crucial in providing support for educators in our district.  We are using the experience of the Teacher-Leader Network to support our efforts to improve teacher quality and student learning; to ensure reform initiative works; to retain, motivate, and reward accomplished teachers; as well as provide opportunities for professional growth, extend principal capacity, and create a more democratic school environment." 

When asked what motivates him in his job, Mr. Townsend listed getting to see the progress made every day through culture changes from shared leadership development in the district as they work to build capacity for teacher growth.  This, in turn, he believes, will lead to improved learning outcomes for all Decatur County students.  

FUN FACTS & FAVORITE MEMORIES: 

"I have been blessed to come from a family who believes fervently in public education.  Decatur County Riverside High School opened as a newly consolidated high school in the county in 1965, and I was a senior in that 1966 graduating class.  During the 25th anniversary of the school, I was serving as the high school principal, and I have had the opportunity during the 50th anniversary (2015-16 school year) to serve as the district superintendent.  I also had the opportunity to work with the TN Department of Education for 17 years during my education career.  As I begin the second full year of a three-year contract as superintendent of Decatur County Schools, I am humbled more and more each day of the awesome responsibilities of this position.  I recognize that we all must be collectively committed to the education of the generations to follow if we expect our country to remain a leader for peace and prosperity in the world"

Everyone at TOSS applauds Mr. Townsend for his commitment to public education in Tennessee and thank him for sharing his story! 

SUPERINTENDENT SPOTLIGHT: John English (Unicoi County)

TOSS is excited to announce that our Superintendent Spotlight for the month of May is Mr. John English who is finishing up his first year as superintendent of Unicoi County Schools.  

Mr. English shared with us some exciting things going on in his district, including the upcoming implementation of a blended learning program that will offer high school students a high quality alternative to the traditional high school experience. 

When asked what he loves most about his job, Mr. English stated how much he enjoys working closely with the other leaders and staff in his district to put systems into place to support teachers and enhance student learning.  He also added, "My love for Unicoi County is what keeps me motivated.  Knowing that the work that my team and I do will improve outcomes for the students, teachers, and families of Unicoi County is why I come back everyday.  It is an honor to have the opportunity to have a daily impact on the lives of our students and community." 

Mr. English also shared with us his favorite memory from his time so far as superintendent.  "The memory that stands out most is having the incredible fortune of being able to recognize a fourth grade student at a school board meeting for going back into a burning house to save his younger cousin.  He suffered burns and both children spent time in the Vanderbilt Burn Center, but his actions saved her life.  Having the opportunity to present him with a state proclamation recognizing his heroism has by far been one of the best moments of my school year." 

We are honored to work with great district leaders like Mr. English.  Thank you for your service to public education! 

ENTER NOW: TN's Best K-12 Practices Contest

We're excited to be working with LEAN frog on this opportunity for Tennessee school districts to win up to $3,000! 

This contest will recognize Best Practices and Innovations in K-12 public schools that impact student achievement and promote effective and efficient use of public resources.  

It is open to all TN public school systems.  Each system may submit up to three entries describing a Best Practice implemented within the last two school years (2014-2015 and 2015-2016). 

The winning entry will receive $3,000, and two runner-up entries will receive $1,000 each.