I was honored when I was asked to be the guest blogger for Forward Wayne County this month regarding education attainment. Growing up education was always emphasized in my family, but my parents didn’t go to college so I wondered what the next step for me should be after high school. My educational journey had many ups and downs, but I ultimately decided to attend IU Bloomington and graduated as a first-generation student in 2021. Since graduation, I have found a love for helping other students navigate their educational experience.  

Figuring It All Out 

Wayne County offers various opportunities for post-secondary education, including IU East where I serve as a Career Services Specialist. IU East offers an affordable, flexible degree making it the perfect fit for many first- generation students. Access to higher education may seem like it comes with many barriers, but college admission offices will help guide students through each step. 

Step one is deciding if college is the right path. Recently, I was a part of the pilot for the Job Shadow Experience with the Wayne County Chamber. Part of the program’s goal was to help 8^th grade students define the right career path for them. Students ended the program with an elevator pitch competition where they highlighted their future aspirations and skillset. The program started at Hagerstown and is expanding to more schools this year. Many students had college in mind, while others wanted military, short-term education options, and or direct entry into the local workforce. 

Besides programs, how else can one discover career aspirations? Seek out experiences to ask professionals questions about their career, go on visits to local colleges to learn about majors, take a career assessment, and participate in career fairs. Once a person has decided what career path fits then they can seek out the educational requirements for that career. Each career may require different levels of education.  

Transitioning to Post-Secondary Ed 

Starting a college journey can be scary! Many universities offer assistance for a person’s journey. My parents always supported me in every way they could, but since they didn’t attend college, they were not aware of all the resources available. This meant I ultimately did not use many of the services offered to me. As students choose an educational institution it is more important to ask questions about support. 

At IU East, we offer a lot of support to our students. Students take the first-year seminar (FYS) which is essentially college 101. In addition, IU East has just completed its second cohort of the Groups Scholars Program, a program aimed at increasing college attendance among first-generation, underrepresented students. Groups Scholars is a 6-week summer bridge program where students take one class in the summer before their freshman year at IU East. The program provides academic, financial, and social support to help students attain a bachelor’s degree at Indiana University East, learn more here. 

Our newly formed Wellness Center focuses on all aspects of student wellness- career, accessibility, food insecurity and basic needs, social wellness through campus life, and mental health services. The Office of Student Success helps students work through challenges that can hinder their overall success. Students will be offered many supports needed to help successfully start at IU East. 

Many of these services exist at different college campuses in Wayne County. So, no matter where your journey takes you, ask for help!  

Post Graduation Impact  

Education affords opportunities. In Wayne County, there are many first-generation IU East alumni making an impact on the betterment of our area. From small business owners to social workers to nurses. A higher education degree also increases earning potential and social mobility, or one’s ability to move up in social- economic status. 

IU East ranked in the top 10 for social mobility among Midwest regional campuses in a U.S. News and World Report’s Best College rankings report in 2022. A college degree helps professionals stay connected by networking with alumni, employers, faculty, and more. It will also offer graduates more career credibility and possibly more flexibility in career choices. Overall, a four-year degree creates more space to grow personally and professionally. 

Higher education attainment is a transformative journey that equips students with the tools needed to overcome challenges and navigate the professional landscape. My journey shaped who I am today- understanding the importance of community and uplifting others as they pursue an educational path. I hope to give back, share my expertise, and inspire those who dare to dream beyond their circumstances. 

The post From Aspirations to Achievements appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

What exactly is lifelong learning? How can we pursue it? To continue Forward Wayne County’s focus on Education, find out some of the benefits of being a lifelong learner, how it can impact your life, and resources available locally in Wayne County.  

What is Lifelong Learning?  

The concept of lifelong learning is simple. It is the idea that as people we are constantly learning whether we are actively or passively pursuing it.  And yes, this includes when our formal schooling days are over.  

This can be something like learning new skills on the job, picking up a new hobby, or choosing to go back to school. It looks different for everyone, and there are varied reasons why some choose to continue their education. We will discuss those ideas in the next two sections of this blog.    

Types of Lifelong Learning  

Education looks different from individual to individual. With lifelong learning, you can split it into two categories. They include formal and informal education.  

Formal Education 

Going back to school is something everyone might consider at some point in their lives. Formal education includes everything from a two-year degree to graduate studies.  

People of all ages and career stages return to school for job advancement, personal growth, or a career change. When it comes to formal education, you need to find what degree or career path best fits you. Before choosing what to pursue, analyze where you want to see yourself and how education will help you get there.  

People in Wayne County have several options to pursue their lifelong learning. The community is home to five higher education institutions which include  

• IU East  

• Ivy Tech Community College  

• Earlham College  

• Bethel Theological Seminary   

• Purdue Polytechnic University  

Each one offers an array of degree programs. Students interested in bachelor’s or graduate degrees should look into IU East or Earlham. On the other hand, someone interested in a trade or more job specific program might consider Ivy Tech.  

Speaking of trade skills, there are various apprenticeship programs available through local businesses like Nixon Tool and Ahaus Tool and Engineering. Additionally, those looking for a career change should check out resources and programs offered through Eastern Indiana Works.  

Whatever you choose, understand that there are resources to help you in lifelong learning. It is about picking what path works best for you. 

Informal Education 

Education can go beyond the classroom or college campus. Informal education is very self-directed and may require some motivation. The digital landscape has made it even easier to pursue education. It is all at your fingertips.  

Some popular forms of it include:  

• Udemy or Coursera courses  

• Conferences  

• Lunch and learns  

• Social networking  

• Mentoring  

The possibilities for informal education are limitless. The beauty of it is you can keep it as simple as possible and easily align it with your interests.  

Why Do People Continue their Education 

It is important for us to always be learning and growing. Education makes us more informed and exposes us to innovative ideas and skills. This is why lifelong learning is so vital.    

Professional  

In the professional world, continuing education can open doors you never knew existed. People go back to school all the time to help advance their careers. Higher-up positions may require a certain level of education achieved through a degree.  

People may also use learning as a professional pivot. Making a career change is normal and gaining a new educational background can be a needed boost. Are you a bank teller looking to move up? Consider an accounting degree. Are you working in manufacturing? Consider enrolling in an apprenticeship or trade program.  

Personal  

Lifelong learning can have a lot of personal value for some people. They find pride in obtaining a degree or certificate. It can serve as a reminder and motivator. School is demanding work, and completing a degree program at any level is always an accomplishment.   

For Fun  

There is a lot of fun to be found in learning. It doesn’t always have to be taken so seriously. Finding a podcast or online course you like can be just as meaningful. You are only limited by your imagination and with all the available online resources the sky is the limit. 

For example, if you want to experience an Ivy League course take a free online class through Harvard. Or if you want to learn a new language, check out Duolingo.  

There will never be a day where we don’t learn something new. Lifelong learning offers you the opportunity to expand your horizons. Again, it doesn’t always need to be extravagant. Education is what you make it.  

The post The Case for Lifelong Learning appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

What are the ways educational attainment impacts local workforces? As Forward Wayne County continues to focus on Education Attainment, read below to find out and learn more about some of the work happening right here locally.   

Improving and Enhancing Employability  

Educational attainment can help improve someone’s employability. This is vital in today’s workforce, as several jobs require some sort of education, whether from a traditional university or trade school.  

Having that background gives someone the experience they need to meet the basic qualifications of a job. In fact, several studies have indicated someone with a degree is half as likely to be unemployed than a person who only has a high school diploma.  

Pursuing continuing education in any format will open doors and give people more opportunities to succeed. We will go more in-depth into Wayne County’s educational sector later in the blog.  

A Stronger Workforce  

Simply put, educational attainment makes a workforce stronger and more robust. This is needed within any successful local economy. Businesses require talented professionals to deliver results.  

Additionally, education plays a part in skill alignment, where the workforce has the skills to meet an employer’s needs. For example, trade schools expose students to a curriculum that will reflect their chosen workplace.  

There is also the potential for new investment as employers pay attention to the state of a community’s workforce. Having a robust pool of talent can create economic development activities like new businesses and higher-paying jobs.  

A collaborative effort between Liberation Labs and Ivy Tech demonstrates this idea. Both parties are developing a new biomanufacturing training program that will help give Liberation Labs an immediately available and trained pool of talent.  

Retaining Local Talent  

Talent retention is an ongoing challenge for smaller communities. For several years many professionals have relocated to larger cities. This trend creates a problem as it makes it harder to sustain a local workforce without available talent.  

Keeping education local helps combat this issue. Universities can play a role in introducing and exposing students to the community. That may look like internships with area employers or encouraging them to attend events. It helps give them a feeling of community and empowers them to begin their careers in Wayne County.  

Apprenticeship programs are also effective drivers for retaining talent. Students have a place to learn and grow through an employer. In most cases, apprenticeships lead to a job within the sponsoring company. It is a win-win solution for both parties. Two prominent programs in Wayne County are offered through Nixon Tool and Ahaus Tool & Engineering.   

Individual Impacts 

Social mobility is the idea that people can move up the socioeconomic scale. Education helps promote this idea. For some, it is a gateway to escaping situations like poverty. It can help them find the career that will transform their lives. Various studies have indicated people’s earnings exponentially increase if they have a degree.  

Obtaining a degree or certification may also inspire individual innovation and entrepreneurship. It ensures new business ideas are generated within the community. Many successful companies and small businesses were born out of that mentality.   

Wayne County’s Education Sector  

Residents of Wayne County are well-positioned for educational attainment through a variety of organizations and resources. It is one of the community’s best assets.  

Wayne County is home to five higher educational institutions: IU East, Earlham College, Ivy Tech, Purdue Polytechnic, and Bethany Theological Seminary. Each one offers students a plethora of degree programs to meet their academic and professional goals.   

Job training and apprenticeships are also readily available through degree programs and local businesses.  Area high schoolers have this option through the Whitewater Career Center, Richmond Area Career Center, and Lincoln Golden Eagle Industries.  

Educational attainment is a central piece of a community’s workforce. Retaining talent and allowing people to learn will only help sustain it. If you are looking for educational opportunities understand they are present here in Wayne County. On the other hand, if you are an employer never hesitate to offer those options to learn and grow.  

Be sure to visit the Educational Attainment page on the Forward Wayne County website to learn more about how we are moving the needle on education.  

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How old is the College Now program? How many students have been through the program since its inception?

Indiana University East is excited to celebrate the fifth year of the College Now program! College Now is a program designed to benefit area high school students by providing tuition-free college courses in the college environment.

Almost 200 students have taken part in College Now since the program started in 2019. The students have have earned a combined amount of almost 1,000 college credits!

The 2022-23 school year was the program’s biggest and best to date. More than 100 students participated in College Now courses last year. They compiled an average GPA of better than 3.30!

What schools participate in the College Now Program?

Thanks to generous support from the Wayne County Foundation and First Bank Richmond, College Now has expanded to include all six high schools in Wayne County – Richmond, Centerville, Hagerstown, Lincoln, Northeastern and Seton Catholic. College Now even has a presence in Randolph County, where students at Union take part in the College Now experience.

What are some of the benefits for the students that go through this program? How does it give them an advantage over their peers who might not be utilizing the program?

College Now offers a helpful head start for area high school students thinking about attending college after their high school graduation.

The students get a head start toward their degree by earning college credit. Students can earn up to 24 college credits over two years in the College Now program. That’s almost a full year of college coursework!

Perhaps as importantly, they get a chance to experience the environment on a college campus. They can sit in IU East classrooms, alongside IU East students, learning from IU East professors, while experiencing the on-campus events IU East has to offer.

And, as online college coursework becomes more common, some College Now students get a chance to take online courses in IU East’s online environment. The experience prepares the students for future online coursework.

How do you think this program impacts students who may have not been planning to pursue higher education? Does this give them an incentive to continue their studies? Have you had any students who were not planning to attend a university, but were able to because of this program?

Every year, we hear success stories from students who say the College Now program truly prepared them for full-time college enrollment.

A growing number of College Now students do stay close to home to attend IU East. We expect the incoming Red Wolf freshman class to include about 20 students who took part in the College Now program.

How have the area high schools been beneficial to this process? Do you get a lot of buy-in from the schools?

The College Now program would not succeed without the enthusiastic buy-in from the participating schools! The administrative teams at the local high schools have been supportive from the start. We also need to recognize the hard-working high school counselors who serve as liaisons between the high schools and IU East.

College Now participants should be sure to offer a big “thank you” to their school counselors for going the extra mile to take care of the behind-the-scenes things needed to make it possible for the students to take part in the College Now program.

How can students learn more about the College Now program and apply?

Students at participating schools who are interested in the College Now program should meet with their school counselor to learn more about program requirements.

College Now is open to high school juniors and seniors. Younger students should make a goal of performing well in their classes to be sure they meet College Now requirements and are ready for college-level courses by the time they reach their junior and senior years.

Besides College Now, what are some of the other ways that IU East tries to make education accessible?

It would take several pages to list them all!

College Now has some companion dual credit programs we’d like to highlight.

IU East will launch its first dual credit career Pathway program this fall. Students from three area high schools who are interested in careers in education will take part in courses offered by the IU East School of Education. IU East plans to add more dual credit career Pathway programs in the coming years!

IU East serves as the Indiana College Core primary provider for seven area schools. Students who earn an IU East Indiana College Core Certificate while in high school complete 30 credit hours. Those are guaranteed to transfer seamlessly between state schools in the Hoosier state.

Making education accessible for our area has been IU East’s mission from the beginning. Naturally, it is one of the key goals in connection with “IU 2030,” the Indiana University strategic plan, and beyond!

Individuals who want to learn more about the College Now program at Indiana University East can visit their website to learn more.

The post College Now – An Opportunity for Wayne County’s Students appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

Higher Education

Wayne County is home to five higher education institutions that offer nearly any kind of field of study a student is looking for.

Bethany Theological Seminary, Earlham College, Indiana University East, Ivy Tech Richmond, and Purdue Polytechnic Richmond are all located in Wayne County. Besides educating residents of Wayne County, these institutions attract a large number of students from out of the state (and the country!) for their specialized programs.

Each of these schools offer their own array of degree pipelines, with different focuses between each school. Ivy Tech might be the best bet for someone going into mechanics, while Bethany Seminary would be a better fit for someone seeking their Masters of Divinity. If you’re looking for post-secondary education, check out the programs offered by each of the schools on their websites above!

Job Trainings

If the traditional college path isn’t your thing, no worries. You don’t have to sit in a classroom all day to learn. Programs like Next Level Jobs Indiana can cover the tuition and fees of qualifying certificate programs in Indiana. Their Workforce Ready Grant opens the door to more than 150 programs in high-demand industries like manufacturing, IT, Construction, and more. You can train while you work!

Additionally, for employers, the Employer Training Grant from the Department of Workforce Development helps you train, hire, and retain workers for those in-demand positions! Employers in these high-demand sectors can be reimbursed up to $5,000 per employee that is trained, up to a cap of $50,000. To find out if your business is eligible and learn how to take advantage of this program, visit the Employer Training Grant web page.

Eastern Indiana Works is another organization that educates, trains, and connects employees to jobs across Indiana. If you’re looking for a new career, EIW can help guide you into a career that fits you while connecting you to the training required.

Online Certificate Programs

Maybe you’ve gone through this list, exhausted all the options, and still can’t find a path or career that interests you. In that case, you might look at some online certification options! These can be attractive to many – they can be flexible for any schedule and are often a cheaper alternative to college courses!

One option when considering online certificate programs are courses from colleges and universities. Indiana University, Purdue, and Ivy Tech (just to name a few) have online certification programs. However, the cost of some of these programs can deter some folks.

In that case, online companies like Coursera and Udemy host a plethora of online courses that can provide certifications for countless sectors. Unlike certificates from universities, certificates from sites like these may not always be accredited (although many Coursera courses are accredited through universities and/or companies). However, many hiring managers may still view candidates with these certificates in a positive light, as it shows a dedication and commitment to your field.

Whatever your choice is, it’s also worth noting that many of these online certificate programs have scholarships available! Whether you’re studying UI/UX Design or Accounting, it doesn’t hurt to see if help is there.

With online programs, job training grants, and a wealth of educational resources, Wayne County’s residents have no shortage of opportunities to further their education. You can learn more about Forward Wayne County and what we’re doing to support Education on our website.

The post Furthering Your Education in Wayne County appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

Why do you feel trades are important?

“Well, the trades are important because they’re the foundation of our economy. Not just machine trades, but electronics, heating and air conditioning, auto mechanics, and welding. All the trades and skills that we need in our economy to keep it going on a daily basis are coming out of trade schools. Somebody has to do the work, and it takes a lot of know-how to do that.

Now, I’m not saying that college is a bad thing, but it isn’t for everybody, and it takes a good balance of skilled people in a lot of areas to keep our economy balanced and functioning.”

Why do you feel that it’s important for Nixon Tool to support local career centers and training programs?

“Without those career centers, companies would be trying to figure out how to get a start in training. Whereas, when you have these kinds of schools in your area, you identify people who are already interested in your trade.

As they go through school, they become invested in the idea of doing what your company does for a living. They receive two years of training in high school, which is very attractive to an employer.

By the time they receive their certificate from the US Department of Labor, they know it’s been a long time coming.”

“Employees go through a two year Associates degree program as part of the apprenticeship program at Nixon Toll. Students that work at career centers come in with a huge advantage, because many of those programs are dual credit.”

“To complete an apprenticeship program, you have to complete 8,000 hours of machine time. If you do the math, that’s about four years of regular time, 40 hours a week.

Some career center students work over the summer, and those hours count towards the 8,000.”

What are some of the benefits of hiring younger workers, and how do they fit in with the rest of the team?

“Well, most of our older generation has retired, but we still have a few left who are willing to train. As long as the students want to learn and be part of the team, the older workers don’t have a problem. It’s when a student shows that they don’t care or is disrespectful that there’s an issue.

But I tell the young guys up front that the older workers are going to be part of their success. Nobody can do this without help. Everybody helps somebody along the way.”

Besides an involvement with the local career centers, how else is Nixon Tool involved in the community?

“I’m not necessarily as involved in things as my mother and father were, but we do like to sponsor things that we feel are beneficial to the manufacturing world.

I’m also on a lot of advisory committees, because I think that’s important. As the older generation of toolmakers were retiring, I found that if I didn’t spend my time in a beneficial way for Nixon Tool, then we were going to be putting time and resources into things that weren’t benefitting Richmond and Wayne County.

It’s been a struggle, but it’s paid off in the long run!”

What kind of opportunities do your employees have for support as they receive their training?

“The Nixon Family Scholarship was started by my mother and father to help provide scholarships to students seeking extra training.

Nixon Tool Company doesn’t own the scholarship, but there are programs to help young people have their school paid for, like Next Level Jobs or a SkillUp grant. Nixon Tool picks up the cost of tuition, whatever those programs won’t cover.

The Nixon Family Scholarship is one of many resources available to help students excel in their field. It really shows how much my parents believe in the trades.”

Why is it important for Nixon Tool to support vocational training and an apprenticeship program?

“Well, there are quite a few reasons it’s important.

The thing that we’re finding is that, our customers, which are mostly American based, are having a hard time placing their work. If they can’t find people in America to produce what they need, they’re going to go overseas. It’s happened already because other countries have prepared themselves and raised their skill levels to meet the challenge. So, having skilled people to do the work helps us stay competitive and keep customers.”

How has Nixon Tool’s engagement with the community benefitted the business as a whole?

“When I bought the company from my father in 2005, I was scared, you know? I knew what to do because my father had done a good job training me. But still, you’re in a position where you’re either successful and you put all of what you have into it, or you’re going to fail.

The one thing I believe in is that successful businesses are built because of perserverance and the want and desire to succeed. If you don’t have that, then you don’t have the first ingredient that it takes to make a successful workforce and company.

The people understand that the company has to be successful. If they believe you can make a success out of it, then they’ll follow you to the end. And that’s what you have to have – a team of successful people.”

How can other organizations and sectors in Wayne County support local training programs and get involved?

“I’ve tried to get other companies involved in apprenticeship programs. Getting a US Department of Labor certified apprenticeship program means every employee that comes through your program has certified journeyman status. It attracts young people, and the interest is there!

We have our apprenticeship program in writing. It shows a student everything they need to reach a goal in four years. It shows what they’ll be making, what classes they’ll need to take – it’s all there. Not only is that attractive to a student coming out of high school, but the parents can read it. And, if you think a parent isn’t involved in that point, you’re wrong.

I had a high school Junior interested in working here, but his parents didn’t want him working over the summer. So, I told the student, ‘tell your parents Scott Nixon wants to meet them,’ and I gave them a tour of the shop.

Well, they accepted, I took them on a tour, and at the end the student’s mother asked how many hours their child will have to work. I said, ‘Well, whatever he wants to work.’ It’s not about how long he works, but the fact that he’s connected to a company that’s interested in what he’s doing! And, he ended up working 3 days a week, 5 hours a day that summer. He spent two months, had a ball, and he wants to come back and work.

We have to look at it long term. For students to want to come work, they have to be successful as a rounded person.”

If your organization is interested in establishing an apprenticeship program or learning more, visit the Indiana Department of Labor’s apprenticeship webpage to learn more.

You can learn more about Nixon Tool Co. Inc. on their website.

The post Engaging Students in the Trades appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

K-12

Wayne County has five public school districts that serve nearly 10,000 students per year.

• Centerville-Abington Community Schools
• Nettle Creek School Corporation
• Northeastern Wayne Schools
• Richmond Community Schools
• Western Wayne Schools

No matter the school corporation, any student entered into a public school system in Wayne County is sure to get an excellent education. All five districts had a combined 94.66% graduation rate in 2019. Each of the public schools in Wayne County have meaningful partnerships with the communities that they serve, providing countless opportunities for students no matter their school system.

If you prefer a private school environment, Wayne County has you covered. Schools like the Richmond Friends School or Seton Catholic offer an alternative to the typical public K-12 experience for your child. Visit the EDC of Wayne County’s website to see a list of private schools and learn more.

Vocations and Trades

Wayne County has two vocational career centers designed for students that are interested in pursuing a career or trade while still in high school. The Richmond Area Career Center serves students from Richmond and Northeastern. On the western part of the county, the Whitewater Career Center serves Centerville and Western Wayne Schools.

Students enrolled at one of the vocational centers can pursue fields like cosmetology, automotive technology, culinary arts, and more. By utilizing these programs in their junior and senior years, high school students are able to graduate with transferrable career skills. This means more skilled workers entering the workforce each year.

Higher Education

When it comes to higher education, Wayne County has plenty of choices right in our own back yard.

Bethany Theological Seminary has been providing education in Richmond since 1994. They offer two graduate programs – a master of divinity and a master of arts. Bethany also offers five other certificate programs for those looking to further their education.

Earlham College was founded in 1847 and has been a staple in Wayne County ever since. A quarter of students that attend Earlham are from Wayne County. However, 20% of enrolled students are from outside of the United States. Therefore, Earlham prides itself on having a broadly diverse student body. Earlham offers a wide variety of degree programs, including a well-renowned graduate Education program.

Indiana University East offers over 60 academic programs and prides themselves on affordable tuition and small class sizes. Because it is a regional Indiana University campus, students who attend Indiana University East receive an Indiana University degree while being able to stay in Wayne County. Due to IU’s wide network, IU East students are also able to take all of their courses online should they choose.

Ivy Tech Richmond is one of 46 Ivy Tech locations in the state of Indiana. With over 70 academic programs and one of the most affordable tuitions in the state, Ivy Tech has something for everyone. Because of Ivy Tech’s specialization in associate degrees and certifications, students can complete their education and enter the workforce in just two years. However, should a student want to continue their education, credits from any Ivy Tech campus will transfer to all Indiana colleges and universities.

Last, but not least, is Purdue Polytechnic Richmond. The Purdue satellite campus offers four undergraduate majors and two certificate programs to students in east-central Indiana and west-central Ohio. Students enrolled in a program at Purdue Polytechnic Richmond have the option of studying computer graphics technology, mechanical engineering, and more. With smaller class sizes, students are able to thrive as they develop their skills.

Wrapping Up

Wayne County takes its education seriously. The more educated our population is, the more our communities will thrive. To learn more about Forward Wayne County and what we’re doing to move the needle on education, visit our website to learn more.

The post Education Opportunities in Wayne County appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

In the month of October, Forward Wayne County is focused on Education. We asked Andy Stover, Superintendent of the Western Wayne School Corporation, to share his thoughts on education and what being a superintendent means to him and his district.

The role of a superintendent can be defined as a person who oversees the district’s well-being through its finances, retention and/or hiring of personnel, allocation of resources, and selection of educational programming.

However, this role has become increasingly nuanced over the last few years with the advent of open enrollment throughout the state of Indiana. The duty of a superintendent now involves becoming the living embodiment of the district through continuous promotion of the district’s mission, vision, and values.

Connections to Community

Additionally, there is a great need for establishing connections with community members, local organizations, and youth to ensure complete stakeholder support while also reflecting truly meaningful dedication.

Education as of late has been perceived by many as a highly competitive organizational structure where each district must “market” itself in an effort to edge out the nearest competition. As I am an extremely competitive person, this appears to be a dream; however, not necessarily.

I have seen this create a disconnect between goals and reality, mainly in the area of student needs. Some seem to have become so engrossed with this competition that they overlook what matters the most, and that is children.

Don’t get me wrong. I am still highly competitive and work each day to ensure I am better than the last. But one thing has changed for me: my concern for the competition has subsided. If anything, I support my competition more now than ever. The reason is due to mutual goals and mutual respect. All schools are here to support and educate students to the best of our abilities.

We are all fighting the same good fight. My goal is to not look outwardly, but rather, to look inwardly. Striving to provide the best educational environment for my students, staff, and community is perhaps at the top of my list. As I embark on my second year as superintendent at Western Wayne Schools I want to provide 5 key traits all servant leaders should possess:

Child First Mentality

As I began pursuing my master’s a few years ago in hopes I would someday become a principal, a colleague of mine questioned my decision and lectured me about the time requirements, overall stressors that come with administration, and the sheer lack of student interactions. In the midst of this conversation, he provided the quote, “The higher up you are in education, the further you are from the children.” 

This statement has stuck with me since, mainly because he was right. To this day, I still get the question: do you miss kids? My answer is always, “yes,” but I can now follow up with, “though I don’t get to see all of my students on a daily basis, I do have the power to make the most profound impacts through the decisions I make.” Sure, I might not have the opportunity to stand in front of 25 students in a classroom on a daily basis. But, I do get to oversee the well-being of over 700 students on a daily basis. I always ask myself, “What’s best for the child?” Far too often I see people lose sight of their “why” and what initially directed them toward life in education.

Moral Fortitude

This is perhaps one of the most needed characteristics of a district leader. The ability to live by a high set of standards while being able to delineate between what is and what is not acceptable is absolutely paramount. One quote that I have always lived by and believe will help serve anyone pursuing public service is, “Do what is right, even when no one is watching.” In a world of serving youth, it is without question your number one priority is to do what is in the best interest of the children.

Visionary

As a district leader, one must be able to actualize a vision by stating clear goals, providing a strategic plan, and equipping and empowering stakeholders to take action toward reaching the goals. Over the last decade, there has been a large uptick in economic development foundations in nearly every county throughout Indiana. Much to my delight, one of the biggest contributors to this growth has been local educational agencies and their partnerships with their community counterparts.

Expert Communicator

The amount of communication required for a superintendent is most certainly not for the faint of heart. I have found time and time again that even when I felt like my message or point was understood, I find myself still needing to provide additional communication. My rule of thumb is, Once you are exhausted from communicating, communicate just a little bit more. The reason I place an emphasis on communication is due to the inevitability of mistrust. When communication is not present, mistrust starts to develop due to grapevine communication. Furthermore, inefficient or inadequate communication deteriorates trust in the work environment mainly due to uncertainty.

Community Involvement

This is perhaps one of my favorite areas of leadership. As a superintendent, I am not only responsible for the school corporation, but I am also responsible for supporting the well-being of my community. As Western Wayne Schools sits in one of the most rural locations within the county, it is very important that I do everything I can to ensure that our small community has a voice when it comes to happenings throughout the county.

Andy Stover

Superintendent of Western Wayne Schools

Follow Andy and Western Wayne Schools on Twitter to learn more about what they do for their students and community. And keep an eye on our social media channels as we highlight our educators and educational organizations this month.

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