K-12 Online School Leaders: Recruiting, Training, Retaining · Karen Glassman, Principal, INSPIRE Jodie Dean, Principal, NM Connections Academy Bernadette Ortiz-Brewster, Principal,

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K-12 Online School Leaders: Recruiting, Training, Retaining

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Melissa Nelson, VP of Connections Academy Schools

Anne Liles, Assistant Director of Human Resources, Talent Acquisition, Connections Education

Melissa Gould, Principal, MTS MN Connections Academy

Karen Glassman, Principal, INSPIRE

Jodie Dean, Principal, NM Connections Academy

Bernadette Ortiz-Brewster, Principal, College Park Academy

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Learning Outcomes

1. Evaluate whether a potential principal candidate has the skills to work in an online environment.

2. Create a training regimen for virtual principals.

3. Understand the need for ongoing PD for virtual principals.

4. Network with online administrators.

5. Understand job duties, pressures, responsibilities of online school leaders.

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What do we look for in a virtual principal?

• Experience

• Skills

• Qualities

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Where do we recruit?

• State specific educator website

• iNaCOL

• Teachers-Teachers.com

• Our own database of candidates

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Interview process

• Phone call

• Digital pre-screening interview (asynchronous)

• Synchronous digital interview

• In-person interview (school level)

• Virtual panel interview/candidate presentation

• Present to board (if applicable)

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Case Study Activity

Who should you hire?a. Watch Hirevue videos.b. Read resume.c. Read writing prompt.d. In small group, discuss and decide which candidate would be

the best one for a virtual school principal.e. Share your answer with the large group.

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Training

New Principal Boot Camp, annual Connections Education Summer Retreat

• In-person training with colleagues and corporate office staff

• Immersed into the Connections Education culture

• Introduction to learning management software, Connexus

• Hands-on activities and trainings provided by school leaders

• Networking with other Connections Educations Schools

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Training, continuedConnexus Trainings

• Formatted the same as a student course with learning segments & a test

• Cover basic Connections Education policies and expectations

• Provides overview of a typical school year cycle

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Units of the Principal Training

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Principal Mentorship

• Paired with a veteran Connections Education principal

• Scheduled weekly phone conferences

• Prepared talking topics aligned to the school year cycle

• Non-evaluative support for the new principal

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Principal Professional Learning Communities

• Each principal is placed on a PLC to interact and learn with colleagues

• PLCs establish norms and create a SMART goal

• Bi-weekly meetings held to analyze data aligned with the SMART goal

• Resources shared between schools

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Winter Principal Retreat

• Held annually with all Connections Education Principals

• Professional development sessions with colleagues and national experts

• Open Space Meetings with topics determined by principals

• PLC reflection and work time

• Planning for the upcoming school year

• Team building and bonding activities with principals

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Job Responsibilities of Online Principal *a small sample• Ensure academic success of students • Manage implementation of online curriculum• Ensure teachers exhibit and maintain a high level of

professionalism, instructional support and customer service• Manage relationships with Department of Education• Coordinate state testing process• Participate in recruitment of students• Create a school community

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Panel of Expert Principals

Questions?1. How well did the training program prepare you for the job?

What was the most important part?2. What is done by your employer in terms of retaining you and

helping you grow professionally once you have the job?3. What are the big differences in skills you need to lead a Brick

and Mortar school vs an online school?

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Questions?