MASB Standards - #2

The Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) has established standards for the governance of both a school board and individual members themselves. They were developed by school board members for school board members to provide a shared framework for effective school district governance. I've taken the liberty of answering the questions they pose to evaluate or prompt successful adoption of each standard so that you can get a better feel for how I will ensure I lead with proper governance. The next few blog posts will contain my responses to these questions, one standard at a time.

Standard 2: The individual school board member believes in the importance of and actively engages in lifelong learning.

2.a. Is the board member actively engaged in learning new concepts, skills or best practices?

Throughout my teaching career, I have sought out and participated in Professional Development in the areas of SEL, inclusion, classroom technology, and so much more. Also, having earned a Master’s Degree in Education, Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership, and currently being in a Doctor of Education program, I am constantly learning new concepts and practices that I can utilize in my job as an educator.

2.b. Is the board member willing and able to develop competency in matters related to school governance such as school finance and policy, as well as school and labor law?

If there’s one thing about me, I am an extremely thorough person. When I take on a job or even an extracurricular activity, I always do it to the best of my ability. I like to know all that I can about something (I am a teacher), especially if it’s in service to others. If I have not learned something yet from my classes in school board governance, I am surely willing to learn. If you are on a school board and not willing to develop competency in all aspects of school governance, you are doing the community a misjustice.

2.c. Does the board member seek out and engage in learning opportunities to improve their ability to serve effectively on a Board of Education?

As part of always learning and wanting to know all that I can, I am constantly attending training and reading articles and books about educational leadership.