Leading for Equity: Equity-Focused, Learning-Centered Leadership

Presented by Max Silverman, Executive Director of the University of Washington Center for Educational Leadership (CEL), Seattle, Washington; Michele Mason, Director of Instructional Leadership, University of Washington Center for Educational Leadership (CEL), Seattle, Washington; Dr. Jermaine Dawson, Chief Academic Officer, Birmingham City Schools, Birmingham, Alabama; and Dr. Christopher Lennox, Superintendent of Mounds View Public Schools, Shoreview, Minnesota
Moderated by Dr. Valerie Truesdale, Assistant Executive Director, AASA, The School Superintendents Association

Hosted by AASA, The Superintendents Association 
AASA’s Leadership Network, providing premier professional learning for educational leaders

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Equity-driven school leaders have skills and dispositions that ensure each student, particularly those furthest from justice, are prepared for a limitless future. Watch Max Silverman, Executive Director, and Michele Mason, Director of Instructional Leadership, with the University of Washington Center for Educational Leadership, as they share current research and frameworks that support central office leaders in defining what it means to be an equity-driven, learning-focused school leader.

Viewers will deepen their understanding of what it means to bridge leading for equity and instructional leadership. Dr. Jermaine Dawson, Chief Academic Officer for Birmingham City Schools (AL) and Dr. Chris Lennox, Superintendent of Mounds View Public Schools (MN) provide examples and share insights on supporting this type of leadership across a school system.

About the Presenters

As the Executive Director of the University of Washington Center for Educational Leadership (CEL), Max Silverman provides leadership for improving school systems focused on equitable outcomes for students. Throughout his career, he has served in a variety of leadership positions including classroom teacher, school principal, district leader, and most recently as deputy director of CEL. As executive director, he is dedicated to building the know-how and collective efficacy of educators, school systems and states to create a future where every student experiences a rigorous, world-class education. Max continually seeks opportunities to build and share his expertise both locally and across the country, including serving as the vice-chair for the Rainier Prep Public Charter School Board in Seattle, and collaborating in the Deeper Learning Leadership Forum.

Michele Mason joined the University of Washington Center for Educational Leadership (CEL) in June 2019 as the Director of Instructional Leadership. Michele supports district partnerships and provides instructional leadership support for district and school administrators. Prior to CEL, she served as a district administrator, non-profit leader, school administrator and high school English teacher in suburban and urban areas. Michele is interested in how empowered central office staff can support the principal as an instructional, strategic and visionary leader. Michele will complete her doctorate in educational leadership from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in May 2021.

Dr. Jermaine Dawson is the Chief Academic Officer for Birmingham City Schools. Jermaine is a native of Atlanta, Georgia where he attended and graduated from the Atlanta Public Schools. He graduated from Morehouse College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology. He then received his Master of Arts degree in educational leadership from Kennesaw State University. In 2019, he received his doctorate degree in educational leadership from Northcentral University. Dr. Dawson has a passion for the education of youth and has served in a myriad of capacities.

Dr. Chris Lennox began his tenure as Superintendent of Mounds View Public Schools on July 1, 2016. Lennox has been with the District since July 2015, serving as the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. He came to Mounds View from Bloomington Public Schools where he was assistant superintendent for three years. Lennox previously served Stillwater Public Schools as Assistant Superintendent of Learning and Instruction for four years and as the high school principal for five years. Prior to joining Stillwater, he was with South St. Paul Public Schools for eight years in various capacities, including junior high principal as well as dean of students, assistant principal and eventually principal of the high school.

About the Host

Valerie joined AASA early in 2019 as the Assistant Executive Director responsible for guiding leadership development services and programs. With years of experience in the superintendency and roles in instructional technology, she knows that AASA’s Leadership Network can be a substantial resource for school leaders trying to keep pace with the rapidly changing delivery of K-12 education.

Join the Leading for Equity community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.

The AASA Leadership Network drives superintendent success, innovation and growth, shaping the future of public education while preparing students for what’s next. We are the largest, most diverse network of superintendents in America. Passionate and committed, we connect educational leaders to the professional learning, leadership development, relationships and partnerships they need to ensure a long career of impact.