Balance Boundaries Breaks with Evan Whitehead.
Evan Whitehead has been in the field of education for more than 20 years spanning three decades and is currently the director of special services for a PK–8 school district in Illinois. In his current role, Evan oversees all federal programs (special education, McKinney-Vento, English learners, and Title I); early childhood education; multi-tiered system of support (MTSS); social emotional learning, family and community engagement; health services; continuous improvement; and equity, diversity, and cultural competency.
Evan’s Leadership Journey
Started education later, but 33 years are in the bag.
Didn’t start out seeking this profession.
Career started with a nudge from mom working in a special education cooperative.
Worked in Therapeutic Day setting
Intro to education, has had to restrain students.
“If you’re not invited to the dinner, you’re probably on the menu”
Making sure we’re at the table for students – how to encourage young educators to speak up and be heard
2% Club – number of black males in education
We are at a crossroads in education. – how do we reimagine education?
It isn’t about seat time.
What does 8 – 3:30 mean for most students?
Snow days, discipline, homebound
Whole child instruction.
We have to take care of our educators like we do our students.
Adult care: Before school hours and connecting. Alphabet survival guide.
These care activities have to come from the “top”.
Placed a pause on “curriculum maps” for this time period.
Leadership struggle/opportunity
Had to understand self care and what he needed.
Understands Imposter Syndrome, has lived it.
Was not adhering to his own boundaries
First time is a favor, 2nd time it’s expected
Hopeful
Opportunity for change
Time for family.
Seeing and value what we have.
Recognize how quickly life can change.
Use this past year for growth going forward.
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