Principals' Center: Sustaining the mind, body and soul

Leadership, May, 2001 by Robin Montoya

I look up the word "support" in the dictionary and find that I could have been reading a definition of what the ACSA Principals' Center Summer Institute provides for school principals. Components of the definition are "align oneself; be on someone's side," "to supply what is needed for sustenance" and "to keep from yielding, sinking and losing courage."

The institute is a 10-day residential program for experienced principals that focuses on leadership. The model, adapted from Roland Barth when he was at the Harvard Graduate School of Education--large group lectures with renowned educational researchers, small-group interactions, outdoor learning activities, reflective writing and the informal, unscheduled interactions that being at the institute allows--provides a setting for collegial learning and growth. A network results that epitomizes the intent of the institute--to provide support for these outstanding school leaders.

To align oneself and be on someone's side: Principals (and all school leaders) need advocates--especial]y in these days of myriad government mandates, standards, accountability and all the other pieces required of principals. The Principals' Center Summer Institute lets participants know that they are supported by ACSA, the group leaders and each other. The institute provides an atmosphere of confidentiality where issues can be shared and possible solutions can be offered by presenters, team leaders and institute participants. The usual feeling of isolation can be eased by finding out that others share your fears, concerns, goals and dreams.

During the 10-day experience, participants realize that they can take a risk, try something new and know that others will support them in their aspirations and implementation of new, innovative ideas. Success stories abound after each Summer Institute--all flavored with the emotions that come from knowing you are not alone on your journey in the principalship.

To supply what is needed for sustenance: At the Principals' Center Summer Institute, mind and body are equally nourished. Beginning with presentations from cutting-edge educational researchers to small-group discussions where application of these theories are analyzed to reflection on the activity of the day, the mind is stimulated and sustained. Opportunities to eat are provided constantly (good, healthy food!) as well as easy access to facilities for exercise, so the body is sustained. When the body is satisfied through food and exercise, learning can take place without distraction.

There are many ways to sustain a human being -- stimulating the mind through thoughtful challenge and learning, making sure the body has food to provide energy, but also through collegial interaction, laughter, song and celebration. Through all of these avenues, the Principals' Center Summer Institute provides attendees with the experiences that will sustain them in the coming year.

The ACSA Principals' Center is dedicated to continuing communication with all alumni of the Summer Institute and creates opportunities throughout year for alumni to come together and renew their friendships and share successes, as well as continue their learning.

To keep from yielding, sinking and Iosing courage: Courage comes from within -- take a risk and be encourage by colleagues. This is what happens every day at the Summer Institute. Participants are asked to take a risk by sharing at the small-group meetings. This could mean successes or failures. Because of the structure of the institute and especially the small-group meetings, all are supported and kept from sinking --you have the 12 colleagues on your team and also the 100 colleagues of the whole group. By attending the Principals' Center Summer Institute you become part of a network that will support and sustain you throughout the challenges and opportunities that are part of being a principal. You won't yield, you won't sink and you won't lose courage. You can't--because the Principals' Center network won't let you.

The first Principals' Center Summer Institute was held in the summer of 1992. As a member of the staff of ACSA, I have been with the institute since its inception. Being part of this network of supporting principals supports me, too. I always have people on my side (as I am on theirs), I am always sustained in my body and soul each summer and throughout the year, and I am always renewed in courage and kept from sinking by the network of team leaders (my friends and colleagues) and the extended network of 650 alumni of the Summer Institute.

The ACSA Principals' Center Summer Institute--what a remarkable thing for principals, students and education in California.

For more information on the ACSA Principals' Center Summer Institute, please contact Robin Montoya in the ACSA Burlingame office at (800) 672-3494, ext. 252 or e-mail rmontoya@acsa.org.

Robin Montoya is an educational services associate for ACSA.