In the dynamic landscape of regional administration, two dedicated coaches are spearheading a transformative approach to providing mentorship for administrative leaders.
Since 2016, Oregon Trail Regional Educator Network administrative coaches Betty Palmer and Jocelyn Jones have navigated a 21-district network spanning nearly 200 miles to provide ongoing support to 130 administrators in 70+ schools. While their program began as a means to provide mentorship on a basic level, it has expanded into a robust series designed to provide support to administrators in every stage of their careers. Palmer and Jones provide one-on-one administrative coaching, role-alike roundtables, facilitated book studies, learning walks, observation and evaluation coaching, on-demand coaching–including phone calls, resource shares, and emergency meetings–and after-hours dinner gatherings focused on brainstorming solutions to relevant, real-time problems plaguing administrators today. Morgan Rauch, principal in the Athena-Weston School District, said, “As a first year principal, having a mentor has been invaluable. Jocelyn has helped me find my bearings in the day-to-day operations as well as develop my own approach to educational leadership. Having a mentor not only gives me someone to tap for advice, but also a grounding force to help me lean into my strengths and priorities. I am a better leader for my school because of Jocelyn's support and guidance.”
Palmer, a retired administrator from the Baker School District, and Jones, a retired Hermiston School District administrator, are employed by the Oregon Trail REN on a part-time basis. Their goal is to create a local context for enhanced collegiality, and to address the professional development needs of principals and superintendents who are new to the profession and/or region. While not new to the role of administration, Ronda Smith, principal of Sherwood Elementary School in Pendleton, reflected on the support she has received from both coaches. Smith said, “Not only do Betty and Jocelyn lead professional development and collaboration & connection events for administrators to support one another with current topics of concern, but also they are a mentor to me in my professional practice. I can call either of them at any time and they work to help problem-solve, give advice, or will use their network to find answers for me.”
The model has garnered attention in other parts of the state for its innovative approach to providing ongoing support and for the positive impact it’s having on the practice of administrators–so much so that Jones and Palmer will be speaking about their model at the 2024 OACOA/OASE Winter Conference for administrators, to be held at Salishan Coastal Lodge. Jones and Palmer will present on January 26th from 3-4 pm, along with IMESD Superintendent, Mark Mulvihill, and IMESD Director of School Improvement, Dave Williams. They will emphasize the critical components that make this model so effective, which include building relationships and making the programming as relevant, accessible, and convenient for busy administrators as possible. Palmer and Jones will share tips for success, as well as a “Start-Up Guide” for those hoping to replicate the model in their districts.
Laura Orr, Ukiah superintendent of schools, has been an active participant in the programming, attending dinner gatherings, PLCs, and “Hot Topics” roundtable discussions regularly. In her second year as superintendent, Orr has appreciated the one-on-one support she has received from Palmer and Jones, as well as the camaraderie and conversation shared with peers during quarterly admin gatherings, hosted by the Oregon Trail REN. Orr said, “The direct, personal, and intentional contact with Betty and Jocelyn gives a needed contact and connection outside of my building, but with knowledge and experience to offer effective and applicable advice to whatever situation I am facing. The more structured training opportunities and PLC meetings offer useful and needed information and further connections with others in our region.”
With an eye to the future and the wisdom that accompanies years of experience, Palmer and Jones are helping ensure that this generation of educational leaders receive the support and guidance they need.