School Administrators of Montana

SAM Friday Update 9-20-24

SAM Update 9-20-24
Hello SAM Members,

Have you ever wondered how the general public views K12 education? Do you feel like you only hear from those who seek to criticize or cast blame? Fortunately, we have access to national polling data that seems to dispel some of the myths behind how people feel about schools. For example, nearly 80% of those surveyed believe that preparing students for career and recruiting/retaining good teachers should be the priorities for national education policy - no matter who wins the upcoming election. And a disturbing trend, currently 60% of parents would discourage their own children from the teaching profession, which is a complete turn around from 2011 when 67% of parents wanted their children to become teachers. For lots more interesting, longitudinal data, I would encourage you to check out the latest PDK Poll regarding the public's attitude towards public education. Much of the data in the PDK poll mirrors questions/responses that we have received in our MT opinion poll - results to be released at MCEL in October.

Have you Logged In to the New Members Only Area of SAM Website?

The Members-Only area of the new SAM website is now live. On September 12, you should have received an email titled School Administrators of Montana - "Members Only" Area, which included your unique login details. Once logged in, you’ll gain access to the Online Learning Center, where resources from SAM webinars and conferences are available.  We will continue to roll out additional member tools in the next few months.

If you didn’t receive the email, are having trouble logging in, or have any questions, please reach out to Kim (samks@sammt.org) or Marcus (sammm@sammt.org) at the SAM office.

Did you Find the SAM Webinar Resources?

The webinar resources are housed in the new SAM Online Learning Center and accessible to all SAM members.  You will automatically be in the Members Only area of the SAM website when you log in.  To locate the webinar resources, click on Resources >Online Learning > Courses >2024-25 SAM Monthly Webinars.  You will not only find the resources from the 9-12-24 webinar, but we will continue to add resources as webinars are completed.  Here is a quick video to help you find this area of the website: Locating SAM Webinar Resources.  Experiencing difficulties?  Contact Kim at the SAM Office (samks@sammt.org)

Be sure to mark your calendars for the second Thursday of each month from 10:00 - 11:00 AM.  Connect to the webinars on the SAM Zoom meeting room:  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/3923446729

Schedule for the Fall:

October 10: Artificial Intelligence - practical tips from the administrator's desk

November 14: Reinvesting and recommitting to IEFA implementation in our schools

December 12: CTE and Work Based Learning opportunities (TENTATIVE)

9-12-24 Webinar Resources:

Evaluation and Renewal Unit Certificate:  Do you want to receive an OPI Renewal Unit Certificate for your participation in the webinar?  Did you miss the live webinar but want to earn renewal unit credits for watching the video?  Follow this link and submit the short evaluation. Your certificate will be generated and emailed to you upon completion of the evaluation form: SAM Webinar 9-12-24 Evaluation and Renewal Unit Certificate

SAM Professional Learning Opportunities:

 2024-25 SAM Leaders Professional Learning Program Registration

SAM is continuing the long standing tradition of providing a low cost 1-1 coaching/mentoring model with the SAM Leaders Professional Learning Program (LPLP).  If you are new to your position OR if you would benefit from a mentor, this is the right program for you. LPLP provides each person with an experienced mentor that will provide support through 1-1 conversations and check-ins throughout the school year. Remember that leadership can be a lonely job. The LPLP mentor can be a great resource for quick guidance or a confidential ear to provide a sounding board in difficult situations. Register now for this opportunity to work with a mentor for only $750 for the entire 2024-25 program year.  Follow this link to register:  2024-25 SAM LPLP 1-1 Leadership Coaching & Mentoring Registration Form

MCEL Registration is Open

MCEL 2024 is scheduled for October 16 - 18 at the Missoula Hilton Garden Inn. Follow the link to review the conference schedule and to register:  https://mcel.org/home.  All SAM members are invited to attend the annual SAM Membership Meeting on Friday, October 18 at 8:00 AM.   

Nomination Deadlines are Approaching for SAM and Affiliate Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for the following awards and scholarship.  Who will you nominate to be recognized for their outstanding dedication to the education of the children in their school/district?  

  • G.V. Erickson Award -  Nominations are open until Friday, September 27, 2024: The G.V. Erickson Award is given to a member of the School Administrators of Montana who has made the greatest contribution to the betterment of education in Montana; something that G.V. did throughout his career. This is the most honored award a Montana school administrator Montana can receive.
  • Erdie Memorial Scholarship - Applications will be accepted until Friday, September 27, 2024:  A Dr. Jay Erdie Memorial Mentor Scholarship in the amount of $1000 will be awarded annually to a deserving educator. The purpose of the scholarship is to train and mentor new Montana school administrators. The scholarship will be awarded to a school administration candidate who plans to begin and/or complete his/her administrative credentials and intends to work in a Montana school district. Once the candidate has secured a position and notified the SAM office, a trained mentor will be provided through the SAM Leaders Professional Learning Program to assist during his/her first year on the job.
  • MASS Outstanding School Board of the Year Award - Applications will be accepted until Friday, September 27, 2024: The purpose of the award is to recognize and focus attention on the dedicated and ethical service rendered by school boards to the children of Montana.  Nominations for the MASS School Board Awards may be submitted by any Montana Superintendent of Schools. The MASS Executive Board recommends that each of the nine regions submit a nomination. Two Outstanding School Boards in Montana will be chosen. The winners will be announced at the annual MCEL meeting in October.
  • AASA Conference Incentive Award - Applications will be accepted until Friday, September 27, 2024:  The Montana Association of School Superintendents Incentive Award Program is intended to provide a special opportunity for MASS members to attend the AASA National Conference on Education (NCE) that will be held in New Orleans, March 6 - 8, 2025.
  • MASSP Assistant Principal of the Year - Applications will be accepted until Friday, October 11, 2024:  This award recognizes outstanding school leaders who have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students.  The program honors high school assistant principals who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of personal excellence; collaborative leadership; curriculum, instruction and assessment; and personalization.  To be eligible, the nominee must be an active assistant principal and have been an active assistant principal for at least three consecutive years.

Thanks for being a SAM member.

Please reach out to me directly if you have questions, comments, or if you need any assistance.

Rob Watson, Executive Director, SAM
email: samrw@sammt.org
cell phone: 406-570-4135
https://twitter.com/robwatson406

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robwatson406/

Rob