AHPS Principal In U.Va. Program That Identifies High-Impact Leaders
Jeter-Watson Elementary School Principal Cynthia Morgan has learned the value of schools having strong relationships with families and students. She is participating in a highly selective leadership development program through the University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development. Morgan is participating in research to show how family engagement and relationships have a positive impact on student success.
AHPS Principal In U.Va. Program That Identifies High-Impact Leaders
LOW MOOR — Jeter-Watson Elementary School Principal Cynthia Morgan and other Virginia school administrators with high potential to grow as leaders are participating in a leadership development program through the University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development.
The program, Statewide Communities of Practice in Excellence, is commonly known as SCOPE. The two-year program provides workshops and research opportunities for a select group of school administrators. The program is limited to school divisions that are a part of U.Va.’s K-12 Advisory Council.
“It is an honor to have been nominated and selected for the SCOPE-19 cohort. Serving as a member of this Statewide Communities of Practice for Excellence (SCOPE) is a wonderful opportunity. It is a true privilege to represent the Alleghany Highlands Public Schools Division,” Morgan said.
The program identifies exemplary leaders such as principals, assistant principals, and central office instructional specialists.
“We are excited that Alleghany Highlands Public Schools was able to support the attendance of an administrator at SCOPE and we are confident that our students will benefit,” said Kim Halterman and Melinda Snead-Johnson, leaders of AHPS.
Morgan joined SCOPE in fall 2023 and she is experiencing training that was developed by school superintendents and senior education leaders who worked closely with the U.Va. faculty. The training focuses on two major themes — leading people and leading learning.
The sessions offer creative ways of thinking about the two themes, while offering the participants opportunities to talk with other local school division leaders from across Virginia. Sessions are hosted in school settings across the state giving the participants a chance to appreciate a wide range of education environments.
“It is important for AHPS staff to network with leaders around the state so that we can all share best practices in support of students,” said Halterman and Snead-Johnson. “Many opportunities are provided virtually or within a short drive to an area such as Roanoke or Lexington.”
The 2023-2024 workshop topics included leading learning and developing organizations. In the education world, these are viewed as complicated topics that need to be addressed through ongoing discussions by leaders. In the second year of the SCOPE program, each participant will participate in group research known as a capstone project. The project is basically a final assignment that demonstrates the knowledge and skills the participants have gained from SCOPE.
Morgan’s cohort has chosen Family Engagement: Relationships Matter as its focus. She says research shows that strong family-school-community partnerships positively affect student achievement, attendance, and behavior.
“The collaboration enhances our ability to better understand our students' unique needs and strengths,” she said.
More than 750 school leaders have been served by SCOPE since it started in 2005. It has been recognized by the Wallace Foundation for promoting excellence in ongoing training for education leaders. Morgan is the first participant from AHPS.
“Within this leadership group, I value the time to work with other administrators throughout the state of Virginia. Working together towards shared goals, we strive for excellence in education,” Morgan said.
AHPS is one of 125 Virginia school divisions that are part of the U.Va. K12 Advisory Council. It was formed in 2001. The advisory council seeks to support K-12 needs in the Commonwealth through strategic partnerships, shared success stories, and leadership development.
The Alleghany Highlands Public Schools Division serves approximately 2,700 students. The school division was established on July 1, 2022, when Alleghany County Public Schools, Covington City Public Schools, and Jackson River Technical Center merged.
School division news and events are regularly posted on Facebook at AHPublicSchools The division website is www.ahps.va.k12.va.us.
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