5.4.

2016 EDL 593a Community Leader Interview

1. As an organizational leader, what is your perception of the current state of
public education?
My perception is that the current state of public education in Arizona is mixed.
Some school districts are better than others, and some schools within districts are
better. Overall, though, my perception is that excellent students excel, while
average or less able students may not receive what they need to get a truly
excellent education in Arizona. I do believe, though, that there are many
excellent teachers who are working hard to deliver quality education under often
less-than-ideal circumstances.
2. What parallels have you experienced as both a faith-based organizational
leader and educational leader? What are some key differences?
A parallel that I have observed is the active engagement of some people in the
life of faith and in education, while the majority of people are less engaged and
interested. I imagine that this carries over into engagement by parents in the
education of their children some are closely involved, while the majority are not.
A key difference is that people have a choice about whether to be involved in a
life of faith, while people are required to send their children to school so a basic
level of involvement is necessary. People have to be involved at some level in
education, if they have children. Participation in a life of faith is completely
optional.
3. What are some big challenges that both faith-based organizations and
schools/districts are facing, and how might we be able to partner to face said
challenges?
Both face funding and space challenges, engaging with the community, offering
relevant programs that enrich peoples lives, and inspiring people to be engaged
and participate.
Our church does participate with an elementary school that includes many
families with significant needs. So we partner to provide mentoring, classroom
assistance, school supplies, adopting families for Christmas, and more.
Im not sure how schools/districts could partner to help churches face their
challenges, although I have known of schools that rent space in churches. Im not
sure how to engage some of the other challenges.
4. What is important to the community at large and its leadership regarding public
education?
I think I can only speak for myself with this, as a leader of a large church. What is
most important to me is that all children and young people receive a high quality
education that prepares them to think critically and compassionately, and

prepares them for higher education and the ability to use their gifts for jobs that
benefit the community and world.

5. What are some emerging trends that you think are important to be in tune with,
and what leadership style or model is needed to attend to these trends?
I believe that emerging trends are concern for our planet, for living in a highly
multi-cultural society, challenges of technology, ways of learning to live with
compassion and kindness in a complex world, and focus on new understandings of
family and friendships. Leadership that encourages conversation and
collaboration, respect for all persons, openness to a variety of gifts and talents,
and has a commitment to ongoing learning is what is needed. I also believe that
leaders who are committed to growing in and practicing their faith are needed for
a vibrant future for our society and world.
My Reflection:
This faith-based organization leader and past educator hit on many key
points with which I am familiar; however, her responses about wanting a quality
education, engaging the public and her perspective on emerging trends that
society and its systems and organizations ought to take note of directed my
thinking towards transparency of school operations, such as using technology
responsibly to share and receive information with the public, as well as
transparency in data sharing among educators and educational leaders, so as to
stay connected with the evidence of our endeavors. I wonder how different
responses would have been had I been able to locate a strictly business leader. I
intend to eventually find out.