Name: Anita McKinney

Title: Assistant Superintendent

Organisation: Gosnell School District

I began my career as a high school math teacher in Marion, Arkansas. I obtained my Master's Degree in Educational Leadership in 2007 from Arkansas State University. This sparked a new transition to leadership where I began leading professional development at the high school and became the math department chair.

After serving in those roles, my desire to lead more grew and I was able to get a job in the Gosnell School District as a high school assistant principal. After serving in that role for a few years, I obtained my Specialist's Degree in Superintendency in 2014. Then I was promoted to Junior High Principal, then to District Curriculum Coordinator, and after serving in that role for three years, I became the Assistant Superintendent and havebeen in that position for the last 3 years.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Educational Leadership!

I hope Anita's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as an Educational Leader?

The most challenging part of being an Educational Leader is the many different roles that one must play in order to be effective. Not only is your main concern the safety and welfare of all of your students and staff, but you also have to make sure that all students receive the best education possible while managing personnel, behavior issues, and funding resources for all of the above.

2. How did you become an Educational Leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

When I began my teaching career in 2001, I had no aspirations of doing anything but teach. However, after a few years of being in the classroom setting and not having much help when it came to instructional leadership, I found myself doing my own research on ways to improve.

This led me to share my classroom experiences more and to be able to help others. I have always been a people pleaser. From there, the opportunities to grow in my career always seemed to come at the right time. I never dreamed in 2001 that I would have made it as far as I have, and I could not have done without the exceptional support I have had at Gosnell from the previous Superintendent, my Superintendent, and the School Board.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

Work days usually begin with waking up at 6:00 am, and I check my emails, social media, and the news for anything that could have happened overnight that may affect the school day. Once I arrive at work, I will respond to any emails and check my calendar to make sure I stay organized. No two days are ever the same.

I spend a lot of time sifting through and organizing data for the district, as well as classroom walks and building walks to get a feel for how things are going day to day. A lot of days after school is over are spent at a ballgame, school play, or some other event that is happening in our district. Once I arrive home, I will check my email one last time before crashing to sleep.

4. What's a recent lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of as an Educational Leader?

An important lesson that I have been recently reminded of is to "practice what you preach." I should never ask any of the staff to do something that I myself would not do. To help them grow and show them the importance of growing in their learning, I myself must continue to research, attend conferences and learn as much as I can to stay current with the times.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your journey as an Educational Leader so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted you?

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt has been the most recent book that has really opened my eyes to the problems of our youth today. This book talks about the overuse of cell phones and computers by young children and how they not only affect them physically but also mentally.

This has sparked the decision for the district to focus on cutting down on the screen time that students are given in their classes. The district is also looking at ways to make the school day a cell phone-free zone. I truly believe this could be a positive impact for our students as well as our staff.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young educator who aspires to be an Educational Leader, what would you say to them?

Pick your battles carefully. Not everything in leadership is black and white. There are going to be times when what is good for one student or teacher may not be good for the other. You really have to get to know your students and staff in order to make an impact on their lives.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as an Educational Leader, so far?

While serving as the Junior High Principal, I would often find myself visiting the special needs classroom any time that I was having a rough day or just struggling. Those students always cleared my perspective any time I needed it and they never knew what they did for me. One year, there was a particular student who was turning 16. This young man would never be able to drive a car however, he LOVED Mustangs.

I was able to work with the local dealership, who just so happened to have a Mustang on the lot in his favorite color, red, to bring the Mustang to the Junior High building for this student to see it. With his parents' permission and riding with him, this student was able to take a ride in his dream car. I will never forget the look on his face when we surprised him. It's events like these that remind educators of why we do what we do. It isn't always easy, but it is always worth it!