Name: Deanna Mayer

Title: Executive Director

Organisation: The Helix School

Deanna Wylie Mayer, Executive Director of The Helix School in San Rafael, CA, specializes in building dynamic leadership teams within specialized educational settings. With a deep commitment to inclusive education, Deanna leads the school’s project-based curriculum, focusing on personalized instruction for neurodivergent students aged 5-22. Her extensive experience spans a boarding school, an all-girls school, and international roles in Rome, Italy. Deanna holds a Master of Divinity from Earlham School of Religion and an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Goucher College, dedicated to creating supportive environments that foster innovation and collaboration.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

As an educational leader, one of my primary goals is to cultivate a culture where we recognize and compensate our teachers, clinicians, and paraeducators commensurate with the invaluable work they perform. Especially in the Bay Area, where living costs are notably high, it's crucial that compensation isn't merely nominal but provides a genuine living wage. While finding committed individuals isn't the main challenge—they are indeed out there—the real issue lies in our ability to pay them what they truly deserve. These professionals do some of the most important work in our society, and I am committed to advocating for and implementing policies that reflect their worth and support their well-being. We can and must do better.

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

My path to becoming an educational leader began in the classroom, where I developed a foundational passion for teaching and impacting young lives. During a sabbatical abroad, an unexpected opportunity arose when the school I was associated with needed a Dean of Students. I embraced the challenge, stepping into the role that seamlessly blended teaching with counseling. This experience was transformative, marrying my skills and passions in a way that deeply resonated with me. I fell in love with the broader impact I could have in this capacity and decided to dedicate my career to educational leadership. It was a pivotal moment where I discovered a new avenue to influence and support both students and teachers, and I haven’t looked back since.

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

Structuring a workday effectively, especially for someone in a leadership role, involves a mix of careful planning and flexibility. Here's a typical structure for my day from wake-up to sleep: Morning Routine: Wake-up: Early morning wake-up to start the day without rushing. Breakfast: A healthy breakfast to fuel the body and mind. Review the Day’s Agenda: Check the calendar and to-do list to mentally prepare for the day’s meetings, tasks, and deadlines. Commute to Work: Use this time to listen to a podcast, an audiobook, or simply plan the day ahead. Morning at Work: Emails and Messages: Start with checking and responding to urgent communications. Morning Check-In: Quick stand-up meetings with the team. We start with Staff Shout Outs to begin in a celebratory fashion. Focused Work Block: Time reserved for working on projects, strategic planning, or curriculum development without interruptions. Lunch: A break to recharge, preferably away from the desk. It’s also a good time for informal catch-ups with colleagues or staff. Meetings and Collaboration: Scheduled meetings with teachers, parents, or stakeholders. This might also include classroom visits or on-site school activities. Administrative Tasks: Handling paperwork, budget reviews, or operational oversight. Student Interaction: Time spent in direct interaction with students, whether in advisory roles or casual schoolyard conversations. Wrap-Up: Review the day’s accomplishments and update the to-do list. Plan for Tomorrow: Prioritize tasks and meetings for the next day. End-of-Day Check-In: A brief meeting or a digital check-in with the team to resolve any outstanding issues. Commute Home: Decompress, perhaps with music or a call to a friend or family member. Personal Time: Engage in hobbies, additional reading, or relaxation activities. Night Routine: Sleep: Aim for a consistent bedtime to ensure adequate rest.

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

As an educational leader, one of the most valuable lessons I’ve been reminded of is the interconnectedness of active listening, flexibility, and empathy in effective leadership. Truly listening to the concerns and ideas of staff, students, and parents not only fosters a deeper understanding but also builds trust and strengthens community ties. This active engagement is crucial when unexpected challenges arise, requiring leaders to be flexible and adapt strategies quickly. Moreover, demonstrating empathy through our actions—by acknowledging and addressing the diverse needs of our school community—encourages a more inclusive and supportive environment. Together, these skills enhance our ability to lead with responsiveness and insight, ensuring that our educational practices are not only effective but also compassionate and attuned to the evolving needs of our community.

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 Making of a Manager" by Julie Zhuo really resonated with me as it captures the essence of transitioning into a management role, something many find daunting, myself included. Zhuo, who climbed the ranks to become a product design executive at Facebook, shares personal anecdotes and insights that reflect the challenges and revelations she faced as a new manager. What stood out to me in her book is how she emphasizes the importance of building trust and fostering open communication within your team. Her advice on motivating team members and creating a feedback-rich culture is both practical and inspiring. She also dives into making tough decisions, which can be particularly tricky when you're new to a leadership position. Zhuo's narrative is genuine and relatable, making the lessons feel very accessible. She doesn’t just tell you what to do as a manager; she guides you through how to think about management so that you can craft your own authentic leadership style. This book is a valuable resource for anyone stepping into a managerial role, providing the tools needed to lead with confidence and empathy.

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?

For a young educator aspiring to move into a leadership role, actively seeking and embracing every leadership opportunity available is crucial. Each experience, whether leading a small project, mentoring new teachers, or managing a department initiative, serves as a building block for your leadership skills. These opportunities allow you to experiment with decision-making, problem-solving, and team management in a real-world context. Moreover, taking on diverse leadership roles helps you to gain a broad perspective of the educational landscape, understand the complexities of various functions, and identify your strengths and areas for growth. This proactive approach also signals to others in your organization your commitment and readiness to take on more responsibility. Leadership is not just about having authority but also about the ability to inspire and guide others towards achieving common goals. By taking every opportunity to lead, you cultivate the essential qualities of a good leader: resilience, empathy, and strategic thinking. These experiences lay a solid foundation for your career and prepare you for the challenges of educational leadership.

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

One of the most meaningful stories from my time as an educational leader began when I joined The Helix School, a significant shift from my previous roles in neurotypical educational settings. This move was truly life-changing. The Helix School serves special needs students and their families, for whom this education is not just learning—it's transformative. The profound struggles these families endure just to access appropriate educational opportunities moved me deeply. Witnessing the impact of our school on these students' lives has reinforced my commitment to helping them achieve their fullest potential. It's a reminder of the powerful role education plays and the responsibility we hold as leaders to champion these vulnerable voices. Every day here confirms my dedication to making a real difference.