ACSA Executive Director Wesley Smith Director of Communications Naj Alikhan Editor London Roberts Design / Layout Stephen D . Long Production Coordinator Emily Agpoon
Board of Directors
President Lisa Gonzales President-Elect Holly Edds Vice President Linda Kaminski Vice President for Legislative Action Terri Rufert Past President Ralph Gómez Porras Directors Angel Barrett , Mike Berg , Ana Boyenga , Blanca Cavazos , Juan Cruz , Craig Helmstedter , Charles Hoffman , Linda Hutcherson , Sue Kaiser , Lisa Ketchum , Jon LeDoux , Michael McCormick , Rafael Plascencia , Barbara Martinez , Robert Martinez , Denny Rush , Karen Sakata , Kiela Snider , Jay Spaulding , Victor Thompson , Roxanna Villaseñor , Denise Wickham , Ron Williams
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Leadership magazine ( ISSN 1531-3174 ) is published bi-monthly in September / October , November / December , January / February , March / April and May / June by the Asso ciation of California School Admin istrators , 1575 Bayshore Hwy ., Burlingame , CA 94010 . ( USPS 282-740 ) Annual subscription : $ 60 ; single copies $ 12 ( includes state tax ). Subscriptions outside the U . S . add $ 20 ($ 80 total ). Periodical postage paid at Burlingame , California and additional post offices . Articles and advertisements are the expressions of the author ( s ) and advertisers and are not statements of policy or endorsements of ACSA . Postmaster : Send address changes to : Leadership magazine , ACSA , 1575 Bayshore Hwy ., Burlingame , CA 94010 .
To Our Readers
Healthy leaders thrive on hard work , and wellness for themselves , students and others
Leadership is a calling , and it ’ s often a physically and emotionally draining role . What are you doing to take care of you and the adults around you , while you lead and care for students ? This edition of Leadership magazine focuses on myriad issues tied to health and wellness .
As a marathon coach for years , I know firsthand the importance of exercise and its impact on health and wellness . The time spent on the trails or cross-training , often with ACSA colleagues , allows for the mental down time and moments to process events of the week . Whether physical exercise or a focus on mental well-being , having that balance is critically important for all leaders .
Beginning on page 8 , Know Yourself CEO Tim Howes says the time has come for education that will “ prepare our kids to live full , multi-faceted lives , filled with confidence , good health , happiness and tolerance .” It ’ s time for self-literacy to be part of the curriculum . “ Self-literacy is power ,” Howes says . “ Knowing yourself makes you better at everything , literally – school , work , sports , friendships , life … everything .” Leadership coaches Shawn Nealy-Oparah and Tovi C . Scruggs-Hussein ( page 12 ) write about the “ inside-out ” work of trauma-informed leadership . Learn how to avoid the cyclical conditions of trauma , which is primed for triggers and re-traumatization for adults and students alike .
San Mateo Union High School District Superintendent Kevin Skelly and Deputy Superintendent Kirk Black ( page 18 ) share their experiences with positive work year practices that encourage “ moving away from the work , relaxing , rejuvenating , and returning with a renewed commitment to the mission of the organization .” Beginning on page 28 , the retired director of clinical services for Tri-Valley SELPA , Edward Thompson , tells of the value of mindfulness in schools for both students and staff . “ Mindfulness offers strategies and practices to help administrators manage and care for themselves so they can manage and care for others ,” he writes .
In this edition of Leadership we also look at the benefits of taking a social media vacation , how two school districts have implemented thriving health and wellness programs , and what we can learn about teamwork from seventh grade soccer players .
I guess when it comes to health and wellness , the question to ponder is ... what comes first ? Do strong leaders focus on good health , or does good health produce stronger , more effective leaders ? Science-backed details of the importance of exercise , especially for leaders , abounds on the internet and in magazines . Have you made the connection yet ? If not , here are a few reasons why you should :
• Health and wellness are energy inducing – the more you give , the more you get .
• Wellness increases clarity and creativity – when we are relaxed and healthy , the creative juices flow more effectively .
• Exercise and good health reduce anxiety , boost immunity , and improve sleep .
• Research shows that leaders who regularly exercise are observed to have higher , more notable leadership skills .
If the perception of effectiveness is higher in those who are healthy and well as leaders , what are you waiting for ? Cheers !
Lisa Marie Gonzales ACSA President
January | February 2018 7