Educational Leadership Faculty Serve as Education Experts, Leading the Way
April 5, 2024
The M.S. in Educational Leadership, now offered fully online by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. School of Education, has added a cadre of experts - including some alumni - as program faculty.
Fisher News Highlights sat down and asked for their thoughts and perspectives on leadership in today’s educational landscape and about Fisher graduates of the program.
Q: What makes a good leader in education and how do you think Fisher’s program prepares educational leaders?
John Gonzalez joined the Geneva City School District in October of 2022. As the assistant superintendent of teaching, learning, and accountability, his work connects with all aspects of instruction in the district; this includes English language learners, bilingual programs, special education, and extended school days.
“The markers of an effective leader demonstrate their ability to make connections as humans and support the growth of others while fostering improved outcomes for our students,” said Gonzalez. “Fisher’s educational leadership program provides candidates with experiences to develop skills like relationship building, effective and transparent communication, intentional risk-taking, innovation, integrity, accountability, resilience, and decision making.”
For Anthony Rodriguez, principal of Anna Murray-Douglass Academy School No. 12, leaders inspire and guide their school communities to make the best decisions for their students.
“The St. John Fisher program prepares future leaders to recognize and address injustice. Fisher students in the leadership program can expect to learn about real-life scenarios that prepare them for educational leadership. Any school or district can be confident that a Fisher graduate is a compassionate leader, a systems thinker, and ready to make decisions based on data,” he said.
Q: Why have you chosen to be involved in this way in Fisher’s educational leadership program?
Kimberly Brown, an educator in the Rochester City School District, chose to be involved in Fisher’s program because of her unwavering commitment to education and the development of strong educators. “Throughout my career, I have witnessed the transformative power of education in shaping individuals and communities. By actively participating in this program, I aim to contribute to the cultivation of the next generation of educational leaders who will drive positive change in our schools and beyond.”
Paul Miller is the CEO of Charter Champions of Rochester (CCR), a new organization designed to support charter schools reach their desired results. As a two-time Fisher grad, he believes the educational leadership program is an opportunity to give back. “Fisher’s programs have provided me with what I needed to be an industry expert in the field of education. I believe in giving back and helping to make other educators continue the positive cycle for students and communities.”
Q: What can students expect of the program?
Dr. Allison Rioux, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in the Brighton Central School District, says this program allows students the opportunity to take their education to the next level with the flexibility of working and managing their families as well. “Candidates are able to engage with practitioners beyond just the Rochester area. The instructors in the program prepare candidates for being an educational leader in today’s world with not only the philosophical lens but also the practical, everyday experiences that candidates need to be successful as a leader.”
Dr. Tasha Potter is an education professional with over 30 years of experience in public education. Currently, she serves as the assistant superintendent for equity and access in the Penfield Central School District, where she is dedicated to ensuring equitable outcomes for students through culturally responsive-sustaining education.
“Fisher’s educational leadership graduates bring a diverse set of qualities to their careers, peers, and students. These qualities include empathy, adaptability, strong communication skills, cultural and social awareness, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. They are committed to creating an inclusive learning environment for all students and employ cultural pluralism. Their commitment extends to ensuring positive and collaborative partnerships with all school/district/community stakeholders,” said Potter. “Additionally, they intentionally build their pedagogical toolkit, plan purposefully, seek professional learning, and measure implementation and impact, making them effective educational leaders.”
Q: What qualities do Fisher educational leadership graduates bring to their career, peers, and students?
Faculty member Dr. Corey Hepburn is a culturally proficient leader committed to maintaining practices aligned with the social justice and restorative practices principles. He understands the teaching leader framework and associates his leadership practices accordingly. Another two-time graduate of Fisher, he received his M.S. in Educational Leadership in 2016 and returned several years later to complete an Ed.D. in Executive Leadership.
“Fisher’s educational leadership graduates bring the tools and expert mechanics to positively impact their careers through the lens of compassion and ethical responsibility while extending the restorative lens of high expectations and high support. Fisher’s educational leadership program had a tremendous impact on my journey toward becoming a leader. Becoming an adjunct professor in the program offers the opportunity for me to contribute to critical learning experiences for future leaders and to collaborate with professionals and experts committed to their craft.”