Thread by @KRitterRickels, My Final Week Farewell Reflection | A Thread:When you leave a position, [...]

My Final Week Farewell Reflection | A Thread:

When you leave a position, you sure hope that you leave the work better than you found it. There's been so much progress in the 5 years I've been working within @IamCPS, serving directly as College Manager for 3.25 years.

1/16

There are new final dollar grants ( @CinState, @GCTC_News, @ChatfieldCol), dedicated competitive scholarships ( @miamiuniversity, @SkidmoreCollege, @nkuedu, @artacademycincy, @eku, @DaytonFlyers), & college pipeline programs ( @uc_hazem, @UC_SOIT, @MiamiOHehs) for CPS grads.

2/16

There is data sharing between the district and more than 15 college campuses ( @zimmermang, @CincinnatiC2C). There are different ways of working to support students in the summer before college with proven results ( @UCBlueAsh, @uofcincy, @CinState, @nkuedu).

3/16

There are new signature college exploration events for HS students. There are more dual enrollment course offerings, increased access, improved achievement, & newly secured money to continue the progress. ( @CinState, @ChatfieldCol, @SinclairCC, @uofcincy, @miamiuniversity)

4/16

There is a deep bench of college campus & access partners who talk the language of mutual accountability. There are systemic changes at high volume college partners to better support & welcome CPS graduates. There are twice as many school counselors.

5/16

All of this work has been achieved in collaboration with dedicated colleagues that are deeply committed to Cincinnati students. It has been a true honor to be at the helm & serving as the inaugural College Manager. This work will continue in important & innovative ways.

6/16

What feels more important when you leave a role is reflection on what you've gained personally & professionally. I had the pleasure to work under strong female leadership, modeling the various forms this can take. ( @MurphysShauna, @mlepcampbell, Tianay Amat, Laura Mitchell)

7/16

I was welcomed into a community of school counselors of which I was not "one of them" - they became my work family. I led a team of dedicated professionals who taught me about being a leader, partner, and advocate.

8/16

I worked alongside peers that challenged my thinking, showed me other ways, & held me accountable. (Too many to name!) I engaged with national learning communities that listened to the challenges in ways no one else could fully understand. ( @KimberlyHanauer, @ImahEffiong)

9/16

I got to take risks in creation & development of new ways of working - learning the value of dreaming big, starting small, failing quickly, and scaling fast. I have the vocabulary & tools of quality improvement which are certain to be leveraged for the rest of my career.

10/16

I shared the story of @IamCPS and the college work at several national convenings ( @NCANetwork, @NACAC, @Noda_OTR, @NPEdAccess). I learned about the inner workings of a public school district and the complexity of roles, responsibilities and needs.

11/16

I gained the understanding that you need to ask what people need and want, not expect them to be grateful because you think you are solving their problem for them and accidentally disempower them through the process.

12/16

I saw first-hand the critical importance of voting local and the power the elected leaders of the School Board have to build and catalyze a vision. ( @mike_moroski, @Eve_Bolton, @RyanMesser, @Jones4CPS, Ben Lindy, Pam Bowers, @CoachOzie)

13/16

I sat among leaders, visionaries, advocates, and abolitionists who have changed my mindset and approach. I learned what I need and want from a professional role and culture. I am leaving as a better human and with a better sense of self. I have grown in immeasurable ways.

14/16

What bittersweet feelings I have about my departure from @IamCPS! I am deeply proud of the CPS work and excited for what is to come with @nrccua @_myoptions_.

Virtual goodbyes are filled with promises of in-person celebrating when it is safe & responsible to do so.

15/16

I came in an outsider - not a classroom teacher, not a school counselor, not even an Education degree holder - and will leave with friendships & connections that will last a lifetime.

Although I am not a graduate of the district, I am a #ProductOfCincinnatiPublicSchools.

16/16

PS: I'm thrilled to be staying local to Cincinnati and looking forward to partnering, learning, and challenging the status quo in new and different ways with all my CPS pals, partners, and colleagues.

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