UC Summer Academy Trains Tomorrow's School Leaders Date: July 20, 2000 By: Dawn Fuller Phone: (513) 556-1823 Archive: General News Students pursuing careers as school administrators are getting hands-on training as the University of Cincinnati holds the 15th annual Administrator Development Academy. The academy, sponsored by UC's College of Education, is an intense 15 credit-hour experience that is held over a six-week period for graduate-level students in education. Students began the intense study at Hughes Center June 19 and will complete their studies July 28. The academy requires a 40-hour week from students, and absences are not permitted. Coursework covers textbook reading of the latest and most highly regarded materials in addition to team building, problem solving and simulations of what can happen on the job. Students also study the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) standards in preparation for state testing to become school administrators. They also keep a daily journal as they develop a portfolio on their personal philosophy of school leadership. This unique training model for future administrators is designed to build a network of professionals as well as a future support system for the 42 enrolled students. "We don't even call this a class. We call it an experience because students really are engaged from the time they begin," said Gregg Tracy, academy facilitator and assistant professor of educational administration at the University of Cincinnati. During the span of the six-week academy, students take part in simulations such as how to deal with angry parents, school finances and diversity issues. All of the instructors are graduates of the academy and seven members of the instructional team are administrators in schools around the Tristate. The team includes Glenda Myree, superintendent, A.B. Miree Fundamental Academy; Gary Brooks, principal, Deer Park High School; Amy Crouse, principal, Withamsville-Tobasco Elementary; Stephen McCafferty, principal, Mildred Dean Elementary in Newport; Ted Zigler, principal, Harrison High School; Angela Cook, assistant principal, Central Fairmont School; Stephanie Tillman, assistant principal, Harrison Elementary; Debi Ray, an art teacher from Aiken High School; and UC faculty who specialize in educational administration. They are Nancy Evers, professor of educational administration; James Koshorech, professor of educational administration; Scott McLeod, assistant professor of educational administration; Nancy Nestor-Baker, assistant professor of educational administration and Gregg Tracy, assistant professor of educational administration. Students will also have an opportunity for a question-and-answer session with an additional panel of 8-12 principals. "It's the only program in this area that offers this kind of experience, and I think that's why schools seek out our graduates. I think it's clear that when students finish the academy, they're ready for an administrative position," says Tracy.