Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/68725
Meet Mark Murphy, new Secretary of Education Mark Murphy understands the power of the educator: "The most powerful growth of children happens with the professional growth of the adults. We need to tap into your experience and knowledge. That's the only way to improve schools." Mark Murphy squares off with local leaders So far, so good. But is what you see, what you get? How hard will it be to overcome his limited experience? the incoming Sec. of Education Mark Murphy was saying, his answers and responses to their questions and concerns. Though his comments were some- F what general, they did reveal insights into his values and what he believes about teaching, learning, the profession, testing, accountabil- ity, and the public school system as a whole. DSEA arranged with Jennifer Ranji, the Governor's education advisor, for Mark Murphy, age 36, to meet with a few local Association officers and some DSEA staff the day before his Senate confirmation. President Jenner invited officers and three E.A. presidents from each county. Attending were: Karen ollowing a recent conversa- tion, local Association lead- ers were pleased with what Crouse (Lake Forest), David Davis (Christina), David Wright (Appoquinimink), Vicky Seifred (Red Clay), and Dawn Dehel (Milford). From a different generation (Generation X) than the majority of Delaware's teachers who are Baby Boomers, Murphy – like many in his generation – has not stayed in any one position very long. Always in education, his tenure as a teacher, principal, and profes- sional development leader makes his resume look "short." Everyone agrees he's smart. But does he have the experience to tackle the chal- lenges ahead? He has no upper management experience, and only two years of classroom experience. Will he find the right people who can support his vision, while filling in the blanks where needed with experience and expertise? "It's critical to value the people" During the conversation, it become evident right away that his passion is in developing and sup- porting strong school leaders, understanding that the positive operation of a school depends on the leaders. He also values the expertise of educators: He has a history of Vicky Seifred, a social studies teacher at H.B. duPont Middle School in Red Clay and member of the DSEA Exec. Board, expresses the frustration many feel today that every decision comes from above, with no respect for the professionals in the class- room. "Nothing positive will happen," Murphy says, "without shared understanding and ownership of what we are trying to achieve – together. We need to build a process that taps into the wisdom of all of you." "When people have a chance to reclaim their school, and really own it, you can shift cultures and have great success," he adds. "It's what I call a constructionist approach - building it together." DSEA President Frederika Jenner expressed her desire that the profession develop teacher lead- ers who don't have to leave the classroom. Murphy talked about creating some kind of career ladder "We must help our country uphold teaching as a profession that is respected, lifted up and inspiring to young people." using their knowledge and experi- ence so that, as a group, they find solutions for their schools. Referring to his work with the Vision Network Schools in Delaware, he says, "It's never about my ideas, it's about theirs," which, he adds, is the only way to be suc- cessful in helping improve a school. Along the way he has worked in a residential treatment center, and experienced various school cul- tures, so he appreciates the com- plexities and challenges – and the power – of teachers. That's when he also learned the importance of the principal's role. that would honor and reward mas- ter teachers. When Jenner men- tioned that leaders don't emerge because of extra "incentive" dollars but rather from intrinsic rewards, Murphy agreed: "Adults are moti- vated by autonomy, mastery and sense of purpose," he said. 4 May/June 2012 DSEA ACTION! www.dsea.org