In this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross, Superintendent of Ypsilanti Community Schools in Michigan. She has decades of experience at public K-12 and charter schools of all sizes, including serving as Superintendent for Okemos Public Schools and for the Muskegon Heights Public School Academy System. She is a sought-after professional speaker, educational consultant, and leadership development coach as well as a church pastor.

Some Questions We Ask:

• Can you tell us more about your career and your current role? (01:23)
• What is the most rewarding aspect of your career? (02:10)
• What can you say about the RAND research, and how you are able to cope with stress? (03:03)
• How do you think scrutiny of the superintendency has changed over the years? (04:32)
• How do you unify people to build community within your school district? (05:32)
• How much do you think your experiences align with those of superintendents in your state or across the country? (07:11)
• How are you sharing stories to bring people together? (08:33)
• What advice can you give to other superintendents with regards to cultivating engagement? (10:34)
• What makes people forget that superintendents are real people, and how can we demonstrate that you are solving challenging issues to give K-12 students the best education possible? (12:35)
• How can a community advocate for superintendents? (14:06)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• All about Dr. Zachery-Ross’ educational career (01:31)
• Rewarding aspects throughout her career (02:19)
• Her take on coping with stress (03:26)
• Scrutiny of the superintendency through the years (04:54)
• Unifying the community (05:47)
• Her personal experiences as a superintendent compared with others’ (07:26)
• Sharing stories to unify people (08:50)
• Dr. Zachery-Ross’ advice to other school leaders (10:49)
• Treating superintendents as individuals and not robots (12:55)
• Advocating for superintendents (14:44)

Quotes:

“During my time as superintendent in two different districts, I've been able to take students to Ghana, Africa, on educational journeys, and watching them has been the best joy. It's been life-changing for those groups of students. It was phenomenal to see them return as transformed people and as transformed learners.”

“We all want to make a difference in our students’ lives. We all want to see academic growth. We all want to support our staff and families and make an impact on our community.”

“A smile goes a long way—and it's up to us to be personal. It's up to us to make that connection.”

Stay in touch with Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross:

Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross Website

Ypsilanti Community Schools Website

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