I did not sleep my way to the top. I am not a superintendent to play dress-up I wear high heels… I really do care about kids. My position was not handed to me. I did not grow up with a ‘silver spoon.’ WHO I AM NOT

HARDWORK + INTELLIGENCE + DETERMINATION = How I Got to Where I am Today!

Illinois State University (2006) Special Education Eastern Illinois University (2009/2010) Educational Leadership Superintendent Endorsement Western Illinois University (2015) Educational Leadership Illinois School of Advanced Leadership (2016) EDUCATION

Special Education Teacher 3 rd -5 th Grades 11 th Grade English Assistant Superintendent/Principal 2011-Current Superintendent PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES

MY STORY Challenges and Adversity Strong Emphasis on Empowerment Through a Personal Lens

CHALLENGES: Female 26 Years Old 2.5 Years Teaching Experience LESSONS LEARNED: Apply, Apply, Apply Practice, Practice, Practice CONFIDENCE! ADAPT, OVERCOME, & CONQUER

NEGOTIATIONS Women Make Less…. Because They Do Not Ask for More!

Everything is negotiable. Key Term: “We’re getting closer.” Don’t be forced to set the price. Ask for what is fair and reasonable. NEGOTIATIONS

Welcome to Mayberry

Staff Description: Lacked Guidance Teachers taught what they wanted. Revolving administration. Strong union. Staff Needed: A leader. Someone to make the tough decisions. Someone to hold staff accountable. STAFF

Male in the same position = CONFIDENCE Female = B$%#% STAFF OVERCOME THE CHALLENGE

THE RESULT

THE COMMUNITY

THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE NAMES CHANGED TO PROTECT THE GUILTY

The Case of the Teacher Who Doesn’t Deserved to Be Fired EXAMPLES

The Texting Scout EXAMPLES

Look Who’s Coming to Dinner EXAMPLE

No Coffee for You! EXAMPLES

We Want Control! EXAMPLES

1.Built exceptional relationships with my two secretaries. 2.Worked toward superintendent certificate. 3.Had an end in mind. STAY STRONG AND CONQUER

JULY 1, 2011

Better Negotiating Position EXAMPLES

THE PERFECT STORM

Someday You Will Understand EXAMPLE

BOARD OF EDUCATION ELECTION

1.Board training 2.Clear expectations for everyone 3.Functioning board 4.Discussed items at the board meeting 5.Everyone’s opinion valued A NEW BOARD

1.Negotiated two successful contracts 2.Completed a major building renovation 3.Eliminated a school building 4.Hired almost all new staff 5.Changed the culture within the building 6.Improved relationships across the board AS A RESULT

“And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You wont even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.” ~ Haruki Murakami.

1.The people who supported or didn’t support me. 2.My outlook on women in leadership roles. 3.He changed me. THE EXPERIENCE CHANGED ME

1.Would not of happened to that extent 2.Would have a larger support system WHAT IF??? …THIS WERE A MALE IN THE SAME POSITION

Not once in three years Beyond surface level conversation WOMEN SUPPORT SYSTEM

Patriarchy Gatekeepers Selection Process Glass Ceilings Lack of Mentoring for Women Family Expectations Feminine Expectations Societal Perceptions RESEARCH : CHALLENGES TO WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP

We act as our own biggest barriers. A terrible job of advocating for our cause and supporting each other. THE REAL CHALLENGE

Two Examples Highlighting the Importance of Advocating for Women in Leadership ADVOCATE ADVOCATE ADVOCATE

Common Attitudes: EMPOWERMENT “Well, I lived through it.” “If she is strong enough she will survive.” “She deserves to fail.” “If I had to go through it then she does.” “It’s her own fault.” EMPOWERMENT IS ESSTENTIAL

1.Find someone in the room you have never met. 2.Take five minutes to talk with them. 3.Exchange contact information. TAKE FIVE

1.Recognized I was repeating the same behavior. 2.Female superintendent in the county 3.Young congresswoman MY “AH HA” MOMENT

Then a genuine connection. A handwritten message and your cell phone number. Support Those actions are powerful and meaningful…. EMPOWERMENT!! NOTHING MORE POWERFUL

WHO I AM

THE POST-IT NOTE CHALLENGE 1.Throw out the business card. 2.Make five genuine connections. 3.Contact each person via cell phone within a week of the conference.

THE POST-IT NOTE CHALLENGE Crystal Johnson Cell # Don’t hesitate to call me at anytime!