2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 2006-2009 Special Education Teacher 3 rd -5 th Grades 11 th Grade English 2009-2011 Assistant Superintendent/Principal 2011-Current Superintendent PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES

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

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

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

9. 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

11. Welcome to Mayberry

12. 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

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

14. THE RESULT

15. THE COMMUNITY

16. THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE NAMES CHANGED TO PROTECT THE GUILTY

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

18. The Texting Scout EXAMPLES

19. Look Who’s Coming to Dinner EXAMPLE

20. No Coffee for You! EXAMPLES

21. We Want Control! EXAMPLES

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

23. JULY 1, 2011

24. Better Negotiating Position EXAMPLES

25. THE PERFECT STORM

26. Someday You Will Understand EXAMPLE

27. BOARD OF EDUCATION ELECTION

28. 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

29. 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

30. “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.

31. 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

32. 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

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

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

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

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

37. 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

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

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

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

41. WHO I AM

42. 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.

43. THE POST-IT NOTE CHALLENGE Crystal Johnson Cell # 309-472-5662 Don’t hesitate to call me at anytime!