Tim Throne, Deputy Superintendent of Oxford Schools, has earned an advanced endorsement on his school administrator certification.
Mr. Throne earned the credential over a two-year period through a professional leadership program offered by the Michigan Association of School Administrators (MASA). In the voluntary program, called Courageous Journey TM, public school administrators engage in classes, forums, and online interactions to improve leadership skills and apply those skills to improve staff and student outcomes in their districts.
‘Because the program spans two years, it allows potential superintendents to tackle real transformative changes in their districts that in turn can raise student achievement,? said William H. Mayes, MASA Executive Director. ‘Mr. Throne has distinguished himself above his peers by going beyond basic school administrator certification to prepare for a successful superintendency. More importantly he is equipped to improve outcomes now for students at Oxford Community Schools.?
The Courageous Journey program addresses seven points of learning critical to becoming a highly effective superintendent, according to research: Leadership, Management, Relationships and Communication, Data-informed Planning and Decision Making, Organizational Development, Politics, and Teaching and Learning.
‘As a Courageous Journey graduate, Mr. Throne has met goals and worked toward a set of research based professional standards, leading to personal growth while contributing to the growth of staff members and students at Oxford Community Schools,? said Dr. Patricia Reeves, who heads the endorsement program. ‘We applaud his commitment and accomplishments over the past two year. Mr. Throne has joined a special guild of district leaders committed to using best practice and making a critical difference for the students they serve.?
Throne said he is grateful that Oxford values that its teachers and administrators keep learning throughout their career.
‘None of us have arrived and we all have to keep learning,? he said. ‘I’m thankful Oxford affords me that opportunity to keep trying to make myself better.?
The Courageous JourneyTM is an endorsement program offered by the Michigan Association of School Administrators to guide, support, and acknowledge school leaders who are dedicated to becoming exemplars of professional practice in the superintendency.
MASA is the only statewide association that represents the superintendents and first-line administrators of Michigan’s local and intermediate school districts.
The mission of MASA is to develop leadership and unity within its membership to achieve the continuous improvement of public education in Michigan.