(FRANKFORT, Ky.) -- The deadline to submit applications for the 2005-06 Minority Superintendent Internship Program (MSIP) is extended to May 27.
The MSIP is designed to help identify and train a pool of highly qualified ethnic minority superintendent candidates for the state's school districts. The program provides qualified candidates with actual hands-on experience as educational leaders and opportunities to learn from experienced administrators.
Since the program began in 2003, five individuals have participated in year-long internships. Two interns were later selected as superintendents:
Sara Elaine Farris, an elementary school director in Fayette County, interned under the leadership of Shelby County Superintendent Leon Mooneyhan during the 2003-04 school year. Farris was named the state's first ethnic minority superintendent in July 2004., becoming Shelby County's superintendent after Mooneyhan's retirement.
Diane Woods, a middle school director in Fayette County, is interning with Marion County Superintendent Roger Marcum and Fayette County Superintendent Stu Silberman during the 2004-05 school year. Woods will become superintendent of the Campbellsville Independent school district on July 1.
An application form is available here, at the Kentucky Department of Education's Web site. A selection committee will screen and interview candidates and prospective mentors, make selections and place candidates by mid- to late June.
The MSIP is a one-year leadership development program for eligible candidates who wish to pursue a position as school superintendents in Kentucky. This non-traditional leadership development program responds to the unconventional and complex problems that may face a minority school superintendent as an educational leader. The program also recognizes the necessity for a pool of diverse individuals who are prepared to meet the academic and fiscal challenges of accountability.
The program emphasizes the development of leadership skills to increase student learning, including skills in the areas of management, strategic planning, fiscal oversight, communications, community engagement, the politics of education, analyses of current exemplary teaching and learning strategies, as well as the many complex social and educational issues facing today's school environment. Participants engage in activities such as workshops, collaborative learning experiences, practical experience, mentor/mentee sessions and meetings with local, state and national education officials and experts.
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