Meet Kelly Washington (PLSP-ECMC Foundation fellow)
Meet Kelly Washington, academic dean of Altierus Career College. Washington’s interview appears as part of a spotlight series on 2020–21 fellows in the Postsecondary Leadership Success Program at ACTE – Sponsored by ECMC Foundation.
What leadership skills do you hope to develop as part of the Postsecondary Leadership Success Program at ACTE – Sponsored by ECMC Foundation?
During the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, fellowship with the group of 20 leaders in the Postsecondary Leadership Success Program at ACTE — Sponsored by ECMC Foundation has been invaluable. We share ideas and strategies on how to continue moving CTE forward. Listening to a multitude of perspectives, both from the group and from the webinars and speaker panels, has allowed me to build innovative problem-solving skills and develop adaptive strategy. Additionally, I am able to continue to sharpen my networking and communication skills.
How do you anticipate your participation in the program will better equip you to support career and technical education (CTE) students, particularly underserved groups, toward career success?
As a requirement for participation in the PLSP–ECMC Foundation, I have been challenged to develop an institutional improvement plan. My plan specifically focuses on providing holistic, wraparound support for students in need of basic essentials to continue pursuing their degrees. The research driving this plan continues to provide me with additional understanding of CTE students, particularly in underserved populations. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has driven a greater percentage of our population into a position of need.
In your opinion, what are the most important elements of professional development for postsecondary leaders?
The most important element of professional development for postsecondary leaders is to ensure topics are relevant and can be quickly implemented. CTE is a rapidly changing field while training and technology also evolve. In order to keep professional development fresh, focus must parallel these changes and allow leaders to execute quickly before the next big thing comes along. It is also important to ensure professional development presentations are geared specifically toward adult learners.
Learn more about the PLSP–ECMC Foundation.
The Postsecondary Leadership Success Program at ACTE – Sponsored by ECMC Foundation presents a yearlong professional development experience. The program is intended to develop the organizational leadership and management skills of postsecondary CTE professionals, with an emphasis on addressing the needs of underserved populations. Applications for the third cohort accepted Oct. 1–Dec. 15.
