 | Summer 2006 |
Features: Top Michigan Educators Selected for Leadership Program
 2006-07 Gerstacker Fellows |
Twelve leading Michigan educators have been selected for the inaugural class of the Gerstacker Fellowship at Saginaw Valley State University. They will receive concentrated leadership training over a one-year period, culminating in a trip to Asia.
"This is a very diverse group, in terms of both background and current responsibilities. We should see some fine synergy as ideas are exchanged to enhance their leadership capabilities," said Stephen P. Barbus, dean of SVSU’s College of Education.
Known as Gerstacker Fellows, the select participants will meet monthly on weekends, starting in August. SVSU faculty from various disciplines will instruct the Gerstacker Fellows on subjects dealing with leadership ethics, political problem solving, financial planning, human resource management and education with a global perspective.
"The program will lift their vision and improve their skills," Barbus said.
The individuals selected for the first class of the Gerstacker Fellowship are:
- Rose M. Beane, director of compensatory education and grants/pre-kindergarten programs for Saginaw Public Schools
- Johanna L. "JoLynn" Clark, an English teacher at Frankenmuth High School
- Dacia Darbee, assistant principal at Handy Middle School in Bay City
- Sheila R. Dorsey, principal of Arthur Eddy Academy in Saginaw
- Linda L. Engelhardt, supervisor of instruction and curriculum at the Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center
- Billy J. Erwin, principal of Webber Middle School in Saginaw
- Jeffery J. Hall, principal of Eastlawn Elementary in Midland
- Amy M. Legacy, principal of Linsday Elementary School in Bay City
- Kimberly A. Prime, principal of Washington Elementary School in Bay City
- Bethany A. Rayl, assistant principal at Lapeer West High School
- Theresa M. Schroeder, technology coordinator and curriculum leader for the Bullock Creek School District in Midland
- Timothy J. Wedge, principal at Wilson Elementary School in Alpena
"The experience will benefit not only these individuals, but their home communities, as well, because what they learn through the program can result in creative solutions to today’s educational challenges," Barbus said. "They also will have a network of outstanding educators to utilize as a resource."
The participants were selected based on past academic and service accomplishments, along with outside recommendations. They were nominated by a supervisor from their home school districts.
Funded by a gift from the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation in Midland, the program’s capstone will be an international experience that introduces the Fellows to one or more of SVSU’s sister universities in Japan, China or Taiwan. As a result of the endowment, there is no charge to program participants unless they elect to have the educational experience considered for graduate credit.
The Fellows were formally accepted into the program during a banquet at SVSU Tuesday, May 23.