Interim Superintendent Briefs Committee on Coaching Program

By Kate Anslinger

Interim Superintendent Lisa Howard was excited to update the School Committee on her experience with the New Superintendent Induction Program (NSIP) at Monday’s night meeting. Howard has been working under the leadership of Dr. Irwin Blumer, who was also in attendance at the meeting. Blumer, and has an impressive background as an educational leader. Blumer shared some insights on the program.

“The primary focus of the coaching program is to ensure that the superintendent is leading in a way that positively affects everyone in the district, especially the students,” said Blumer, who has been a mentor for the NSIP for the last eight years. Having been a superintendent in Newton and Concord, as well as a principal and a guidance counselor, Blumer comes highly recommended as someone who can bring a fresh perspective and knowledge to the district. In addition to being a mentor with the superintendent program, Blumer is a research professor at the Boston College Graduate School of Education.

Howard’s training consists of content days, coaching hours and time spent in the classrooms. She works closely with the leadership team to determine strategic objectives that will lead to better instruction to benefit the students on an academic, social, and emotional level.

“I’ve done a lot of post grad education,” said Howard.  “I feel fortunate to have Dr. Blumer. I think this will be great for us, but more importantly for the kids.”