Top Talent Giving Back Through Guidance and Inspiration
Superintendent Mark E. King, part of AASA's urban superintendent academy, describes giving back to his community through mentoring students.
Dr. Mark E. King feels an obligation to the community, and it’s a role he enjoys and takes seriously.
A path to becoming the next generation of urban superintendents
“You are going to fail sometime in your career and in life but you cannot stop. If I had stopped, I would not be here today.” – Dr. Mark E. King speaking to students
Dr. Mark E. King is a part of the AASA’s Howard School Urban Superintendent Academy cohort that prepares top talent in education to become the next district leaders. I spoke with him at the AASA meeting in New Orleans, and he offered insight into the cohort and the state of his peers. Mark remarked how Academy members are aware of the diversity problem at the superintendent level and the high turnover rate for urban superintendents – many lasting only 2-3 years. Despite the high rate of replacement, Mark and his associates are enthusiastic and remain fully focused on pursuing superintendent careers.
Mark remembers how it took until the 7th grade before he was taught by an African-American male teacher. The moment changed his outlook on life to see someone from his background teaching and influencing a class. He knew from that point forward that education was his calling. Additional mentors added to his guidance and Mark remained focused, allowing him to finish high school, get a college degree, and eventually an advanced degree.
Mark embraces the idea of paying back for the assistance, guidance, and inspiration his mentors gave him along his personal and professional journey. He feels an obligation to the community, and it’s a role he enjoys and takes seriously.
This article was originally published in the Huffington Post .
Further Reading
- The Gazette – Colorado teacher shortage edges near crisis
- Golden Transcript – Jeffco community recognized for devotion to diversity
- Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier – Sharing superintendents save schools money
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