An Unexpected Journey Filled With Purpose

Home / Resources / Resource
Type: Article
Topics: Leadership Development, School Administrator Magazine

June 01, 2022

Appears in June 2022: School Administrator.

Five coping mechanisms for superintendents, drawing on a retiring 37-year veteran’s memorable experiences leading multiple districts
Steve Joel press conference
Stephen Joel (center), the retiring superintendent in Lincoln, Neb., often found himself addressing the press and the public during 37 years in school district leadership. PHOTO COURTESY OF LINCOLN, NEB., PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Every superintendent has a story to tell about how their careers originated and evolved. While some determined early on they would pursue the position of superintendent, most came into the work not expecting that to be the case.

For me, it was the superintendent who hired me as a high school principal in Chase, Kan., in 1983 while announcing his 11th-hour departure for a new challenge. To my surprise, he recommended me for his post to oversee a 400-student school district. I remember my initial response being negative, but with the encouragement from my loving and supportive wife, we decided to give it a whirl. Thirty-seven years later I realize that was a pivotal decision in my journey, and it most certainly has been a journey.

This Content is Exclusive to Members

AASA Member? Login to Access the Full Resource

Not a Member? Join Now | Learn More About Membership

Author

Steve Joel

Superintendent of Lincoln Public Schools in Lincoln, Neb. Twitter: @sjoel59
About the Author

Steve Joel is superintendent of the Lincoln Public Schools in Lincoln, Neb. He is retiring this summer.

Stephen Joel’s Writing Contributions

During the 30-plus years he’s served as a superintendent in three school districts in Kansas and Nebraska, Stephen Joel has contributed several important and memorable articles to School Administrator magazine. These include the following:

  • “What We Learned in Rebuilding Our Offices,” October 2012. Rebirth of the school district’s central administration building, destroyed by fire.

  • “My Obligations During an Immigration Crackdown,” November 2007. Protecting children in the aftermath of a federal immigration raid on a meatpacking plant in the community.

  • “Protecting Immigrant Children,” September 2011. A series of portrayals of courageous acts by superintendents over the years.

  • “Off the Bandwagon in Nebraska: A Local View,” December 2001. Dealing with school accountability during a period of hostile relations with state education authorities.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Related Resources

Advertisement

Advertisement