Jan. 30, 2007 issue
I've been working in Charter Schools at EMU
for about four-and-one-half years now. It's a great job
that takes advantage of my background in research and administration.
As an authorizer for eight charter schools in southeast
Michigan, I help make sure that these schools are operating
effectively, meaning that the students are achieving academically;
the schools are meeting federal, state and local requirements;
and that they are financially viable.
As part of my job, I meet with school leaders to assist in carrying out
day-to-day activities. I also collect and analyze data pertaining to the
school's performance.
I started my career in educational assessment. Prior to EMU, I was a
research director at AAA and Blockbuster, and ran my own research and
consulting firm. While consulting with the Michigan Department of Education,
I became interested in addressing student achievement.
Many school districts have been challenged by the requirements of the
No Child Left Behind Act. I wanted to make a difference in the lives of
these students. Charter schools seemed like a great fit given their innovative
approach to teaching and learning.
It's been a great experience for me here at Eastern. The best part is
all the people I've met, both in this office and across the University.
I don't get to interact with the students as much as I'd like to, but
I know that we have a lot of great students here.
