My Journey: Dr. Lindsey Hall

As you know, based on my last blog post, I invited other women in education to share their leadership journey…I had over 35 women reach out to me within the first 24 hours- superintendents, principals, teachers, coaches, retired educators, education and business leaders…women leaders from everywhere!  WOW!  It’s exciting that we have an opportunity to share and learn from each other.  I just received my first guest blog post from Dr. Lindsey Hall, Superintendent of Mahomet-Seymour CUSD #3.  You can follow her at:  @MS_Supt and follow her district’s hashtag:  #GoBulldogs

Thanks, Lindsey, for being the first to share your inspirational leadership journey with us!

My Journey to the Superintendency

“The superintendent’s position can be wonderful or worrisome, can inspire you or eat you alive.”                          – Dr. Lindsey Hall

I am the descendant and relative of many public educators—grandparents, aunts, uncles, dad, mom, siblings, so it probably seems obvious that I would land in a career in public education.   However, my journey found me wandering around quite a bit in my early 20’s, a path that included taking five and a half years to earn my B.S. in Commercial Recreation and then really not knowing why or how I spent so much time on a degree without a job as an outcome. My dad, infinitely patient with me, said at some point “just get your teaching certificate.” At the time, I was living in Macomb, and WIU was waiting right there for me. Not only did I get my Illinois teaching certificate, but I graduated with a Master’s in Health Education. After struggling through my Bachelor’s degree, I couldn’t have been prouder to have earned a Master’s—something I never thought I’d do. I had support and encouragement from my professors at Western.

I didn’t immediately get a teaching job. I had a baby first, my daughter, who is also now a high school teacher and coach. My little girl was 5 months old when I started teaching at Danville High School—this was a new city and unfamiliar surroundings for us, but an exciting time. While there, and while absolutely loving teaching Health education to 10^th graders, a new principal was hired. Her name was Dr. Ellen Russell. This was really the first woman to inspire, mentor and encourage me. She supported her teachers, advocated for our building, was warm and kind, yet had nerves of steel, could make difficult decisions and stand up for what she believed in. She also gave me meaningful responsibilities in the building while I completed my administrative internship and my Type 75 from Eastern Illinois University, and she completely understood my need for time away from work when my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer at a very young age. (She’s another amazing woman but that’s another story for another time….) Again, support and encouragement and understanding.

Shortly after earning my Master’s in Educational Administration from EIU, I was hired in 1994 into my first administrative position as the assistant principal/athletic director in Mahomet-Seymour, at the Junior High School. When hired, at age 30, I had two kids, 5 and under, and two older step children.   Someone took a chance on me, and again—provided support and encouragement. (Thank you Del Ryan!) Three years later, I was named principal of Mahomet-Seymour Jr. High School, a position I held for eight years. Dr. Linda Sloat was another key influencer in my professional life—believing in me and my future as a school leader.

My journey through the years took me to a variety of school districts in Illinois, and I have always been extremely thankful for the diverse and varied experiences I have had as a junior high principal, high school principal, assistant superintendent and now superintendent.   Each job has provided challenges and opportunities, hard days and happy days, and throughout all of this I have been a wife and mom first, (and now Grandma Lindsey!) and then a school leader. And, I have had that support and encouragement which is so important.

As my career progressed, I was blessed with colleagues who believed in me and believed in my potential to be a superintendent. More importantly, was the support and encouragement that my family provided for me, in particular my husband. In addition, we were blessed with my mother in law living with us for 17 years—a situation which was greatly beneficial for our entire family. As a former school administrator herself, she understood the demands of my job.   The long hours, evenings away from home were often difficult to be honest, and looking back, admittedly, I have pangs of regret. One of the single most important things we did as a family when our children were growing up was to cook dinner and sit around the dinner table together as many nights as we could. This bond is inextricable, and later on, when one of our adult children moved back in with us, it was amazing how positive and impactful dinner together still was.

Moving into the superintendency is an interesting transition to say the least. Now finishing my sixth year as a superintendent, I still find that there is a loneliness to the job that is unique, because there is always only one of us—yet that must be balanced with seemingly unshakable confidence, no fear, knowledge of everything and shoulders broad enough to take on the weight of the world some days (or so it seems).

There are sleepless nights, worry, anxiety and stress that accompany this job, as well as being able to somehow artfully, graciously and tactfully managing boards of education, nasty Facebook posts from the public, rumor control, daily crises, and supporting our employees who work so hard—not to mention our students. Let’s face it– a lot of us are afraid to admit that this stress happens to us, because as the top leader of the district, it’s our job to remain calm, rational and strong…all the time.

So, how do we successfully manage crammed schedules, night time meetings and the overall level of stress that goes with being a superintendent? I’m still learning. I’m no expert, but have experienced some very valuable lessons along the way and made useful and constructive changes that have helped me.   The most important thing we can all do, must do, is to have an intentional self-care plan. This includes time away from work, caring for your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health, i.e. making time to do so, and surrounding yourself with a network of support personally and professionally. That network–family, friends and professional colleagues– should include those people who support and encourage, who are loyal and honest, who inspire you, and who are compassionate, yet expect accountability.

The superintendent’s position can be wonderful or worrisome, can inspire you or eat you alive. It’s up to us to care for one another, and for ourselves.  As more women become or aspire to become superintendents, those of us currently in the position can provide assurance, mentoring, and guidance through sharing our stories and experiences, and can also provide that crucially important encouragement and support.

While the job can be stress-filled, those moments are balanced with joy and wonder while serving our schools and communities.  

Thanks for reading and letting me share my journey!