My First Six Months as an NMSA Board of Trustees Member

Doyin Coker-Kolo, NMSA East Region Trustee

My election to the NMSA Board of Trustees in June 2010 was truly a surprise, but more than that, it was an honor and a privilege.

Why was it a surprise to me? That's probably because my path was an unusual one. Unlike most of my colleagues on the board who have been middle grades teachers their entire careers or have taught at middle schools and higher education institutions, I spent many years working as an elementary school teacher and a social worker. I then earned my doctorate and transitioned into higher education.

I am no stranger to middle grades education, however. I was a faculty and department chair of middle grades education for nine years and an associate dean for a school of education in charge of accreditation for almost four years. In addition to teaching professional courses in middle level education at the graduate and undergraduate levels, I co-founded a Collegiate Middle Level Association (CMLA), trained as an NMSA program reviewer, contributed to the establishment of a new middle level program, and planted the seed for a statewide professor of middle level education organization.

Although I didn't have extensive experience as a middle grades teacher, I was convinced that the experience I brought was worthwhile, and most important, my conviction to serve was genuine. So, I decided to run.

My platform was twofold:

1. I wanted to increase achievement levels for all young adolescents by bridging the gap between research and practice in middle level education and by assuring collaboration among university and middle school faculty and administrators to share best practices and advance scholarship.
2. I wanted to promote diversity in the teaching profession so minority students have role models who look like them and so we have diverse ideas and perspectives to strengthen our curriculum. I believe NMSA can support this platform through scholarships (research and grants) and advocacy.

I won the election, and so my journey began.

A few weeks after the election results were announced, I was assigned a mentor, a veteran trustee who provided background information into the workings of the board and guided me through its expectations. I also received a packet of information, including the history of NMSA, its organizational structure and staffing, its financial statements, the constitution, new board member handbook, committee appointments, and of course, a schedule of board meetings for the next academic year.

In addition to preparing for and participating in board meetings, board members have specific responsibilities throughout the year. For example, during the annual conference, board members help at the registration desk, attend board meetings, introduce keynote speakers, and participate in affiliate meetings.

After the conference, we follow up with the conference participants, garner feedback, and invite them to next year's conference. We also send greeting cards to key members in our region to maintain dialogue and goodwill and to keep the association on their minds.

Board members work with the staff, attend press conferences, make presentations, and serve on committees. For example, I served on the awards committee. Led by one of the veteran board members, this committee reviews all NMSA awards to ensure the language and criteria are in consonance with the mission of the association and the middle level philosophy.

We also visit affiliates. I was invited to participate in a two-day meeting of one of my affiliate organizations and it was one of my most rewarding experiences so far. I was truly impressed with the amount of work that goes into promoting the mission of the association at the state level and the commitment of their board members, who are volunteers.

Their agenda issues include membership drives, technology advancement, conference planning, and advocacy. Despite operating under the constraints of harsh economic realities, they approach their responsibilities with the utmost commitment, creativity, and civility that can only come from professional educators. Their forward looking approach is truly inspiring!

NMSA is fortunate to have a group of strong, caring and dedicated professionals at the helm of its affairs. They work tirelessly to serve the association and, like the founding fathers and mothers, are passionate about ensuring success for all adolescents. I have a great deal of respect for them.

Are you thinking about running? I offer prospective board members the following words of wisdom:

• Do not run if you do not have the time and the commitment.
• Be prepared, have a platform, and promote it.
• Seek collaborators to help nurture and implement your ideas.
• Engage your assigned mentor and, if necessary, identify other key individuals as mentors.
• Use the headquarters staff as a resource.
• Listen well and ask questions, but speak up as well.

So far, the journey has been exciting, busy, and enlightening. I look forward to more learning opportunities as my term progresses. I also encourage all middle level educators to consider running. It is a wonderful cause, a rewarding experience, and a testament to what Mohandas Gandhi said years ago: "Service is the noblest which is rendered for its own sake."