Adequately preparing teachers and administrators for the work they will do in schools and districts is extremely important. ACSA’s 2008 Professor of Education of the Year, Gary Kinsey, knows that a career in education has become increasingly complex. He also points out it is full of challenges and opportunities.
“If we hope to close the achievement gap and provide the opportunity for all students to achieve their full potential, our educator preparation must be comprehensive, relevant and effective,” Kinsey said. “Our society and the fate of future generations are dependent upon the quality of the work we do.”
As interim associate dean of the College of Education and Integrative Studies at California Polytechnic University, Pomona, Kinsey brings local school districts together with university representatives to create a seamless transition from pre-service to teaching.
His purposeful knowledge of Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment induction policies and procedures provides students the pre-service education they need to be successful and stay life-long learners.
Kinsey was instrumental in bringing Teacher Performance Assessments to Cal Poly Pomona, and in training scorers. The TPA helps familiarize prospective teachers with what they need learn to pass the BTSA requirements.
“It has always been my hope to make a difference in how we effectively prepare new teachers and administrators in the pre-service portion of their credentialing,” he said.
Kinsey’s desire to explore new methodology for the learning-to-teach system, as well as for administrative practice in the California school system, led him from the principalship to higher education.
Along the way he has authored and co-authored books on such topics as teacher induction, No Child Left Behind and education law. He is an accomplished presenter and has worked with ACSA, the California League of High Schools and National High School Association, School Leadership and Licensure, California Association of Professors of Educational Administration, National Council of Professors of Educational Administration, National Association of Secondary School Principals, California Council of Teachers of Education and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing Board of Instructional Reviewers.
Through his work, Kinsey has influenced both the configuration and quality of pre-service preparation, the alternative certification routes to credentialing, and most importantly, the collaboration that must exist with partner school districts to support candidates in attaining their professional clear credentials.
He is proud of having been recognized by students, faculty and staff as the College of Education and Integrative Studies’ Outstanding Faculty Advisor for 2004-05.
“As a university instructor and researcher, it allows me to have a creative dialogue with developing practitioners and provides opportunities to explore both theory and strategies that may be beneficial in their practice,” Kinsey said. “I believe my work with the entire spectrum of what is referred to in California as ‘the learning to teach continuum’ has been one of the more significant contributions that I have made.”
The ACSA award, which he calls “humbling,” certainly recognizes Kinsey’s contribution to the profession.
“It is a very humbling experience to be recognized by peers and colleagues for your work, as there are many educators making a significant difference on a daily basis in children’s lives,” he said. “I’m very proud to be a small part of preparing those who will do this important work, both teachers and administrators, and greatly appreciate the honor bestowed by ACSA and its membership.”
The association has always been a part of Kinsey’s professional life, since he first became a K-12 administrator many years ago. Over those years, he has participated in a variety of ACSA training opportunities, including academies, workshops and state and local conferences that have benefited him professionally. Additionally, Kinsey has had the opportunity to facilitate ACSA trainings, and has provided service on ACSA committees.
Membership, he said, has also expanded his network of fellow professionals and friends. He continues to benefit from the information and advocacy provided by the organization.
“I have always encouraged aspiring administrators to explore the ways they will benefit from networking with peers and being an ACSA member,” Kinsey said.
Each of ACSA’s 19 Administrators will be formally honored during ACSA’s 2008 Leadership Summit, to be held Nov. 6-8 in San Diego. For more information or to register, visit ACSA Online at www.acsa.org.