Education Leader is Honored for Her Work to Ensure that Each Student is Known by Name, Strength, and Need
NEW YORK, March 2, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Institute for Education Innovation (IEI), a national school superintendent think tank that serves as the bridge between district leaders and the K-12 industry to develop solutions to the greatest challenges in public education, is thrilled to announce Dr. Susan Enfield, Superintendent of Washoe County School District (WCSD) in Reno, Nevada, as the recipient of the second annual Dwight D. Jones Courageous Leader Award. This award recognizes an administrator who fearlessly takes on short-term challenges with forward-thinking solutions to achieve long-term success for their students.
"Dr. Enfield is highly regarded by superintendents nationwide for orienting her work around equitable access and ensuring a top-quality education for all kids," remarked Doug Roberts, CEO and Founder of IEI. "In every district she has led, her commitment to knowing each student by name, strength, and need has led to significant strides in closing achievement gaps and opening new opportunities through personalized learning, support, and mentorship."
After serving as Superintendent of Highline Public Schools in Burien, Washington for ten years, Dr. Enfield joined WCSD for the 2022-2023 school year. Throughout her time at WCSD, she has immersed herself in the community by building relationships with educators, state leaders, and local college presidents – as well as connecting directly with students and parents to improve outcomes district-wide. In addition, she has focused on creating a healthy, supportive, and resilient school system where all staff are valued, engaged, and successful. A vocal advocate for equity in education, Dr. Enfield has inspired other administrators to disrupt institutional biases and inequitable practices to pave the way for success for all students.
Dr. Enfield was selected by the award's namesake, Dwight D. Jones, former superintendent and IEI Senior Advisor, along with his fellow IEI Advisory Board members. In his storied career, Jones was the superintendent of several school districts, culminating with his time in Clark County in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jones also served as the Commissioner of Education for the state of Colorado, and worked on the executive leadership team at McGraw Hill Education for several years. The Courageous Leader Award recognizes administrators who are carrying on his legacy.
"Dr. Enfield is dedicated to investing in the development and well-being of all those who attend WCSD, and we are thrilled to honor her outstanding work with this award," said Jones. "She believes there is always more districts can do for their students and she boldly steps into new spaces to listen, motivate, and lead – she is an exemplary leader within our field."
Dr. Enfield was passed the Courageous Leader torch by 2022 honoree, Dr. Alex Marrero of Denver Public Schools. "Receiving this prestigious award in its inaugural year meant so much to me, and I'm delighted to see the honor passed along to Dr. Enfield this year," he said. "Every day, I see incredible superintendents like Dr. Enfield push through endless challenges to prioritize the needs of their students. She embodies what it means to lean in when the work gets harder, and always advocates on behalf of her students' best interests in truly admirable and remarkable ways."
"Through IEI, I've had the great fortune to connect with inspiring educators, solution providers, and edtech experts from across the country," Dr. Enfield remarked. "They've shared ideas I've been able to successfully implement here at WCSD, and knowing I can do the same for them, is why I joined this amazing group of thought leaders and innovators. To be recognized for my work in creating equitable learning environments by so many people I admire is an honor I take to heart."
The Dwight D. Jones Courageous Leader Award will be presented to Dr. Enfield at IEI's 2023 Spring Summit in San Antonio, Texas on March 3, 2023. Educators and edtech professionals interested in joining the IEI community are invited to click here. For more information on how IEI is developing leaders in the education field, visit http://www.instituteforedinnovation.com.
About the Institute for Education Innovation
Superintendents are defenders of our children's right to a high-quality public education, and lead their teams toward effective, sustainable solutions to age-old problems. They must be at the center of discussions around when, where, and how innovation will affect teaching and learning. Many education solution providers, funders, researchers, and thought leaders are mission-driven: they do what they do to improve student outcomes. The Institute for Education Innovation bridges gaps between the individuals and organizations committed to seeing students succeed in school and life, creating a safe space for constructive problem-solving and innovative thinking. http://www.instituteforedinnovation.com.
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SOURCE The Institute for Education Innovation (IEI)
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