An African proverb states, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This proverb keenly reflects the values that Dr. Tina Wilson (EdD 2019) practices in her role as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction at Port Chester Public Schools. As the doctoral program in educational leadership marks its 15th anniversary, she reflected on how it empowered her as a leader and reinforced the importance of lifelong learning as a foundation for empowering others.
Dr. Wilson entered the doctoral program to further develop her leadership and create broader and more meaningful changes in education. Leveraging a robust cohort model grounded in adaptive leadership principles, the doctoral program provided her with the skills and perspectives to navigate the complexities of public education while always keeping students at the center of her decision-making. She recalled the transformative experiences in her policy and leadership courses that shaped the way she discerns problems using multiple perspectives to develop solutions. Dr. Wilson applies her understanding of adaptive leadership as she seeks stakeholder feedback for curricular improvements to enhance the learning experiences of students.
Dr. Wilson’s dissertation, "The Impact of Dialectical Behavior Therapy on School Discipline and Climate in a Suburban High School: A Mixed Methods Case Study," focused on the implementation of Tier 1 social-emotional learning programs and their impact on school climate, measured through the perspectives of school staff. Although she completed her study just before the pandemic, its relevance only grew stronger as schools faced the challenges of supporting students through trauma and isolation. Her findings emphasized the importance of transparent communication, aligned systems, and best practices in program implementation - principles that continue to guide her work as a school leader today.
Dr. Wilson recalls the camaraderie within her cohort peers as a crystal-clear memory. Meeting weekly fostered strong, enduring relationships that played a crucial role in supporting one another through the doctoral journey. This cohort connection, paired with meaningful faculty mentorship, was instrumental to her success.
Dr. Wilson continues to champion the values she learned in the doctoral program and remains connected to her cohort peers and mentors. Her legacy within the 91ֱ community reflects the enduring power of education to spark personal transformation and institutional progress.
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The “EmpowerEdD Leadership Fund” Fund was established in 2015 to pay it forward to the 91ֱ Doctoral Program. We thank you for your generosity and support of the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership!
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Elevate your leadership skills, deepen your understanding of critical and contemporary education issues, and learn to help solve the current challenges in P-20 education.
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The Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership from 91ֱ, offered in partnership with Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES, utilizes a forward-thinking approach to educational leadership that is ideal for practicing and aspiring leaders in any educational context. It is designed to support the goals of educational professionals who seek to develop their leadership skills for career advancement or current job enhancement.
