This presentation is being offered on behalf of AERBVI Division 1 (Administration & Leadership). Results of a recent survey of division members will be presented as a foundation for implementing a series of quarterly networking meetings to discuss roles, qualifications, professional training opportunities, and current issues relevant for non-CEO administrators. Senior managers from state agencies, private agencies and specialized schools will offer varying perspectives on the diverse paths which may lead to administrative positions. The distinctions between management and leadership will be addressed.

During her experience in a variety of middle and senior management positions, Karen Ross has developed several innovative programs and service delivery models to improve strategic utilization of staff and resources. Her experiences as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments, education consultant, project coordinator, university lecturer, teacher supervisor, and presenter/writer, as well as member/chair of a variety of state and national committees and initiatives, has broadened her perspective on the critical role of professional ethics, collaborative consultation and teacher competencies/mentoring. Her graduate degrees from Rutgers University and Boston College in educational administration and leadership, with an additional emphasis in counseling psychology, have led her to conclude that management and leadership are different but equally important skill sets for administrators.

Dorinda Rife is an educator and administrator whose journeys have included classroom and itinerant teaching across four states and hundreds of educational settings. She carries certificates as a COMS and CLVT, and she has served in a number of leadership positions including principal and superintendent in multi-faceted schools applying a variety of service delivery models. She enjoys jumping into and figuring out systems that are new to her and learning from those she serves. Today Dorinda resides in Tucson, Arizona and serves as statewide Low Vision Specialist for ASDB. Dorinda is the Project Coordinator for the Babies Count National Registry, on behalf of APH. She works on a variety of passion projects through Dorinda Rife Consulting and does public speaking gigs throughout the year. Dorinda publishes a biweekly blog on Leadership Stones (www.dorindarife.com/blog).