Volume 3, Issue 4: January 2024 | |
Grow with Great Hearts - January
In this new year, Grow with Great Hearts offers reflections from Executive Director Mandi Cannon on the vital role of humility in leadership. Alongside this feature article, three Great Hearts leaders provide a narrative of their experiences and lessons learned throughout the journey.
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The Wisdom of Humility
by Mandi Cannon, Executive Director - North Texas
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Three Great Hearts leaders share their journey and the lessons they continue to learn about guiding others. | |
Rebecca Conforto
ESS Academy Director, Archway Scottsdale
Initially drawn to Great Hearts because of the unique ESS Coordinator role, Rebecca Conforto had been searching for a position that allowed her to utilize skills to support both students and staff. In her 6 years with Great Hearts, she has served as ESS Coordinator, English Language Coordinator, and ESS Academy Lead. In her leadership of ESS and EL Programs at one of Great Hearts largest academies, she is also a member of the Archway Scottsdale administrative team. Ms. Conforto credits Brene Brown's research and leadership wisdom as most significant in her own development, as well as Adam Grant's work within organizational psychology. Within Great Hearts, she shares, “The ESS, EL, and administrative teams I've worked alongside have shaped me significantly each year. I learn something new and different from each team member, each day!” Her strategy for gaining insights in leadership come from her persistence in listening: “I continue to push myself to ask more questions as I am supporting my teams, as opposed to always having the answer.”
Ms. Conforto acknowledges that leadership is not always easy. “The most challenging aspect of the role is balancing the tension of going 'into the weeds' when the department needs extra support, while still maintaining my gaze from 'the balcony' to ensure everything continues working together effectively for our students.” Ultimately, she finds fulfillment through the transformative relationships built in her community and reflects, “I have very much enjoyed the creativity within my role and the trust my fellow administrators have extended to me to wonder and to invent new systems and procedures in service to our students.”
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Alex Frkovic
Headmaster, Lakeside Lower School
Having taught at another charter school for a few years, Alex Frkovic had become frustrated with their priorities in testing students and analyzing data instead of molding students’ hearts and minds. Once he stumbled upon Great Hearts’ mission and core virtues, he said, “I was hooked. This was a place where we taught students how to be great scholars and great human beings!” Mr. Frkovic initially served as 1st grade Lead Teacher and Team Lead before becoming Section 504/MTSS and Testing Coordinator and Assistant Headmaster. Now Headmaster of Lakeside Lower School, Mr. Frkovic commends the mentorship of Mandi Cannon, sharing, “I would not be the Headmaster or leader I am today if it were not for Mandi Cannon. She taught me many valuable lessons and has been an exemplary role model of what it looks like to be a Great Hearts Headmaster.”
Headmaster Frkovic finds fulfillment in leading faculty toward the common goals that are grounded in our mission. “I find nothing more enjoyable than standing in front of my faculty and leading them in our pursuit of cultivating the hearts and minds of our scholars.” In working through the inevitable and daily novel challenges in leadership, he finds solace in self-reflection: “I am able to reflect on how I did and what I could do differently next time. I have had a lot of reflective moments throughout my first year as Headmaster, and I’m sure there are more to come!” He looks forward to attending the Great Hearts Symposium in March and shares, “I could not be more excited to hear from some of the brightest minds in the classical education community.”
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Erin Lentz
Headmaster, North Phoenix Prep
Erin Lentz first joined the Great Hearts community as a parent. “We were drawn to Great Hearts’ curriculum and mission, but what truly won us over were the teachers, who expressed confidence both in the curriculum and in my child as a learner, and their classrooms were welcoming and joyful.” A veteran math teacher, she was thrilled when a teaching opportunity opened up at North Phoenix Prep, and she taught math for three years before becoming Master Teacher, Grade Level, Math Lead, and then Dean. Her professional growth at Great Hearts includes APEX coursework, though she also credits leadership studies in graduate school, and her initial teaching mentor in New Orleans, Janis McCormick. “Janis never held an administrative position in the years that we worked together, but there was no doubting her influential leadership that was grounded in unwavering commitment to the school she loved. Janis’ patient, persistent encouragement continues to inform how I approach coaching and leadership.”
Mrs. Lentz looks forward to many aspects of stepping into the Headmaster role, and she reflects, “One that is most rewarding is working alongside colleagues in whom I have so much trust. In speaking with several of them through this transition, it is affirming to hear how aligned we are in our commitment to the mission and in service to our students. I am eager to pursue our shared goals for the school, as well to support them in their professional and personal growth.” She also looks forward to celebrating with this year’s senior class, which she taught in 7th grade, and while some challenges lie ahead, she is motivated and excited by the work: “I am grateful to learn from and work alongside an incredible team, who graciously and humbly offer their best to our students and families every day.” Having opportunities to grow personally are valuable to her, and she looks forward to a family trip to Japan. She is entrenched in research of the history and culture, as well as reviving her command of the Japanese language.
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Great Hearts Harveston
Great Hearts Harveston opened its doors this fall to approximately 300 scholars, and for the Fall of 2024 the academy is set to expand in several grade levels! Grow in the art of teaching and position yourself to take on future opportunities as regional expansion unfolds, under the leadership of Founding Head of School Samuel Heisman. Contact Peyton Wofford for more information!
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Each month, Grow with Great Hearts curates a short listing of highlighted opportunities - to share with you new avenues for growth available across our network. Feel free to share these opportunities with colleagues outside of Great Hearts, and receive a faculty/staff referral bonus. | |
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Academy Leadership and Non-Teaching Positions
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Home Office Positions
ARIZONA
TEXAS
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Questions or Suggestions? Email us today! | | | | |
