Meet Conference Scholar
Eric Sheninger
Biography
Eric has been an educator for more than 10 years. He's currently the principal at New Milford High School in Milford, N.J., and is responsible for preparing over 650 students in grades 9–12 with essential 21st century skills that will enable them to be successful, productive members of society.
Eric emphasizes instructional supervision and evaluation of staff; articulates a clear vision for student achievement; and provides necessary resources to support instruction, professional development, and collaborative environments. He has been recognized nationally as an administrator who once shunned technology but now welcomes and advocates for it in his home district, also helping educate other educators on how to integrate it into the classroom.
Eric's areas of interest are authentic learning, educational technology, web 2.0, and professional networking. He also has a strong commitment and passion for helping all learners and teachers succeed. Each day he works to foster a school culture focused on improving student achievement and engagement and empowers his staff to take risks and actively pursue innovation.
One area he is particularly focused on is the effective integration and use of educational technology. He believes that effective communication and transparency are characteristics that embody his continuous growth as a transformational leader. His website and blog show how he's actively modeling this, as does his school's Facebook page.
^ Return to top.
In His Own Words: A Leadership Reflection
Why is it important for you to be a leader?
I possess a passion for helping all students succeed. Being in a leadership role allows me to develop a vision for positively changing the culture of my school. As a leader, I have the opportunity to empower my staff to take risks, actively pursue innovation in the classroom, and provide the necessary resources essential to improving the learning environment for all learners.
In this role, I can walk the walk by modeling for my staff the expectations that I have and consider key elements associated with effective educational leadership. These include communication, listening, flexibility, support, shared decision making, consensus, and collaboration. In this capacity and following the principles stated above, I am in a position to successfully take educators where they need to be in order to embrace change for the benefit of all students.
I sincerely want to make a difference in the lives of the students at my school, whether directly or indirectly. By helping all educators learn and grow, I will not only help my students, but also others outside of my district, state, and county. I want to be an agent for change and reform. This is why it is important for me to be a leader.
What leadership article has inspired you?
^ Return to top.
Scholars Quick Links
^ Return to top.