School Leader Fellow Reflections - Indiana Educator Fellowships

A Professional Development Program by the Indiana Educator Fellowships

Reflections From Fellows

Fellow Profile

Heba Elshakmak

MTI School of Knowledge, Principal

SLF Class II

What led you to education?

I believe my passion about helping others is what brought me to teaching. Education was highly esteemed in my family and in the country where I was raised. So, when I decided to switch to education, my husband, my parents, and all my family supported me.

What do you enjoy about being an educator?

Having the opportunity to serve students, staff, parents, and the larger Muslim community is my real joy. There’s a quote from Prophet Mohammad PBUH about serving others. He says, “The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people”. I pray that we are among those people.

How would you describe your leadership style?

I like to lead by example and build a culture of respect and trust. I believe in giving employees autonomy and inspiring their confidence.

My leadership style enhances employee empowerment through a transformational leadership style, driven by a shared vision and supported culture.

What did you appreciate most about the fellowship?

Providing us with the support we need to succeed as individuals and school leaders. I appreciate the personal connection even after finishing the program. I appreciate sharing the story and journey of the Oaks success and giving us access to many resources for our school’s success.

I appreciate reflection and issue processing practices which I continue to use with our team.

To surround yourself with peers who are on a similar journey is powerful. SLF Residency days were the highlight of every month they were scheduled. The space to think and bounce ideas off of colleagues in similar situations was invaluable.

Dewayne Pinkney, SLF Class IIHead of School, Cedars Christian School (Bloomington, IN)

Because of the SLF, I am seeing what I didn’t know that I didn’t know. Insights of this kind are always humbling, insofar as they identify weakness, but the process — embedded in an atmosphere of disarming camaraderie — generates the renewing light of inspiration.

Stephen Piscura, Class VHead of School, Garden Christian Academy (Cleveland, OH)

Making connections was an incredibly valuable part of the fellowship. As a first year administrator, it was comforting to know that I wasn’t alone and had connections if I needed help.

Sara Grein, SLF Class IVPrincipal, Trinity Lutheran School (Indianapolis, IN)

One takeaways (from SLF) which remains very significant to my work today, was about the importance of building our schools upon a foundation of strong and clear values, how our operations should all tie to those values, and how those values can unify the community.

Greg VanSlambrook, SLF Class IPrincipal, Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School (Indianapolis, IN)

I'm thankful for the camaraderie, shared wisdom and community of SLF. Leadership can be lonely - it is soothing and strengthening to hear others' stories and experiences. Spending time with such authentic, genuine, sincere individuals, who have a true heart for the development of children and communities, is truly life-giving.

Cara Swinefurth, Class VPrincipal, Holy Cross Central School (Indianapolis, IN)