Education Leader Honored for Life-Long Contributions

ALBANY, NY (04/22/2020) (readMedia)-- Michael Dawkins, retired principal from the Rensselaer City School District, has been selected as the recipient of the 2020 Irving Schwartz Distinguished Retiree Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS). Irving Schwartz was a founding member of SAANYS. This award is given annually to a retired SAANYS member who, in retirement, has made significant contributions to the welfare of the association, education, and the greater community.

During his tenure in the Rensselaer City SD, Dawkins was known as a mentor to all with a goal of paying it forward. He states that he "worked with teachers to assist them in developing their goals and how those goals would impact student and organizational structure. They were able to see the value of sharing their experiences and expertise, many became mentors to their colleagues, which helped to enhance the value of ongoing professional development and organizational success." While speaking with a colleague about Dawson's impact as a leader, Jennifer Drautz recalled, "She went on for a while to talk about him as a principal, along with what she still remembered and admired about his leadership. Six years into his retirement, and this new future administrator continues to have Mike as her model of school leadership, that's nice evidence of a long-term impact."

In addition to his mentorship of colleagues, Dawkins has continued to serve his profession in a variety of roles. He has served as a SAANYS Regional Representative, APPR specialist, labor relations specialist and negotiator, and often assists in recruiting units to join SAANYS. He has also presented a variety of workshops at state-wide conferences, and was instrumental in the launching of the SAANYS Mentor Coaching service. In addition, he's worked as a college supervisor of student teachers for SUNY Oneonta and Siena College.

Dawkins received his associate of arts from Hudson Valley Community College, his bachelor of arts in history from Siena College, his master of arts in education from the University at Albany, and his doctorate of education from Nova Southeastern University.

Dawkins will be honored for his contributions at an awards ceremony at a later date.