Rochester Principal Honored for? Outstanding Contributions to Education

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Larry Ellison

ALBANY, NY (04/08/2010)(readMedia)-- Larry A. Ellison, principal of John James Audubon School 33 in the Rochester City School District, has been selected as the 2010 recipient of the T. Walsh McQuillan Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS).

T. Walsh McQuillan served the children and educational leaders of New York State throughout his life. He was the fist person to serve in joint capacity as executive secretary to the predecessors of SAANYS and was an outstanding contributor to elementary education throughout his career. This award is given annually to a SAANYS member and administrator who has strong leadership skills and has made exceptional contributions to elementary education.

In accordance with the qualifications for this award, Ellison has demonstrated excellent leadership skills. Colleague Vicki Gouveia stated: "Larry Ellison is a principal who is respected by teachers, students, colleagues, and community members. He is an eternal optimist!" She goes on to say that "He listens more often than he speaks . . . a leadership trait that is critically important for great leaders."

Tim Mains, president of the Rochester Council for Elementary Leadership agrees. According to Mains, "He [Ellison] listens thoughtfully and attentively. And when he works with others to resolve a problem or address an issue, he ensures that the suggestions for immediate response are also considered for their long term impact on the organization.

Ester Glwinski, a teacher at School 33, states that "No organization can rise higher than the caliber of its leader. Our school has experienced academic and social success because we have set a goal of creating a community of learners that respects the intellect and capabilities of our students and their families. The level of our success can be measured by the extent to which we have risen to the strong degree of Mr. Ellison's belief in that goal and his leadership and his actions in support of our efforts.

Mr. Ellison understands that leaders, by definition, have others that follow their leadership because they have accepted the leader's authority. Authority is given, not coerced. Mr. Ellison is given the authority to guide the school because he is direct, honest, and fair in his interactions with the staff and community. He models the behaviors he believes are essential for members of a successful school. These actions can be as simple as consistently giving a smile and greeting to students, staff and visitors or as complex as seeking multiple opinions before making a difficult decision related to staffing.

Mark Franzel, an other teacher, noted, "Mr. Ellison epitomizes what is it means to be a great leader. He leads by example and has a clear vision that drives School #33 towards excellence and long range success. Mr. Ellison recognizes that high levels of learning for all students cannot be achieved without the collaborative efforts of all members of the school family. "

Jean-Claude Brizard, superintendent of schools for Rochester, noted that Ellison's leadership skills have been a tremendous help to his school, his students, staff, and community. "School #33 had to be moved to a temporary location because of a yearlong construction project at its home location. What happened was pure magic. Mr. Ellison and his staff took what was a factory for Bausch and Lomb and turned it into a beautiful elementary school. Staff credit Mr. Ellison but he will tell you that he has an amazing staff. I maintain that it is leadership."

Ellison has served the educational community of Rochester for 34 years, has been a school administrator for 26 years, and has been in his current position for 20 of those years. School 33 is a PreK-6 urban elementary school with a total enrollment of 1,215. During his tenure, Ellison has lead the school in developing strong programming for English language learners, has increased the use of technology as an educational tool, and increased communications with parents and the community.

Ellison is a member of SAANYS, the Association of Supervisors and Administrators of Rochester in which he currently serves as vice president, the Rochester Council of Elementary Leaders, and Phi Delta Kappa. He has been actively involved in the community, both in the Institute for Research and Reform in Education and the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester. He has been the recipient of several awards for his hard work and dedication to the profession and the students of Rochester, including "Outstanding Principal" by the local parent teachers organization.

Asked about his educational philosophy, Ellison stated, "As an educational leader, I believe it is important to lead with the heart, possess a shared vision, and model the way for others."

Ellison will be recognized for his achievements at an awards ceremony on May 7, 2010 at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs, New York.

SAANYS represents more than 7,000 school administrators, supervisors, and coordinators. As a professional association, SAANYS is committed to provide direction, service, and support to the membership in their efforts to improve the quality of education and leadership in New York State schools. SAANYS is affiliated with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

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