Starpoint School Administrator Honored with Irving Schwartz Distinguished Retiree Award

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Douglas Regan

ALBANY, NY (04/26/2022) (readMedia)-- Douglas Regan, EdD, retired administrator from the Starpoint Central School District, has been selected as the recipient of 2022 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.

Regan has been active in education in the state of New York since 1972, including serving as a building leader/principal for almost 25 years. During his time as a building leader, Regan's focus was always on the people, especially the students, rather than the "administrivia." He stayed true to a set of best practices that included gaining respect, not popularity; setting clear goals; being a good listener; being a role model; being direct and constructive with feedback; not hesitating to delegate; and having meetings that count. Regan notes that by following these best practices, he and his staff "bought into what WE had established for our school and then ... did it!"

Currently an instructor in the Educational Leadership Program at Buffalo State College and an adjunct professor of education at Niagara County Community College, Regan notes that he also inculcates a set of best practices for teaching his "Supervision of Teaching" graduate class. Those best practices include: establishing clear goals and expectations; making resources available for students to achieve these goals; developing a coherent instructional framework and regularly monitoring and evaluating it carefully; collecting evidence of students' learning and learning needs with a balance of theory and practice; and creating an orderly, safe, and positive environment for learning to thrive.

Regan adds that Irving Schwartz "made such significant contributions to the welfare of SAANYS, to public education, and to his greater community. I can only hope someday to accomplish a fraction of what this amazing educator did!"

Williamsville Central School Administrator John E. McKenna, Ed.D. notes that "Dr. Regan is the quintessential educator with in-depth knowledge of current educational practices, stellar character, and an extraordinary ability to motivate others. He is a caring, dedicated leader who is a true asset to SAANYS and the entire education profession. There is no one who is more deserving of the Irving Schwartz Distinguished Retiree Award than Dr. Douglas J. Regan."

Thomas McCully, EdD, with Buffalo State College says that, in retirement, Dr. Regan has become "more involved in activities that continue to support a variety of efforts to ensure that young people receive the best education possible. He has also continued to serve fellow retirees through his leadership in SAANYS. Dr. Regan has made the local SAANYS region a wonderful resource for retirees by hosting informative luncheon meetings as well as a variety of events that bring retired administrators together to enjoy each other as well as to keep current on the latest issues that might impact them or the schools they once served."

Regan received his bachelor of science and master of science degrees from the State University College at Buffalo, and his doctorate in education from SUNY Buffalo.

Regan and fellow 2022 award winners will be recognized at SAANYS' annual awards celebration, taking place on May 6 at the Crown Plaza Albany - Desmond Hotel.

SAANYS represents over 8,000 school administrators, supervisors, and coordinators. As a professional association, SAANYS is committed to providing 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).