The Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) has named Jean Duffy, assistant supt. of curriculum and instruction of Becker Public Schools, the recipient of the 2018 Outstanding Central Office Leader Award. 

 

Duffy received this award for exhibiting a willingness to risk, possessing strong communications skills, being a progressive change agent, and having high expectations for herself and others. 

 

She will be honored at a statewide recognition ceremony during the MASA/MASE Spring Conference March 8-9 at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest in Brooklyn Park.

 

“Jean serves as a role model not just to me, but to many others across the state,” said Nan Records, regional low incidence facilitator with the National Joint Powers Alliance. 

 

"She demonstrates how leading the work in our field should be done each and every day.”

 

Duffy successfully implemented professional learning groups and guided the process to maximize its success for teachers and administrators. She has led the placement of the common assessments throughout the district that align with the Minnesota Academic Standards and Essential Learner Outcomes (ELOs). 

 

Duffy secured an Alternative Delivery of Specialized Instructional Services (ADSIS) grant for the school district. The program provides effective academic and behavioral intervention for primary students and contributes additional revenue to the general fund. Becker Public Schools' Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) program is thriving under Duffy's leadership.

 

Teams of teachers, administrators, guidance counselors, social workers, and psychologists meet continuously throughout the school district to identify and evaluate the needs of students. She also led the implementation of intervention programs to meet the needs of students.

 

“Jean is a team player who collaborates with the executive council to establish goals and decisions,” said Becker Supt. Steve Malone. 

 

“She is committed to establishing systems for continuous improvement of the district’s curriculum and instructional systems for the benefit of students.”

 

Duffy is an active member and leader in many educational and community organizations. Her membership and involvement include MASA, International Reading Association, Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, Learning Forward (NSDC), coordinating an Etsy e-commerce project for women’s cooperative in Guatemala, Lakeview Bus Crash Memorial Fund Committee Member, Lakeview Dollars for Scholars Board and Student Selection Committee Member, and Lakeview Bus Crash Anniversary Planning Committee Member.

 

Duffy is currently a doctoral candidate in Education Administration and Leadership at St. Cloud State University, expected completion in May 2018. She received master and a bachelor’s degree in education from Southwest Minnesota State University. Duffy earned an advanced graduate certification in K-12 Administration from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

 

Each year, MASA recognizes members for their contribution to public education. MASA is a professional organization of Minnesota’s school leaders, including superintendents, assistant superintendents, directors of special education, and other central office administrators, as well as state department administrators, college and university professors, and other educators throughout Minnesota dedicated to educational leadership for students.