UNION PRESIDENTS SPEAK - ERNEST LOGAN, CSA
Inspiring Women
By Ernest Logan
“The greatest good is what we do for one another,” said Mother Theresa, one of history’s most inspirational leaders. I too learned this invaluable lesson at a young age from my first teacher, my mother, who had an immense love of higher education, which she never had an opportunity to receive and a genuine dedication to her family.
My love for school was further amplified by my fourth grade teacher, Rose Alpert. She provided me with the guidance, leadership, and most important, the motivation to become an educator. From her I learned the value of teaching and that’s when I began to realize that becoming an educator was something I wanted to do. More importantly, it provided me with the opportunity to become a positive leader in my community.
Women educators play a key role in educating and socializing children beyond stereotypes, and they are crucial agents of change. Three women leaders in particular I have had the opportunity to work with, Dr. Adelaide Sanford, former Vice Chancellor of the State University of New York’s Board of Regents, Jill Levy, former President of CSA, (Council of School Supervisors & Administrators) and Dr. Charlotte Frank, Senior Vice President of Research & Development of McGraw-Hill, are prime examples of passionate educators who have taken their love of the education of all children to a broader stage where they are influencing education and social policy on a national stage.
CSA, the very union I represent, is heavily dominated by women, 68% female, 32% male, a clear sign of the times. Not only is it important that our education system be diverse in gender, but also in ethnicity and religion. Our children need to have role models who are a reflection of their communities and culture.
My entire career I have been surrounded by inspiring, encouraging and motivating women, from my mother, to my sisters, to my educators, to my colleagues. They have all contributed to shaping the educator and union leader I am today.
I commend Education Update for taking the time to recognize and salute the many women, both experienced and those just beginning their careers, who are making a difference everyday in education. Although many challenges lie ahead, as the world of education continues to evolve, the one great thing about education that will never change is that the learning process never ends.#
Ernest Logan is the President of the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators.
