Joe Schroeder Receives WASDA's Outstanding Educator AwardOn April 23, the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators (WASDA) presented AWSA Associate Executive Director Joe Schroeder with their Outstanding Educator Award for promoting educational improvement.
WASDA President Michelle Jensen shared the following about Joe in presenting the award: Joe exemplifies the quintessential qualities of a servant leader. His humility is as genuine as his unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of learning opportunities for both adults and students in Wisconsin. The Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA) has never had a higher focus and intentional approach to professional development for member leaders, and Joe is at the center of that work. While a lengthy list of accomplishments could be attributed to Joe, his leadership in the SAIL Academy, a high-impact collaboration between AWSA and WASDA, may well merit top billing. SAIL has provided an opportunity to see behind the scenes. SAIL has been transformational for the more than 85 participating districts across Wisconsin. There is a reason why educators hold Joe in such high regard. He is the real deal. What participants witness when Joe presents is precisely what those of us see behind-the-scenes: an unwavering passion for his purpose, meticulous planning and articulate communication, a ceaseless desire to learn and improve, and, most importantly, a genuine sense of grace and compassion extended to everyone he serves. Not only is Joe a published author, a gifted statewide leader, and an expert in our field, but he also possesses a unique ability to uphold exceedingly high personal standards, which he models for those he leads. Remarkably, Joe always directs the spotlight away from his own impressive achievements and towards our collective work in serving others. We know him as Joe, an accountability partner in advancing our mission as educators. We know him as Joe, a friend who can be trusted to speak the truth in love. We know him as Joe, someone who cares about individuals beyond our shared purpose as educators. Joe literally authored the book on the subject, as evidenced by his work, "Labor of Love: A Spiritual Guide for Servant Leaders." However, we all recognize that many authors write books without living by the principles they advocate. Joe is special because he lives out what he teaches. Anyone who knows him can attest to the fact that his work is genuinely a labor of love. He cares as deeply as any mentor, and this caring compels him to invest in others at every possible opportunity. Throughout our life journey, we encounter a select few individuals who disproportionately influence our worldview, ideology, and commitment. Joe is one of those individuals for countless reasons. |
From Left: WASDA President, Michelle Jensen, Superintendent, Deerfield School District,