Show Notes
Welcome to Season 2 of Getting to the Core. To kick off the new season and school year, we sat down to interview Dr. Daveda Colbert, Wayne RESA's new superintendent, about her background, her journey to RESA, and her vision for the county, as well as some fun questions. Good luck as we start the new school year and enjoy the interview!
Length - 30 minutes
Transcript
Ellen Vorenkamp: Greetings and welcome to Season Two of Getting to the Core, a podcast series for educators and friends hosted by Wayne RESA. My name is Dr. Ellen Vorenkamp and I will be your co-host for this episode, I am joined by my colleague, Dr. Jason Siko.
For our first episode of Season Two we welcome Dr. Daveda Colbert, the new Superintendent of Wayne RESA. We thought, “What better way to start the school year that to take a couple of minutes and get to know Dr. Colbert on a personal and professional level.” So, join us as we ask her a few questions about herself, her vision for the RESA organization, and districts in Wayne County as a whole.
Welcome, Dr Colbert.
Daveda J. Colbert, Ph.D.: Greetings, thank you for having me; very excited to be here.
Ellen Vorenkamp: Thank you for joining us. So, let's just start off with this first easy question here. Can you tell us just a little bit about yourself and your journey in the world of education that has led you to Wayne RESA?
Daveda J. Colbert, Ph.D.: Absolutely. I always start off and I always say that I am Jeanette Colbert's daughter. So, I'm born and raised in the City of Detroit, graduated from Detroit Public Schools. I actually attended and graduated from Detroit Redford High School. I graduated from there and then transitioned over to a historically black college and university by attending Southern University at New Orleans, where I earned my bachelor's degree in accounting. From there, I returned back home to the State of Michigan where I was able to work at a few places right after college; Hanton Industries, being one, Smith Flowers being the second one, and then Tank Automotive Command.
And I lift Hanton Industries as being the first because Hanton Industries also happened to be my co-op when I was in high school, I was a part of co-op; so, I am a real CTE product as part of my collaborative learning experience, I went to school half day my senior year and worked at Hanton Industries the other half of the day, as an accounts payable clerk. Henceforth, here I am attending my undergrad and earned my degree in accounting, Bachelor of Science. So, what a unique opportunity to lift how those learning experiences really make a difference.
Then, as I stated, I did end up working at Tank Automotive Command, which is in Warren, as an accountant for the government, and during one week, which was a vacation week, I was invited to substitute teach in Detroit Public Schools for the one week of our vacation. One of my girlfriend's, actually a sorority sister, said hey let's do this as part of community service part as part of our giving back. Since we weren't going out of town during our vacation I said sure why not?
So, I was invited to substitute teacher Dixon Elementary School in Detroit Public Schools during that one week and I have to say that it was the week there when the calling on my life was definitely realized. From there, I returned back to my job as an accountant put in my two weeks’ notice and honestly the rest of the trajectory and my life and education was born.
I then returned back to Dixon Elementary. That is my first opportunity in education and Detroit Public Schools in October of 1993. And it was there that I was very clear that my goal was to become the Superintendent of Detroit Public Schools, then that was my goal.
Well, of course, leaving from the world of accounting and becoming a substitute teacher, I have to admit that the pay was very different. So that meant I had to hurry up and get to school, so I could earn a teaching certificate my master's because my parents my mother was really trying to figure out what I was doing. The truth was that I was on my way to law school. Well, no, by way of education, clearly, because I enrolled in Wayne State’s College of Education, instead of the law school at Wayne State University. So, honestly that week of vacation as a substitute teacher is really what springboarded my career in education.
I definitely went on to earn my Master's degree my specialist from Wayne State University and then, of course, my doctorate from Oakland University, but I can tell you that I had a wonderful career in education by spending nine years in Detroit Public Schools from substitute teacher to teacher to coach, sponsor of all kinds of all the classes, I taught elementary, middle school, and I taught high school. Then I went on to be an athletic director at the High School of Commerce and Business Administration and then on to Renaissance High School as assistant principal before transitioning over to Clawson Public Schools in Oakland County, where I served as their high school principal for six years. Another unique opportunity for me, I was tapped to become a high school principal in 2002 I was the first African American hired in the district. There had not been anyone prior to me hired as a class and public schools employee in 2002, let me say that it was the most unique and wonderful experience ever because it definitely helped me to hone into who I really was. It helped me to have very thick skin. It helped me to really become well versed that cultural competency, it really helped me to understand that diversity is really an asset and to help lead that work in a community that wasn't there at the time. It was the most phenomenal six-year experience, and I wouldn't change it for the world.
I served as a high school principal for six years and then transition back to Detroit Public Schools as assistant superintendent and regional superintendent for just under three years. So, I was under Dr. Connie Calloway hired me to Teresa Gueyser then became the interim superintendent and, as I was exiting, Robert Bobb was ending his first year as an emergency manager. Well, that was a whirlwind of a time but, again, a very unique opportunity to serve as a leader in Detroit Public Schools from 2008 to 2010.
Then I was invited to the phenomenal opportunity to serve as the superintendent of Oak Park Schools where I did that for nine years. As I entered Oak Park, they were in a very interesting place as well; 8 million in deficit, declining enrollment, definitely in need of a lot of love, a lot of courage, lot of hope, and just a real turnaround plan to take us to the next level. I definitely embraced that opportunity and served as superintendent for nine years, where academics, arts athletics, attitude, and accountability made all the difference.
I exited that opportunity when I was invited to join Wayne recent 2019. It was June of 2019 when I started this journey here at Wayne RESA serving as the associate superintendent of educational services. What a unique time and a unique opportunity to come and be a part of the largest department at Wayne Regional Educational Service Agency; Education Services that, as I would say, is the breadth and depth of the organization. Definitely leads the work around the county, and so I had an amazing opportunity to be a part of that team and enjoyed the two years that our service, the associate superintendent of educational services.
In May of 2021 I was unanimous unanimously voted as the first African American to serve as a superintendent of Wayne RESA. I am the second female to serve in this role. This is definitely another part of my journey and I’m just glad that I am honored and humbled to walk in this space. So, I look forward to another 10 years on this run at Wayne RESA serving as the superintendent as I continue to work with up just phenomenal leaders and thinkers around Wayne County and throughout the state.
Ellen Vorenkamp: I had no idea you had such a diverse background, so even as an employee of Wayne RESA, just listening to this has just really given me a whole new appreciation for the breadth and depth of what you bring to this position, and how we, I know that we're in good hands. I’ve always felt that way, but now I’m even more secure in that thought so very good; thank you for that.
Jason Siko: Yeah, I agree. I agree wholeheartedly that's a real interesting story and we're glad to have you here.
Daveda J. Colbert, Ph.D.: I’m excited to be here.
Jason Siko: So, as the new superintendent, what do you see as the near-term priorities for Wayne RESA as we service our Wayne County districts?
Daveda J. Colbert, Ph.D.: Well, as you know, we are still transitioning through the pandemic. So if you want to say near term priority it is…Today, being the first day for the majority of the school districts, knowing that some of them opened up pre-Labor Day, the truth is to be able to open safely and successfully, so it is to enter into a healthy and safe space for all learners as well as those tapped toward trusted to do so, meaning all staff. What we really want is our hope is for the 21-22 school year to be a viable option for in-person learning. I say that because 20-21 school year, although we thought it was going to be a viable option for in-person learning, we definitely came to realize that there were a lot of school districts that did not have in-person learning throughout the year. And those who really tried to have in-person learning, unfortunately for met with some pauses and interruptions, outbreaks, and quarantines that took out numbers of students and staff. We you know, we had staff members that transitioned, as well as students who unfortunately transitioned due to COVID-19. So, you know, the first thing, the main priority, and I mean right now, while I’m speaking, is for us to really be able to open safely and to be able to transition throughout this entire year with minimal interruptions pauses and breaks where possible.
In the event that we have to transition or shift to virtual learning, I mean, what, we understand it, we've had to do it had to do it with no notice or little to no notice and then we've had to do it with a little more planning and then some quick okay well you know we did it a month ago, or two months ago, so let's do it again. So, we are better prepared to do that, please, as you, as you all know, many parents even students, as well as staff have wanted are yearning to really return to some kind of full routine of in-person learning so our hope is to do that.
With that being said, you know that that leads to the masks, no masks, you know, comments and concerns. And let me just say this if the goal is to have this as a viable option, that we know that we must implement the highest mitigation measures. With that being said, masking is part of that and so, for me, there is no debate. It's really about wanting us to make this a viable option and to have the least number of students and adults that need to quarantine in large fashion, which means that they wouldn't be there and then it really isn't a viable option. So, hopefully we can move past the debate and I am thankful to Wayne County, the health department, for implementing, although I know it's not popular, I don't want mandates either, but I’m very appreciative for the mandate, so that we can hopefully get past that step and move into what is really another very important piece. And that is the wellness and academics, that really, we need to move forward.
And I say wellness first and that's because everybody knows I’m going to say care before content anytime, but when I say wellness, I’m very intentional about saying, not just wellness for students but wellness for staff, too. We need to make sure that we take care of our students and our staff. Education has not been favorably treated in terms of a career. In some cases there been some real negative comments, a lot of knee jerk reactions done in terms of our…
the actual career being something that people see it's positive. That there have been some hits to education. We've lost a lot of people, some due to the low starting salary and when you actually exit college you're going to leave with a large amount of debt and then going into education and you can't even pay off the debt, because you really didn't start earning a competitive wage when you could have gone somewhere else and started with competitive wage. It doesn't really put education being your number one choice; it becomes number two or three, means we probably missed some phenomenal people.
Then there been some others that have been part of the actual education and part of this as their career, and unfortunately they feel like they've been they've been mistreated or, you know, been beaten down by all of the laws and demands. And everybody has a fine eye on education and, you know, I don't know…do we tell the dentist what to do, every time they go and you know check our teeth? It's just, you know, there's a lot of people guiding educators, a lot going on.
So, you know, they're just so many different things, so many different requirements and rules, and I’m not opposed to requirements and rules but seems like the game changes, the accountability or five different accountability structures in place for schools, what are we doing, their grades, there's just so many different pieces. When sometimes we get so far away from what we really need to do so. I say that, so that we can continue to live this profession as one that is very important. We need to celebrate our educators and those that are committed to this calling, and with that that is one to be another one of our initiatives to really just speak positively, to continue to encourage, to provide hope and optimism around this field and to make sure that we're really thinking about how we're going to continue to attract individuals to the workforce.
Right now, some of the staffing shortages in our districts are bus drivers, food service…meaning our food service and our transportation specialists, para-educators.
Counselors, there's a shortage there; social workers, there is a need. There's a shortage, there. We’re looking for school nurses, there is a shortage there; there are some teachers, I mean there are some gaps there. So, as I go down the list: administrators, the pool is shrinking; superintendents the pool is shrinking so I’m covering the entire you know trajectory in terms of the education career and, you know, we just need to do a better job. So, when you say what's a near term priority, one will be to continue to lift this as a viable profession and continue to be supportive to all of those groups that are named and more and to continue to speak to the reality that every career comes by way of education. Literacy is foundational and is key. So, let's you know, continue to lift that and make sure that we are rallying behind those that are committed to education.
Another short-term goal would definitely be around expanding early childhood opportunities, you know, that's also a state goal but that's key for Wayne County. Our county is very diverse, you know, we have the highest number of multilingual learners, the highest number of students with disabilities, the highest number of economically disadvantaged children and families. With that being said, that means that the greatest need in terms of literacy outcomes is here as well. So, what can we do to do differently need to help to encourage engage and bring about awareness to families? I know that six-year-olds that's mandatory; when you're six that's mandatory schooling. But we need to change that narrative, that five…going to kindergarten is not mandatory, but we need everyone there, but even more so we'd like to have all four year-olds connected to programming, the high quality preschool programming that yields better outcomes. What that does is it gets more students at grade level, at kindergarten first, second and third grade because they've had that engagement at that earlier time at age four.
We also want to invite and encourage families to connect to three year-old programs like Strong Beginnings. So expanding our early learning options is definitely a near priority that we're definitely working on even right now in Wayne County, you'll hear a lot about our expansion of GSRP.
And then also just improving literacy outcomes across the board. The data has been released from our spring 2021 assessments. We knew that there was going to be a dip, that wasn't like, you know, earth shattering news. We knew that would show up in the data. The reality is that we want to get to task on that; we want to be intentional about accelerating learning, about just right teaching, just-in-time teaching, making sure that we're covering the standards.
Making sure that we're rethinking education; that we actually have interest in education that kids are excited about learning that they're taking ownership of their learning. So, you know, all of that is that near term piece, when we talk about opening schools and inviting families back, encouraging families, students search projects taking place trying to help districts to find those students that weren't engaged last year throughout the pandemic. All of those things will be listed as those near term priorities Wayne RESA
And then of course inside the organization, the near term priority would be to continue to make sure that we are on top of the health and safety of all of our team members and also that we are taking care of wellness inside of this organization, so that we are better prepared to serve those outside of the organization.
Ellen Vorenkamp: I like that many of these near term sound, also, sort of like long term because it's going to take some time. I love the lifting up though the profession and making sure that we're getting good quality people back in the in the field of education. Tending to the wellness of the faculty and the students back in the districts, as well as Wayne RESA. I was really pleased to hear you say that. Early literacy, of course, is it is a need everywhere, but like you mentioned in particular here in in Wayne county. So, it sounds like you've got your plateful.
But just to add to those conversations and just thinking about into the future, what might be some long term visions, as you exit, you know, Wayne RESA in 10 years what might you have hoped to have accomplished?
Daveda J. Colbert, Ph.D.: That would be absolutely to be very honest with you I’m hoping, as you said, some of those near term, they are going to swing into long term because they're not all going to happen overnight. But I am even going back to the expanding early learning opportunities or early childhood. the goal is, my hope would be, before I leave this profession to see universal pre-K in Wayne County if not in the state of Michigan.
So, universal, meaning where there is no eligibility requirement at all; that every four year-old has an opportunity, so as preschool for all regardless of eligibility and/or criteria.
The same with me for three year-old opportunities. Now, I know that the three year-old universal is pushing it, but I do believe that we need to cover four year-old of universal preschool hopefully within the next three years within our state, but if not I’d love to see Wayne County to be the pilot to get it started…within the next three to four years to have universal preschool and again that's at the four year level and then moving that the three year.
I’d also like to see long term that we have more internship opportunities inside of Wayne County. That we continue to build on the model of that the state has laid out in terms of career awareness; that pre-K-5, but I’m going to lift it and take it a little bit further for Wayne County. I’d like to see career in college awareness and pre-K through five. Career and college awareness, I mean career and college exposure in grades six through eight; so that means children grades six through eight going to college campuses, having college tours, having colleges come in and speak so that their lives, so a little more exposure and grades six through eight.
And then in grades nine through 12, really having college and career experiences, what does that mean more dual enrollment, more credentialing, more opportunities for students to leave high school with certificates. I lifted how I was part of a co-op opportunity, but more of those opportunities that allow students to leave with those kinds of hands-on experiences that really connect them to the world of work, and/or opportunities and, in addition to that opportunities that allow them to, if they choose to attend college, earn college credits more credits in high school, as well as to leave with credentials, apprenticeship, connections, etc., when they are in high school. So, Wayne County has a unique opportunity to be the leader in that, and I believe that we need to embrace that. So, that's definitely one of those long term priorities to really push that robust nature of college and career readiness. That means that students have options and opportunities beyond belief when they leave; it's not just one way or another, but they can go anywhere they choose.
Remember we're probably the last generation of 30 and out. So, that means that those that are coming behind us, are not working 30 years. Social Security is pretty much…it might not be there when we need it, but it definitely is looking a little scarce for those that are you know 20 years behind us in the making in terms of what social security looks like, but we need to prepare our young people for jobs that may be available today or may not be available today. We need to keep our eye on the hot 50 jobs and make sure that our young people have the skill set to be able to compete, the skill set to be able to enter into the world of work or the skill set and knowledge to understand that no they don't have to earn a four-year college degree, but they can go get a two-year degree or go get these credentials and they will be set. And then they could go into an opportunity with a partnership or business that in some cases, continues to give them on the job training and or pays for them to attend or earn those additional credits or education certs that they need to ensure that their careers what they want it to be. I like to see all of our youth to really reach their full potential, so anything around internships, apprenticeships, metal labs, hands-on opportunities and high-quality learning, high quality learning experiences; that's what I will be promoting for my tenure while I’m here.
Wayne County is definitely diverse. So, to continue to push that diversity as an asset and to make sure that we ourselves at Wayne RESA are have an equitable service delivery model that we are continuing to enhance as often as possible. Status quo doesn't work for me, and I know it doesn't work for the majority of us in this organization. I think, as we continue to build that workforce here, to support the individuals that are here, to find joy in the workplace here and also sprinkle that same joy outside into the county, I believe that we will have a lot to show for this run that we are all going to continue to make with our colleagues as we continue to live education as a wonderful career that definitely breathes life into children, youth, and scholars everywhere.
Ellen Vorenkamp: I think we're up for a little bit of fun, are you ready for this?
Jason Siko: Yeah I know this is…these are the important questions now. Okay, so we're going to do a little rapid fire. Basically we're just going to ask you kind of some either/or quick questions and give us the first response that comes to mind. Alright, are you ready?
Daveda J. Colbert, Ph.D.: I am ready.
Jason Siko: Okay, what is your favorite season in Michigan?
Daveda J. Colbert, Ph.D.: Orange barrels…construction OK, so my favorite season, obviously, is probably summer still because I’m a summer baby. My birthday is in the summer, but just try to enjoy the summer, even though it's still orange barrels season in Michigan construction season.
Jason Siko: Construction season yep 11 of the 12 months. All right: U of M or MSU?
Daveda J. Colbert, Ph.D.: And be honest with you, I did not attend either, so I love them both. I actually have a shirt that I have, you have U of M on the front and Michigan state on the back. And when people talk about it, I flip it around and put Michigan State in front and U of M on back and people just say it's the best way to handle it, I am all things Michigan, so I am for all things Michigan which includes Western, Oakland, Central…all of them.
Jason Siko: Good answer. Okay, so being born and raised in Detroit and a Michigan native… Vernors: yay or nay?
Daveda J. Colbert, Ph.D.: Vernors, awesome. Faygo, too. Better-Made Chips, too.
Jason Siko: Awww, yeah. Okay, what's in your Netflix queue?
Daveda J. Colbert, Ph.D.: To be very honest with you, I just watched Click Bait…just watched it last week, let me tell you I am definitely a movie buff so I have anything and all things Netflix and Prime. I love a good movie, and so I have to save it it's kind of bummed me out that even going to see Respect; I watched Respect on demand, so I didn't even go to the theater to watch Aretha Franklin's Respect I actually watched it on demand a couple of weeks ago. Click Bait, check it out.
Jason Siko: All right, will do. Okay, these are loaded questions; we kind of know the answer to them already but…Dream Cruise: love it or hate it?
Daveda J. Colbert, Ph.D.: Best thing in the world. I had the best time on August 21st. And get ready for next year, August 20, 2022.
Jason Siko: All right, and so on the same note what is your favorite classic car?
Daveda J. Colbert, Ph.D.: What I would have to say it's my own. So, I actually own a 67 Chevy SS Impala convertible which is canary yellow with a 396 engine. I will tell you that it's my favorite because it is mine. But I’ll also share with you that I have a 73 Beetle that, in fact, a Volkswagen Bug that I need to finish restoring so that I can bring it out. But I was given…it was gifted to me pre-COVID and it was supposed to be out during COVID and I have to say I think we forgot about it. It's buried in the backyard so we're going to get that together, and if I have my choice of something else that I really like to have it will be a Chevy Bellaire, a 1957 2-door.
Jason Siko: Wow. Alright, that's a comprehensive list. Alright, last one: what is your favorite get to work jam? Meaning: I gotta get, I gotta get motivated, I gotta get pumped, what's your get to work jam?
Daveda J. Colbert, Ph.D.: Honestly, I really do listen to Gospel music all the way to work, so it keeps me sane, keeps me grounded, and make sure that whatever I’m thinking does not come out as soon as I see. The truth is, I am really into I’m calm and in real calm music but I’m a very spiritual person, so I really like to have my mind in the right place. And really, there's some tough days, so, while I have on my whole armor all the time, also, I’m human. I want to make sure that what comes up doesn't come out.
Jason Siko: Alrighty and that's last one so…
Ellen Vorenkamp: Alright, so as we wrap up with like to thank you and just give you one last opportunity…what parting message might you like to give to our listeners before we say goodbye?
Daveda J. Colbert, Ph.D.: Absolutely, I just want to ask everyone to please continue to give grace to yourself and to others, as well as self care, health… if the pandemic didn't teach us anything, it should have taught us to be mindful about our own health, to make sure that we take the time to take a walk, to breathe, to meditate, to read, to sing, to think, to slow down. Let us continue to do that, and let's also remember to be respectful and responsible, which means that sometimes when we do things like wearing a mask; maybe it's not for us, maybe it's for others. But let's just be respectful and be responsible, because we all matter to somebody and we all have a purpose. Everyone's dash has meaning. Let's do the right thing, while we have this time on earth. Continue to be well, and let's have an awesome start to an amazing school year. That's my parting message.
Ellen Vorenkamp: Absolutely. Well, thank you so much for taking a few minutes out of your busy day and joining us and giving the people, our listeners, just a little insight into our new superintendent here at Wayne RESA. We, I know, speaking for myself and possibly Jason, we look forward to continuing on in our journey at Wayne RESA with you and supporting you and helping you out for districts in any way that we can.And don't forget to subscribe to the podcast; you can find us on Google, Apple, or Spotify, just search for Wayne RESA and thank you again for listening to this episode of Getting to the Core.
Daveda J. Colbert, Ph.D.: Absolutely, thank you for having me. You’re wonderful, Dr. Siko and Dr. Vorenkamp. Have a wonderful day!
