She suggests solutions to problems that plague educators and articulates insights into the essential role principals play in schools. Kennedy also assisted Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley and the National PTA in presenting standards to increase parent and family involvement in education. This week, Education World talks with Kennedy about making parents partners in education, preventing violence in schools, celebrating diversity, what makes a great school, and other issues of vital interest to educators and children's families. I did not anticipate I might ever fill that position. However, last year events that made my application possible fell into place.
Any principal can apply.
Three finalists visit the Department of Education for a day of interviews and activities. I was selected. Secretary Riley initiated the position because he felt it was imperative that the principal's voice be heard in the department. The job varies. I advise those in the Department of Education on legislative and programmatic policy and practice from the viewpoint of principals.