Oakview Middle School Principal Alice Seppanen believes today’s students are essentially the same as they were 30 years ago — back when she began her career in education.
But one thing has changed, Seppanen says. ‘The world our children are living in is much different than it was then.?
Seppanen, who has served as Oakview’s principal since it opened in 2002, should know of what she speaks.
In a career that spans back to 1976, she has earned the respect and admiration of her peers as well as her staff, students and their parents.
As evidence of the high esteem in which she is held by others in the academic field, Seppanen was recently named the 2007 Met Life/MASSP Middle Level Principal of the Year.
She was honored Sept. 25 at the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principal’s Honors Luncheon in Traverse City.
The award is presented to a middle school principal based on his/her commitment to middle school education, the ability to manage resources, mentor others and provide strong, innovative leadership.
As a result of her selection, Seppanen is now eligible to represent Michigan in the 2007-08 Met Life/NASSP State and National Principal of the Year program.
‘I’m honored to be the recipient of this award,? says Seppanen. ‘I’m always appreciative of the chance to promote education and happy that this reflects well on our school.?
Lake Orion Community Schools Supt. Christine Lehman acknowledged the middle school principal for her commitment to children and the school.
‘Alice exemplifies our middle school programming,? she says. ‘She was actively involved in the creation and design of Oakview.?
‘She is well liked and respected both at the school and in the community,? Lehman adds.
Reiterating that the world is vastly different from the one she recalls when she began her career as a teacher, Seppanen asserts that the events of Sept. 11, 2001 have permanently altered the perceptions of all of us — particularly young people.
‘There is less innocence and a reduced sense of security for them (children),? she says. ‘It’s an intensified world they are living in.?
Nevertheless, Seppanen is optimistic about the future, realizing there is ever-greater responsibility and accountability placed on schools and teachers.
‘Our challenge is and has always been to motivate kids,? she says. ‘The goal is to help them understand how the things they learn in school can be applied to the real world.?
Seppanen feels meeting that goal also requires educators to maintain a continuum of learning and educational improvement.
‘There is no standing pat in the field of education,? she says.
‘It’s not just about textbooks and materials,? Seppanen says. ‘It’s about professional development and training. My job is to suppport our teachers and provide them with what they need to do their jobs.?
For Seppanen, whether it’s today or 30 years ago, the goal has always been the same. Educating children.