Caroline Beasley, North Andover Middle School
Caroline Beasley, Assistant Principal at North Andover Middle School, is a thoughtful and reflective leader who is committed to continuously growing her cultural competence. She has the ability to build a strong sense of belonging in her school community. In her efforts to support students and build capacity of her leaders, Caroline actively engaged in all of the ELAP experiences and attributes her growth in facilitative and collaborative leadership to the core learning opportunities she received. She shared that her active listening skills, use of probing questions, communication and capacity as a facilitator to focus on learning opportunities for her teachers have vastly improved over the past two years. A key learning Caroline highlights is that “it is ok to be uncomfortable through change. Often struggles and challenges lead to growth.” which underscores her evolving understanding that change brings some level of discomfort and it is ok to work through it.
Caroline realizes that it is critical in leadership to be a flexible thinker who engages in “Both/And” thinking as she recognizes the polarities that exist all around us.
“This has been the most impactful work — most recently I learned about the polarities — and understanding the both and thinking. I am learning how to acknowledge the complexities in leadership–this makes it easier to understand the importance of both and or flexible thinking. Flexible thinking matches what I learned about the scarf threats and the learning zone. It is ok to be uncomfortable when there is a need for change–it is almost necessary for people for growth–it is not about what is right or wrong but rather the work of courage for challenging change to enact equity… yielding positive change for kids.”
Caroline Beasley, North Andover Middle School
Caroline is grateful for her participation in ELAP and all the opportunities it provided. She has experienced many levels of leadership support through her work with her CLEE coach, and her District mentor. Caroline also shared appreciation for her own mentorship experience through CLEE which greatly inspired her to be her best!
“Being able to work with Cheryl and Kristen helped me grow in my role as an early career principal. And this year, as I took on the role of a mentor to Grey and Nick, I wanted to provide the same level of support that I have received. Mentoring them has really inspired me–because of the people they are–always being their best selves in their work and in their hearts for students—I want to always be my best. I feel so grateful to have been a part of this program, it has provided me with knowledge, skills, strategies, and strong partnerships which will support me in the future.”
