Guest Bio 

My guest today is Allison Galvin, executive director for Oregon Charter Academy (ORCA), a statewide online charter school in Oregon. She has been in education since 2002. She began her work in schools as a math teacher and then an instructional coach in the Salem-Keizer School District, before transitioning to the role of school administrator with ORCA. She resides in Salem, OR with her husband and daughter. 

 

Episode Summary 

Allison Galvin walks us through how leaders continually focus forward, strive for excellence, and seek growth within their schools. She explains how she led her school through a tremendous transformation with the end result being better service to students and empowering teachers to reach new heights as well. 

 

Timestamps

What do you want to be when you grow up? [2:30]

The role of executive director [4:04]

Striving to grow as a school to meet students’ needs [5:27]

Changing management companies after 15 years [7:16]

Change management especially in trying times [11:26]

Better together [12:57]

Allison’s advice for successful school change [13:42]

What does Allison love about her school now? [17:18]

ASCEND is ascending! [18:42]

Benefits of being an AVID school [19:35]

A desire for a better understanding of online education [20:57]

The “three percent rule” and school choice [22:15]

Allison’s most memorable teachers [25:24]

 

Resources

Oregon Charter Academy Website

Change Management Tips