Becca Blakeney & Amy Hunt Complete 2022 MAIS Leadership Institute and Continue to Serve Hartfield in Leadership Roles

Two Hartfield educators took part in the esteemed MAIS Leadership Institute, a program designed and operated under the authority of the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools Teacher Certification Commission. In the Sumer of 2022, Becca Blakeney and Amy Hunt attended the Institute alongside other MAIS educators, where they took part in professional development coursework.
Becca Blakeney, Upper School History Instructor, has been a part of the Hartfield community for 7 years. She describes her Leadership Institute experience as a blessing while sharing her biggest takeaway "I learned how important a school's vision and mission are. They are essential for the continued growth and protection of independent schools. Everything we do is an outpouring of our mission statement.” She continues: “I have a passion for helping teachers- not just to survive, but how to make this career path enjoyable and successful. I have been able to provide [Hartfield Upper School] with teacher training, coaching on best practices, and (hopefully) a sense of connectedness to the school. I want them to know they have someone in their circle who 'gets it' when it's hard and who cheers with them when it's good.” 

Amy Hunt, Elevate Six History Instructor, has been a part of the Hartfield community for 5 years. She also participated in the Leadership Institute and had positive insight from the course. “Being a part of the MAIS Leadership classes truly developed my knowledge of the operations of independent schools, but more importantly it helped to solidify my understanding of Hartfield, why our school is so special, and why our mission is so unique.” She went on to share her biggest takeaways from her experience: “One, the partnership between school, community, and families is critical to the success of independent schools. Hartfield is truly blessed to have such strong partnerships. Secondly, there are amazing educators and leaders in our MAIS community, and being able to learn from them during this institute was an invaluable gift.”
 
While being a part of this institute is an honor as well as hard work, these ladies didn't stop there! In December 2022, Mrs. Blakeney graduated from Arkansas State University with her Specialist degree in Education Leadership. “There were times when I didn't think I could get through it, but it was such a good feeling when my diploma came in the mail a couple of weeks ago.”, she shared about her experience - we are proud of her hard work! But, Mrs. Blakeney wasn't the only one who completed a degree. Mrs. Hunt graduated from Mississippi College with a Master's in Educational Leadership for Independent Schools in August 2022. They have truly shown their hard work and dedication this past year!

Not only were these educators left with knowledge skills from their experiences, but they were given the opportunity to use those leadership skills for a new position this past year at Hartfield. Becca Blakeney is currently serving as the Director of High School Curriculum & Instruction while Amy Hunt is serving as the Director of Middle School Curriculum & Instruction. Becca and Amy are great examples of teachers that go the extra mile and we are so thankful for their love for Hartfield and its people!
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Hartfield Academy is fully accredited by both the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the MidSouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS), the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the Southern Association of independent Schools (SAIS).