As you reach the end of high school, it can feel like people expect you to have your whole life completely mapped out. Yet at the ripe age of 18, it is practically impossible to know who you will be in just a few short years, let alone figure out what you will want to do for the rest of your life. And, having nearly 14,000 careers at your disposal does not make that decision any easier. 

The Career Chat intends to help make this journey easier and even more enjoyable by offering individuals a glimpse into the process of working in certain fields. Today, we will be exploring the role of a superintendent, one of the highest honors in K-12 education, through Oak Park Unified School District’s very own Anais Wenn. 

A superintendent is in charge of overseeing the endeavors of every school within their district, such as curriculum and finances.
“My days are filled with meetings with administrators, staff, parents and community members,” Wenn wrote to the Talon.
To ensure that all of their duties are complete, it is critical for a superintendent to manage their time well.
“I prioritize time each week to visit schools where I enjoy engaging directly with students and staff,” Wenn wrote. “I usually begin my day between 6:30 and 6:45 a.m., which gives me a quiet window to respond to emails and prepare before the day’s meetings start. I do my best to stay on schedule and respect others’ time by starting and ending meetings promptly. I also welcome drop-ins or phone calls from staff and try to support them whenever I can.”

One of her favorite parts of the job is visiting the schools, reinforcing the importance of these visits for anyone interested in becoming a superintendent. 

“My advice is to spend as much time as possible in the classroom,” Wenn wrote. “Teaching gives you the lens you need to make decisions that truly support students and educators. If I could do it all over again, I’d teach for at least fifteen years before moving into administration.” 

She also expresses how critical it is for individuals to develop their leadership skills and style before stepping into a role that requires them to use it.

“The most important leadership skill is the ability to listen, to really understand people’s needs and perspectives,” Wenn wrote. “Patience, clear communication and transparency are essential in building trust and credibility.” 

If, after learning the above information, you feel like the role of a superintendent is not for you, do not worry. There are so many more career opportunities out there that could be a better fit for you. 

“To all young people, I would say this: make sure it connects to your purpose no matter your path,” Wenn wrote. “When you love what you do and believe in why you’re doing it, the work becomes a source of joy and meaning. That’s how I’ve approached every stage of my career–from instructional assistant to superintendent, and it inspires me daily.”