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Nanette Gray’s integrity and positive outlook make her a well respected leader of Tri-Valley SELPA.
Gray’s values inspire her to serve students
July 10, 2023
Name: Nanette Gray
Award: Special Education Administrator of the Year
Title: Senior SELPA Director, Pleasanton Unified School District/Tri-Valley SELPA
ACSA highlights: Member since 2007; At-large Representative, Region 6.
Nanette Gray’s warmth and humility reflect her core values in her role as senior director for the Tri-Valley SELPA in Pleasanton Unified School District. Her colleagues say her project leadership and calm, understanding personality inspire her staff to engage and collaborate more on programs that benefit students with disabilities.
In her role, Gray ensures district compliance with special education requirements. She implements the Alternative Dispute Resolution process, facilitates complex IEP meetings and coordinates workshops for parents, administrators and staff on topics such as special education law, inclusion and social/emotional development.
Gray has served on the Equity Leadership Teams in previous school districts, implementing Positive Behaviors, Supports and Interventions. On that team, she worked with her then-supervisor Soleste Hilberg, who is now director of teacher education at UC Santa Cruz’s Education Department.
“Ms. Gray always follows through on her commitments to administrators and principals,” Hilberg said. “She is well-liked and respected. She was my personal go-to person when I (had) issues that need to be problem-solved because of her positive, win-win perspective and her sympathetic ear.”
What’s your favorite book or quote on leadership?
My favorite leadership book is “Good to Great” by James Charles Collins. Using a bus metaphor, Collins explains: “If you get the right people on the bus, the right people in the right seats, then you’ll figure out how to take it someplace great.” As a leader, my goal has always been to get the right people on the bus. The number one quality I look for in staff is good character. You can teach other skills, but you cannot teach character.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
I had a direct supervisor many years ago who would always tell me to “start from yes.” I later learned through the years that starting from yes keeps the communication open in tough decisions and starts the incremental steps to moving towards an amenable solution.
What are some life hacks that you would recommend for a new administrator?
I would recommend the following life hacks to any new administrator: Be mindful of your thinking and your words. Think before you act. Keep the focus on the students. Seek a good mentor. Practice self-care. Practice self-reflection.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome to get where you are?
The biggest challenge that I’ve had to overcome is my own self-doubt. I’ve made a practice of surrounding myself with other leaders. These leaders are the people who have often supported and encouraged me to think big.
How are you prioritizing mental health for yourself, your staff and/or your students?
I prioritize mental health for myself and my staff by celebrating small accomplishments. This celebration could be a simple note, a high-five or just a simple coffee break on me. I encourage staff to take a mental health day, when needed. I work with a very diverse staff and we also celebrate diversity. People love sharing and celebrating their culture. Creating a safe space for those to share their thoughts and challenges without feeling judged is also critical. Another critical mental health strategy is to model and encourage a healthy and balanced work life. I do not encourage “burning the midnight oil” and I will rarely impose on an employee’s personal and/or family time. Having a healthy work life leads to longevity and productivity.
2023 Special Education Administrator of the Year Nanette Gray.