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Dr. Martha Doennig, Director of Learning Development
Dr. Martha Doennig, Director of Learning Development
by Alicia Moore
Dr. Martha Doennig stepped into the role of Director of Learning Development this school year. Over the course of her career, she has served the Springfield Public School system through both professional learning and classroom teaching after beginning her career in Kansas City.
In her current position, Dr. Doennig leads her department as they work to serve the system and expand the capacity of educators throughout SPS. Her commitment to growth impacts students and educators at all levels in the district.
Those she works with speak to Martha’s knowledge base and dedication to cultivating the strengths of those around her. “Dr. Doennig intentionally and strategically seeks to build the capacity of educators through programs such as STEP UP, SPLS, Professional Learning Advisory Council, Cognitive Coaching and SPS Connect Leadership (to name a few of the many). It is through the above mentioned programs and her guidance that I have had the opportunity to grow into a better educator and colleague within the Springfield Public Schools system,” says Lauren Wilson, teacher at Williams Elementary.
Christy Davis, Director of Early Childhood, shares that “Martha has a toolbox full of research-based strategies and theories that she can recall and apply in any situation. Martha is able to see the entire system from a 30,000 foot view; she can see how one decision can cause a domino effect, anticipates and prepares for possible outcomes.”
Those who work closely with Martha appreciate all that she knows, but also the intentionality with which she listens. “She is a model for cognitive coaching and demonstrates the positive results that are achieved by listening to others as they share thoughts and problem-solve through them,” says learning coach Jill Cook. Christy Davis adds, “She is intentional in every conversation she has by using mediative questions to elicit deeper thinking, reflection, and problem solving.”
Angela Knight sums up Dr. Doennig’s contribution to our system in these words: “Martha is solely focused on building others' capacity, and I see her as the epitome of service to SPS teachers and staff.”
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