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Paul L. Pitchford
Clinical Assistant Professor
Director, Regional Professional Development Center (RPDC)
2 London Hall
(573) 882-0862
E-mail: PitchfordP@missouri.edu
General Interests
- Educational Leadership
- Teacher Effectiveness
- Strategic Planning
Brief Biography
Paul L. Pitchford, Ph.D.
A Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri College of Education and an associate in the Hook Center for Educational Leadership and District Renewal, Dr. Pitchford has dedicated most of his professional life to enhancing the effectiveness of educational leaders. His teaching experience includes various courses in educational leadership, teacher effectiveness, curriculum development, strategic planning, and other related topics. He has earned recognition as an outstanding teacher from the Columbia, Missouri, public school system and from the University of Missouri. In addition, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Leadership Academy named him a Master Professional Developer for his efforts in implementing effective professional development programs in Missouri schools.
Dr. Pitchford’s work as a facilitator of Stephen R. Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People began in 1997 and continues to the present. He also facilitates the following Franklin Covey programs: Leadership: Great Leaders, Great Teams, Great Results; Leadership Foundations; Inspiring Trust; Unleashing Talent; The 4 Imperatives of Great Leaders; and The Leader in Me.
Dr. Pitchford lives in Columbia with his wife, June, and three children. When he is not working, he volunteers at a local church, rides his bike with his wife, plays golf, and coaches his daughter’s soccer team.
A Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri College of Education and an associate in the Hook Center for Educational Leadership and District Renewal, Dr. Pitchford has dedicated most of his professional life to enhancing the effectiveness of educational leaders. His teaching experience includes various courses in educational leadership, teacher effectiveness, curriculum development, strategic planning, and other related topics. He has earned recognition as an outstanding teacher from the Columbia, Missouri, public school system and from the University of Missouri. In addition, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Leadership Academy named him a Master Professional Developer for his efforts in implementing effective professional development programs in Missouri schools.
Dr. Pitchford’s work as a facilitator of Stephen R. Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People began in 1997 and continues to the present. He also facilitates the following Franklin Covey programs: Leadership: Great Leaders, Great Teams, Great Results; Leadership Foundations; Inspiring Trust; Unleashing Talent; The 4 Imperatives of Great Leaders; and The Leader in Me.
Dr. Pitchford lives in Columbia with his wife, June, and three children. When he is not working, he volunteers at a local church, rides his bike with his wife, plays golf, and coaches his daughter’s soccer team.
Academic Background
University of Missouri-Columbia
Dec. 1984, B.S.Ed., Summa Cum Laude
Dec. 1985, M.Ed., Educational Psychology
May, 1991, Ph.D., Educational Psychology Dissertation entitled, "An Examination of Cut-Score Methods for College-BASE", Dr. Steven Osterlind, Advisor.
Work Experience
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
University of Missouri-Columbia (MU), College of Education
1995-Present Director, Regional Professional Development Center (RPDC); Research Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Responsible for the oversight of a center that provides professional development opportunities for educators in over 80 school districts in central Missouri. The RPDC is primarily responsible for supporting the reforms of the Outstanding Schools Act, a major reform initiative in Missouri schools, K-12. Professional development opportunities include a range of offerings from short awareness workshops to multi-year initiatives. A major focus of the RPDC is assisting teachers with the implementation of effective instructional strategies in the classroom, and the professional development of school leaders. Within the RPDC are several initiative sub-groups that effectively address issues such as school leader development, performance assessment, effective evaluation processes, and content expertise. In addition to these responsibilities, teaching assistance has been provided to the MU College of Education Educational Specialist program.
1995-96 Director, MU Partnership for Educational Renewal
Responsible for development and maintenance of a collaborative partnership among the MU Colleges of Education and Arts and Science, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and 24 public school districts in Missouri. The partnership is centered on providing a foundation for the development of professional development schools in the partner districts; creating and implementing professional development opportunities for K-12 educators; and providing a mechanism for assisting in the restructuring the MU teacher preparation program. In addition, this position required administering the day-to-day operations of the Heart of Missouri Regional Professional Development Center.
Consultant
1985-Present
Consulting experiences include extensive work with associations, public schools, state agencies, and health care organizations. Consulting expertise includes leadership development, systems analysis, strategic planning, assessment of learning, and educational program effectiveness. Consulting certifications include: certified facilitator for Stephen R. Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, 4 Roles of Leadership, the Leader in Me, Inspiring Trust, Unleashing Talent, and 4 Imperatives of Great Leaders. In addition, he is a Certified Leadership Academy Professional Developer. Working with educators from Missouri school districts and institutions of higher education is the primary focus. Over 50 7 Habits and other leadership seminars for teachers and administrators in Missouri schools have been presented since initial certifications in 1997 (7 Habits). 7 Habits overview sessions have been conducted with other groups as well, including the Missouri County Auditors Association, Chamber of Commerce of Jefferson City, and Missouri Association of School Nurses, the Missouri Association of Internal Auditors, the Illinois Association of Internal Auditors, and Central Missouri Satellite Leadership Academy.
1994-95 Assessment Resource Center (ARC)
Assistant Director /Senior Research Analyst
Responsibilities included building collaborative relationships between ARC and local school districts and helping local districts design comprehensive assessment plans. Marketing ARC services to other groups, including businesses, government agencies, foundations, associations and others, was also a significant portion of this position.
Missouri Association of Community Task Forces
1992-94 Executive Director
As the first executive director of the association, responsibilities included development of the association in every area. Budget development, strategic planning, program design and implementation, public relations, marketing, board development, interagency interaction and fiscal management were included. Responsible for enhancing the visibility of the association at the national level.
Missouri School Boards Association
1991-92 Associate Executive Director
Oversight of the Education Services and Communications Departments, marketing, program development and research activities were primary responsibilities of the position. Program development, including the innovative Certified Board Member program, and the marketing of special projects were particularly emphasized.
Charter Hospital of Columbia
1990-91 Adolescent Program Director
Staff development, oversight and development of the Adolescent Treatment
Program, public education, and marketing were primary responsibilities.
Developing a strategy for parental participation and support was emphasized.
1988-91 Director of Education
Responsibilities included oversight and development of the Charter Hospital patient education program, oversight and development of psycho educational testing, home school liaison, development and implementation of student assistance programming.
High School Teacher
1985-1988 Rock Bridge High School
Duties included teaching World History, World History Honors, and American History and coaching soccer.
University of Missouri-Columbia (MU), College of Education
1995-Present Director, Regional Professional Development Center (RPDC); Research Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Responsible for the oversight of a center that provides professional development opportunities for educators in over 80 school districts in central Missouri. The RPDC is primarily responsible for supporting the reforms of the Outstanding Schools Act, a major reform initiative in Missouri schools, K-12. Professional development opportunities include a range of offerings from short awareness workshops to multi-year initiatives. A major focus of the RPDC is assisting teachers with the implementation of effective instructional strategies in the classroom, and the professional development of school leaders. Within the RPDC are several initiative sub-groups that effectively address issues such as school leader development, performance assessment, effective evaluation processes, and content expertise. In addition to these responsibilities, teaching assistance has been provided to the MU College of Education Educational Specialist program.
1995-96 Director, MU Partnership for Educational Renewal
Responsible for development and maintenance of a collaborative partnership among the MU Colleges of Education and Arts and Science, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and 24 public school districts in Missouri. The partnership is centered on providing a foundation for the development of professional development schools in the partner districts; creating and implementing professional development opportunities for K-12 educators; and providing a mechanism for assisting in the restructuring the MU teacher preparation program. In addition, this position required administering the day-to-day operations of the Heart of Missouri Regional Professional Development Center.
Consultant
1985-Present
Consulting experiences include extensive work with associations, public schools, state agencies, and health care organizations. Consulting expertise includes leadership development, systems analysis, strategic planning, assessment of learning, and educational program effectiveness. Consulting certifications include: certified facilitator for Stephen R. Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, 4 Roles of Leadership, the Leader in Me, Inspiring Trust, Unleashing Talent, and 4 Imperatives of Great Leaders. In addition, he is a Certified Leadership Academy Professional Developer. Working with educators from Missouri school districts and institutions of higher education is the primary focus. Over 50 7 Habits and other leadership seminars for teachers and administrators in Missouri schools have been presented since initial certifications in 1997 (7 Habits). 7 Habits overview sessions have been conducted with other groups as well, including the Missouri County Auditors Association, Chamber of Commerce of Jefferson City, and Missouri Association of School Nurses, the Missouri Association of Internal Auditors, the Illinois Association of Internal Auditors, and Central Missouri Satellite Leadership Academy.
1994-95 Assessment Resource Center (ARC)
Assistant Director /Senior Research Analyst
Responsibilities included building collaborative relationships between ARC and local school districts and helping local districts design comprehensive assessment plans. Marketing ARC services to other groups, including businesses, government agencies, foundations, associations and others, was also a significant portion of this position.
Missouri Association of Community Task Forces
1992-94 Executive Director
As the first executive director of the association, responsibilities included development of the association in every area. Budget development, strategic planning, program design and implementation, public relations, marketing, board development, interagency interaction and fiscal management were included. Responsible for enhancing the visibility of the association at the national level.
Missouri School Boards Association
1991-92 Associate Executive Director
Oversight of the Education Services and Communications Departments, marketing, program development and research activities were primary responsibilities of the position. Program development, including the innovative Certified Board Member program, and the marketing of special projects were particularly emphasized.
Charter Hospital of Columbia
1990-91 Adolescent Program Director
Staff development, oversight and development of the Adolescent Treatment
Program, public education, and marketing were primary responsibilities.
Developing a strategy for parental participation and support was emphasized.
1988-91 Director of Education
Responsibilities included oversight and development of the Charter Hospital patient education program, oversight and development of psycho educational testing, home school liaison, development and implementation of student assistance programming.
High School Teacher
1985-1988 Rock Bridge High School
Duties included teaching World History, World History Honors, and American History and coaching soccer.
Awards and Honors
Named to the Missouri State Advisory Council on Drug and Alcohol Abuse, a Governor-appointed position that extended for a three-year term, 1993-96. Through this group, policy and program assistance is provided the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse.
1987, Earned the Outstanding Young Professional Educator Award, presented by the College of Education, University of Missouri-Columbia.
1986, Earned the Outstanding Beginning Teacher Award in the Columbia Public Schools.
Dean's Honor List, University of Missouri, 4.0 GPA
Kappa Delta Pi, Educational Honor Society
1987, Earned the Outstanding Young Professional Educator Award, presented by the College of Education, University of Missouri-Columbia.
1986, Earned the Outstanding Beginning Teacher Award in the Columbia Public Schools.
Dean's Honor List, University of Missouri, 4.0 GPA
Kappa Delta Pi, Educational Honor Society
Additional Information
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
As director of the Heart of Missouri RPDC, current activities include developing and presenting professional development opportunities in Missouri school districts. These are centered on implementing effective instructional strategies; developing leadership skills in educators; the fundamentals of assessment and performance assessment as they are applied in public schools; strategic planning for school districts; and other professional development needs of school districts. Much emphasis is placed on practical strategies that educators can use to improve the education systems they have in place. Working with state and local policy-makers to create effective educational structures and programs has been a hallmark of this work, and many new concepts and ideas have been implemented as a result. Key accomplishments of the last three years include the presentation of three statewide conferences (totaling over 2,500 participants); statewide leadership in the creation of a professional development schools network; and the creation of number of curriculum and assessment institutes for Missouri educators.As the first employee of the Association of Community Task forces, established the association as a primary support for community coalitions in Missouri that are combating alcohol and other drug abuse. Support activities that were developed include technical assistance, information sharing, networking, advocacy, education and training and communication technology implementation. This involved developing and maintaining close working relationships with leaders in the prevention field, including the Director of the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Executive Directors of other state-wide not-for-profit organizations, Directors of state and national prevention agencies, Directors of foundations that focus on prevention and CEOs and staff of interested business firms. The budget was doubled in the first six months and doubled again in the second year. Marketing the association was a primary focus of the first two years. These efforts resulted in a membership of 146 community coalitions and the presentation of a national award for effectiveness in building healthy communities.
Organized and coordinated a live and interactive teleconference for communities featuring the 1992 Missouri gubernatorial candidates. This provided for many their first opportunity to communicate directly with candidates for governor and determine the candidates' support of critical community issues. A collaborative partnership of nine statewide associations was formed to develop and implement this project, which was broadcast to 67 down link sites and aired nationally to 55 million households on C-SPAN. This project required extensive funding and other support from key foundations and businesses in the state. Successful partnerships were established with the CEO of Kansas City Power and Light, the vice-president of Boatman’s Bank of Missouri, a federal judge in Kansas City, the Executive Director of the Southwestern Bell Foundation, the Board of Directors of the Kansas City Municipal Foundation and Affiliated Trusts, the Executive Director of the Missouri Public Health Association, a Senior Project Analyst for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation as well as the leadership of the sponsoring groups.
Brought the Missouri Association of Community Task Forces (MoACT!) to national prominence by working to achieve recognition of the association as a national model for statewide substance abuse prevention organizations. This was accomplished with the announcement in 1993 by Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America that MoACT! Was its only choice for that honor.
Developed and implemented a twelve-month pilot project linking 23 Missouri communities via an interactive computer system. This project involved collaboration among five major organizations including Apple Computer, Inc., Join Together of Boston, the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, HandsNet of San Francisco and the Missouri Association of Community Task Forces. Close working relationships were developed with the directors and CEOs of these organizations.
Organized and implemented a statewide conference of community coalitions designed to enhance the effectiveness of those groups. A partnership among seven organizations was developed to accomplish this conference. 459 participants from 102 community coalitions attended the conference and were presented information from national and state leaders in community development and prevention. Notable speakers included the Lieutenant Governor, the National Director of Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, the Executive Director of the LIFE Institute and researchers from three universities.
Assisted the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse in developing a long-range strategic plan. Consulting on the planning model and implementation of the process were primary responsibilities. This required an effective working relationship with the Director of the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse (ADA), ADA staff, and the Director of the Training Institute for Excellence.
As a consultant for the Center for Educational Assessment, traveled to local school districts to assist them in the implementation of the Missouri Mastery and Achievement Test. This included conducting local district workshops on the mechanics of the test and proper use of score reports as well as extensive meetings with school superintendents, assistant superintendents, principals, and assessment coordinators in local school districts.
Currently serving as consultant to the Missouri School Boards Association, providing technical assistance to local school boards in the areas of self-evaluation, team-building, and strategic planning.
Expanded and implemented the Certified Board Member (CBM) program for local school board members in Missouri. The CBM program is one of five similar training programs for board members in the United States. Developed the CBM Examination, a unique and effective process used to determine certification. Much work was accomplished with a coordinated gathering of input from school board leaders.
Developed and implemented the Comprehensive Assistance Program for Students (CAPS) in Missouri schools. This program provides structure and training for school staff to identify at-risk students and intervene for them. This model has been adopted by many schools in Missouri for implementation. In addition, the Comprehensive Assistance Program for Students Resource Manual was developed for use by the participating schools.
Developed and implemented a collaborative process by which students who were entering an extended stay treatment program for emotional stress and substance abuse problems could maintain their educational programs. This involved working with classroom teachers, counselors, and administrators, as well as parents, from local school districts to set a common agenda for the student in treatment and effective transition of students back into school environments.
Presentations
Presented workshops, seminars, and papers to various groups, including:
American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education Annual Conference, "Restructuring of the MU Teacher Preparation Program"American Association of University Administrators Fifth International Conference, Nice, France, "Developing University/School Partnerships"
National School Conference Institute (3 successive years), “Effective Professional Development Models”
National Association of Partners in Education, "State-wide Community Partnerships: It Takes a Village to Raise a Child"
The Learning Exchange, Kansas City, Missouri, "Community Collaboration: the Role of the Leader"
Missouri School Counselors Association, "Building Effective Community Coalitions: A State-Wide Model", "Treatment Issues Involving Adolescents"
Missouri State Medical Society Auxiliary, "Raising Drug-Free Kids"
Missouri State Teachers Association, "Sex, Drugs & Rock and Roll"
Missouri Students At-Risk Conference, "Establishing At-Risk Program Policy", "Using Technology to Identify At-Risk Students"
Missouri School Boards Association, "At-Risk Students: Identifying the Problem", "Performance Assessment: investigating a new paradigm"
Northwest Missouri School Nurses Association, "Enabling and the Denial System"
Northeast Missouri School Nurses Association, "How to Identify Potentially Suicidal Youth"
Over 250 seminars and workshops (averaging approximately 25 per year for the past 10 years) on various educational issues have been conducted for schools and school districts in Missouri. These include sessions on personal and professional leadership issues, performance assessment, curriculum design and implementation, effective classroom instructional strategies, strategic planning, substance abuse, suicide, and other issues.
Organized and presented the "Total Performance Clinic" for collegiate and high school coaches. This two-day conference featured sports experts who discussed the critical physical and emotional issues facing today's athletes. Presenters included physicians, psychologists, and a psychiatrist.
Taught graduate and undergraduate courses in Educational Psychology, Curriculum Leadership, and Human Learning at the University of Missouri and Lincoln University. Taught sessions on professional development and related issues as a part of the ELPA Educational Specialist program.
Assisted in the development of the Missouri Pre-Professional Teacher Interview. This structured interview process was designed to be used in Missouri teacher preparation programs as an admission decision tool. This was accomplished through much work with the Associate Dean of the MU College of Education, the vice-president of Selection Research, Inc., and faculty representatives from other colleges and universities.
Assisted in item development and analysis for the Missouri Mastery and Achievement Test and the College Basic Academic Skills Examination. Individual item writing and analysis as well as group assessment work were accomplished.
Served on the Staff Development Advisory Council for the Columbia Public Schools. Duties included development of policy and direction for the Staff Development Office.
Served as a charter member of the Effective Instruction Cadre for the Columbia Public Schools. This group assists teachers and other staff in the district in improving the quality of teacher-led instruction in school classrooms.
Research Grants
Successful Grant and Project Funding
Wrote and received a series of Professional Development Grants to fund the Heart of Missouri Regional Professional Development Center (RPDC) and related work. These grants have totaled over $7,500,000 from 1994-2009.Worked with a group of MU faculty and partner school faculty to secure and implement a multi-year Goals 2000 grant to improve the quality of MU principal preparation programs. The funding has totaled over $750,000 from 1997-2001.
Worked with a group of Missouri educators to secure a five-year US Department of Education Technology Challenge Grant that totals over $1,900,000 in funding revenues. This grant, titled “Project Whistlestop”, links four school districts and the Harry S. Truman Library to build project-based learning strategies around the original sources located in the Truman Library. (Listed as having written 40% of that grant.)
Served as a primary organizer and writer with a consortium of four middle schools in developing the TLC-TEAMS project. This project was funding by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for two years for over $315,000. The grant provided technology and technology training for school teams to implement project-based learning in the participating schools.
Negotiated and received a series of operational and service contracts with the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse for the Missouri Association of Community Task Forces. Over a two-year period these contracts totaled $625,000 ($75,000, $150,000, $400,000). Requested and received grant funding from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation for this work in two consecutive years. These grants, $43,000 and $112,000, were to provide technical assistance and training for community coalitions.
Directed fund raising efforts for the 1992 Community Issues Forum, a live and interactive teleconference featuring Missouri's gubernatorial candidates. Over $18,000 in funding for this project was received from the Southwestern Bell Foundation, Boatmen's Bank of Missouri, the Missouri Advisory Council for Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Kansas City Power and Light, the Missouri School Boards Association, and the Missouri Public Health Association.
Requested and received grant funding for state-wide conferences from the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Over a two-year period these grants
totaled $70,000.
Received grant funding for a one-year pilot project that electronically linked 23 Missouri communities. Direct funding, in-kind donations, and technical Assistance, totaling more than $150,000, was provided by the project sponsors: Apple Computer, Inc., Join Together (Boston), HandsNet (San Francisco), and the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse.