Navigating the Middle: Challenges and Opportunities for Mid-Career Leaders in Education

Mid-career educational leaders often find themselves at a pivotal juncture, not unlike the space between Hawkins and the Upside Down. Caught in the middle, they have developed significant expertise and credibility, but face new challenges and opportunities as they enter senior leadership roles. This panel brings together a representative group of mid-career leaders from instructional technology, libraries, and higher education who will reflect on and discuss opportunities for growth as they aspire to formal leadership roles. They will share how they stay innovative, avoid over-commitment, and sustain momentum while balancing professional and personal priorities.