Silver Creek’s Battleson earns educator award
Silver Creek’s Battleson earns educator award
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Rose Battleson, a Silver Creek Central School Instructional Coach, recently earned statewide recognition. Battleson, right, is pictured with Silver Creek Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston.
Silver Creek's Rose Battleson, left, and Dr. Katie Ralston, right, are pictured with Dr. Betty Rosa, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Education.
By BRADEN CARMEN
bcarmen@observertoday.com
SILVER CREEK -- Rose Battleson, an Instructional Coach at the Silver Creek Central School District, defined being a leader simply. She said, "Leadership is found in showing up, building authentic relationships, and investing in something greater than yourself."
Battleson has made a career out of just that, and now, she has earned statewide recognition for it.
The New York State Council of School Superintendents selected Battleson as the 2026 recipient of the Raymond R. Delaney Memorial Scholarship, an annual award since 1983 that rewards educators who have the potential to become great administrators.
Battleson brought her "incredible mentor," Silver Creek Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston, with her to accept the award at a statewide conference in Saratoga Springs.
"It was just an incredibly proud moment for our district to be recognized at the state level, and for Rose to be recognized in that capacity," Ralston said. She called it an honor to sit next to Battleson as she was presented with the award.
Ralston described Battleson's work ethic as "second to none," and stated that she approaches every responsibility with professionalism, integrity, and a relentless focus on continuous improvement. Ralston said that Battleson was unanimously selected for the award in one of the largest application pools in history. Battleson's application checked every box.
The committee said, "Rose's desire to make a difference in children's lives has grown into a commitment to strengthening the systems, relationships, and communities that support student success."
The scholarship is available to educators enrolled in educational leadership courses who also currently have leadership responsibilities within their district. To be selected for the scholarship, a candidate needs to show promise for continued success as a leader within their school, as well as a readiness to grow as an administrator and potential to serve as a superintendent in their career.
Battleson was moved to tears - on two separate occasions - when she spoke about what it meant to her to receive what she called such an "incredible honor." She called it "an investment in the leader I hope to one day become."
Battleson said she never set out to become a leader, but whenever she was presented with an opportunity, she always said yes. She sought avenues to learn, to serve, and to make a difference. As her responsibilities grew, her purpose never changed.
Battleson said of her role as a pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 Instructional Coach at Silver Creek, "When we invest in and grow the capacity of our educators, we multiply our impact on students."
Battleson said that students who do not yet know their own capabilities and educators that do not recognize the impact they can have on others are what motivates her to continue to grow as a leader.
"Be the person who notices. See them, encourage them, and open the door, because hearing that 'I see something in you' can change the trajectory of a life. I know because someone did it for me," Battleson said.