2021 - 2022 Professional Development

NJAIS offers many different Professional Development opportunities for faculty, administrators, and Trustees.  We aim to be relevant and responsive, and welcome your ideas and participation in these workshops and conferences.

 

NJAIS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS AND CONFERENCES

EVENT CALENDAR for 2021 - 2022

We will be adding to and updating these offerings frequently.  Please check back for the latest professional growth offerings.

Contact Rachel Folan, rfolan@njais.org, with any questions, suggestions, or partnership ideas.

 

These workshops have been developed for the use of NJAIS members only and are not to be downloaded, copied, used, or distributed without permission.

 

Monday, November 29, 2021:
EARLY CAREER TEACHER PROGRAM: COMMUNICATION: HOW TO TALK TO TODAY'S INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PEOPLE

     For: Independent School Associate Teachers, Assistant Teachers, Teaching Fellows, and Early Career Teachers
 

  IN THIS SESSION, PARTICIPANTS WILL GAIN INSIGHTS AND STRATEGIES TO ENGAGE THE FULL RANGE OF PARENTS IN ORDER TO TRUTHFULLY COMMENT ON STUDENT PROGRESS. THIS WILL ALSO INCLUDE NAVIGATING DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS THAT CAN ARISE WITHIN SCHOOLS, BETWEEN VARIOUS CONSTITUENTS.

Tuesday, December 7, 2021; 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
BUILDING A STRONGER BOARD & SCHOOL: UNPACKING THE WORK OF THE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

     Target Audience: Board Members & Heads of School
 

  whether you are new to your governance committee, an experienced hand, or just keen on school governance, it's important to periodically review the core responsibilities of this essential board committee. we'll discuss the governance committee's charter and duties and unpack each one with practical examples and tips informed by best practices, research and one school's experience. this virtual session will be interactive so that we can learn from one another.
 

 

Thursday, December 9, 2021; 2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
EDUCATOR BURNOUT & STRESS REDUCTION 

     Presented by: Child Mind Institute
 

  Presented by a child mind institute clinician, this session description is in progress. 

**THIS SESSION IS PART OF healthy and well school communities subscription series.** 

Learn More and Register Here:
https://www.njais.org/cf_forms/view.cfm?formID=511

 

Tuesday, January 11, 2022; 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
GOOD TO GREAT: ACCESS, EQUITY, & INSTITUTIONAL TRANSFORMATION

Target Audience: Independent School Board Members, Heads of School, and School Leadership Teams

  educational institutions have legacies both to maintain and to create. In this session, former college president and interim chancellor barry mills will discuss the policies, practices, and partnerships that allowed him to transform one school's reputation from notable to exceptional and to dedicate himself to another by stabilizing the finances and securing a lasting campus for higher learning.

 

Wednesday, January 19, 2022; 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
THE NEWARK SCHOOL THAT COULD: 
$100 MILLION CAMPAIGN SUCCESS 
A six year rebranding, engagement, and media coverage process

Target Audience: Independent School Board Members, Heads of School, Advancement Professionals, and MarCom Professionals

  Many thought St. Benedict's prep, a catholic school run by the benedictine monks in central newark, closed its doors forever in 1972. despite enormous odds, st. Benedict's reopened with 90 students in 1973 with the radical idea of putting kids in charge of the school. it worked. today, st. benedict's serves 900+ students and is widely known as a beacon for urban education with features on "60 Minutes" and The New York Times. st. benedict's will soon announce the successful conclusion of a $100 million campaign forever benedict's, involving 10,000 donors and two key initiatives: funding to bolster the school's endowment and annual fund. advancement personnel planning ambitious fundraising campaigns won't want to miss this panel discussion for inspiration, as well as practical insights applicable to your own institution. session will cover: structuring the campaign for success, donor engagement, comprehensive communication strategies, lessons learned, and more.

 

Tuesday, January 25, 2022; 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
KNOWING THE WHOLE STUDENT

FACILITATED BY A CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST, THIS SESSION WILL EXPLORE THE ROLE DEIB PROGRAMS PLAY IN THE MENTAL HEALTH OF OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITIES, NAMELY HOW ISSUES OF RACE AND CLASS AFFECT STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH. THE SESSION WILL ASK PARTICIPANTS TO CONSIDER BEST PRACTICES FOR PROMOTING EMOTIONAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING FOR ALL STUDENTS IN THE CONTEXT OF MOUNTING SOCIAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, AND ECONOMIC PRESSURES ON YOUTH, FAMILIES, AND COMMUNITIES. IT WILL SUPPORT LEARNING ABOUT HOW OUR SCHOOLS CAN KNOW AND SUPPORT "THE WHOLE STUDENT," WITH SPECIAL ATTENTION TO SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUES THAT MAY AFFECT LOW-INCOME STUDENTS, STUDENTS OF COLOR -- AND THOSE OCCUPYING BOTH IDENTITIES -- WHO ARE ATTENDING AFFLUENT, WHITE-MAJORITY SCHOOLS. ADDITIONALLY, PARTICIPANTS WILL CHALLENGE ASSUMPTIONS, LEARN WHAT HAS WORKED, AND SHARE OBSERVATIONS FROM OUR OWN SCHOOLS. THIS INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE WILL INSPIRE PARTICIPANTS TO WORK TOGETHER TO IMPROVE OUR SERVICES AND SYSTEMS SO STUDENTS FROM ALL BACKGROUNDS CAN LEARN AND THRIVE IN OUR SCHOOLS.

**THIS SESSION IS PART OF THE HEALTHY AND WELL SCHOOL COMMUNITIES SERIES.**

Learn More and Register Here:
https://www.njais.org/cf_forms/view.cfm?formID=511

 

Tuesday, January 25, 2022; 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
LEARN WELL, LIVE WELL, LEAD WELL: A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO HEALTH & WELLNESS

Learn Well, Live Well, Lead Well is a comprehensive grade 3-12 integrated, interdisciplinary curriculum at Holton Arms School.  The curriculum directly addresses the school-wide goals and competencies that embrace Holton’s institutional priorities of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Health and Wellbeing, and Global Education.  This session will provide an overview of Learn Well, Live Well, Lead Well and considerations for curriculum design and implementation efforts, with ample time for questions and discussion.

Learn More and Register Here:
https://www.njais.org/cf_forms/view.cfm?formID=511

 

 

Tuesday, January 25, 2022; 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
RECRUITING FOR BOARD DIVERSITY WORKSHOP

Target Audience: Independent School Board Members and Heads of School

ensuring the strength and health of an independent school board is one of the most important areas of focus for school leaders; without engaged board members who can think strategically and work collaboratively, boards can struggle to be effective. furthermore, we know that diverse groups make better decisions than groups composed of members with similar perspectives. yet many boards find it difficult to identify and recruit board members who bring a diversity of perspective. often, this is because they are not following a process that clearly identifies who they have, who they need, and who they want. an objective recruitment strategy minimizes bias and helps board members think beyond parents for potential board candidates. in this workshop, consultant brooke carroll of acies strategies presents a recruitment process that has supported many schools in expanding and diversifying their boards. it includes steps for identifying the characteristics, skills, and perspectives needed as well as suggesions for where to find and how to recruit prospective board members. participants will leave this workshop with a framework that they can implement immediately for enhancing their board recruitment process.

Wednesday, January 26, 2022; 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
HUMAN CONNECTION IN AN EDUCATIONAL CONTEXT

Many of us chose the path to teach because we thrive from the human connection that occurs in a classroom. However, with this pandemic, connection has taken a hit.  Educators are often the first line of defense for their students’ mental, social, and emotional care. This interactive workshop will help to answer the question: How can we continue to build community and authentic connection in any classroom environment? Educators will learn the effects of stress and the importance of our stories as a way to build connection in the classroom. We will explore and practice six mindful strategies to incorporate in your classroom that will promote wellness. Using five common questions, we will actively reflect on the strategies implemented. Come prepared to center yourself and have your crayons/colored pencils ready to join in on the fun. Each technique, brain break, and tool provided will enhance connection and help you to meet the needs of your students and yourself.

Learn More and Register Here:
https://www.njais.org/cf_forms/view.cfm?formID=511

 

Wednesday, February 2, 2022; 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
DEVELOPING A TRAUMA-SENSITIVE CLASSROOM: WHO CARES?

Regardless of socio-economic status, race, or geographical location, trauma does not discriminate. Because trauma is so prevalent in homes and communities in every corner of the world, educators must assume that we will face the impacts of trauma in our classrooms. This session seeks to provide an introductory framework for understanding sources of trauma, realizing the impact of trauma on the brain and learning, identifying trauma in the classroom, and building resilience among students, all in an effort to foster a warm and nurturing trauma-sensitive classroom that can support emotional growth and wellness.

Learn More and Register Here:
https://www.njais.org/cf_forms/view.cfm?formID=511

 

Thursday, February 3, 2022; 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
HEAD OF SCHOOL AND BOARD ANNUAL EVALUATIONS

Target Audience: Independent School Boards of Trustees and Heads of School

annual head and annual board evaluation are two crucial functions of governing boards. head evaluation should be spearheaded by the head support committee and board evaluation by the committee on trustees. to undertake these functions carefully and thoughtfully requires thinking through the protocols. who should be involved? what are the real goals? which procedures are healthy and which ones are potentially unhealthy or possibly dangerous? this session will explore the patterns schools are using now for both head and board evaluation and offer suggestions of best practice leading to outcomes that are helpful, fair, honest, and safe.

 

Tuesday, February 8, 2022; 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
THE ECONOMICS OF A SMALL LIBERAL ARTS INSTITUTION

Target Audience: Board Members, Heads of School, and School Leadership Teams 

Tuesday, February 15, 2022; 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
RECONNECTING TO OUR "WHY"

EDUCATORS HAVE UNIQUE AND POWERFUL "WHY" THAT ANIMATES THEIR WORK. BUT MOST TEACHERS STRUGGLE TO EXPLAIN THEIR PURPOSE IN CLEAR WORDS AND STORIES. THE DISRUPTIONS OF THE LAST 18 MONTHS HAVE CAUSED US TO LOSE CONNECTION TO OURSELVES AND OTHERS. WE'VE BEEN COVERED IN DUST. IN THIS WORKSHOP, WE WILL ENGAGE IN A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES TO EXPLORE OUR GIFTS, SHARE STORIES WITH OTHER INSPIRING EDUCATORS, AND MAP OUT OUR "WHY" VIA A PERSONAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE YEAR AHEAD.

**THIS SESSION IS PART OF THE HEALTHY AND WELL SCHOOL COMMUNITIES SERIES.**

Learn More and Register Here:
https://www.njais.org/cf_forms/view.cfm?formID=511

 

Tuesday, February 15, 2022; 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
SUPPORT, CONNECTION, & MEANING: SURVIVING AS A SCHOOL LEADER IN AN EXTENDED COLLECTIVE CRISIS

SCHOOL MANAGEMENT IN 2020-21 RELIED ON THE STRONG EMOTIONAL CONNECTIONS THAT SUSTAINED OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITIES DURING AN ACUTE COLLECTIVE CRISIS. ("WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.") NOW THAT WE ARE FULLY BACK ON CAMPUS, EFFECTIVE SCHOOL LEADERSHIP REQUIRES RECOGNIZING THE IMPACT OF TRAUMA AND LOSS, BUILDING STRONGER CONNECTIONS, AND SUPPORTING FACULTY-STAFF WHILE WE ALL RECOVER AND REGROUP, KNOWING THAT THE COVID-19, RACIAL JUSTICE, AND ECONOMIC CRISES ARE NOT FULLY BEHIND US. WHILE TENDING TO FACULTY-STAFF WHO CONTINUE TO STRUGGLE WITH ANXIETY, FATIGUE, AND COMPLEX PERSONAL OBLIGATIONS AND CIRCUMSTANCES, YOU LIKELY HAVE NO ROOM TO CONSIDER YOUR OWN NEEDS, EITHER. JOIN US FOR GUIDANCE AND CONVERSATION ABOUT HOW YOU CAN MAINTAIN MORALE, PREVENT BURNOUT (FOR YOURSELF AS WELL AS OTHERS), AND CONTINUE TO FOSTER STRONG RELATIONSHIPS, PROFESSIONAL GROWTH, AND WELL-BEING FOR YOUR COLLEAGUES -- AND YOURSELF.

**THIS SESSION IS PART OF THE HEALTHY AND WELL SCHOOL COMMUNITIES SERIES.**

Learn More and Register Here:
https://www.njais.org/cf_forms/view.cfm?formID=511

 

Wednesday, February 16, 2022; 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
WHAT ARE THE BOUNDARIES OF THE SCHOOLHOUSE GATE IN TODAY'S VIRTUAL WORLD?

Target Audience: Independent School Board Members, Heads of School, and School Leadership Teams

given the prevalent use of social media sites by faculty and students, the authority of independent schools over such activities has become blurred and complicated. today, school officials not only have to concern themselves with pupil and faculty conduct on school grounds, but they must also worry about the impact that off-school campus conduct has on the reputation of the school and the potentially negative impact that it has on its own population. the session will explore the rights and responsibilities of independent schools to address such off-campus conduct and to help more clearly define the boundaries of the schoolhouse gate.

 

Thursday, February 17, 2022; 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
MEET THE PARENTS: UNDERSTANDING & CONNECTING WITH THE "OTHER" ADULTS IN YOUR STUDENTS' LIVES

WHETHER OR NOT YOU WERE EXPECTING THEM, HERE THEY ARE: AT BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT, PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES, ON YOUR PLAYING FIELDS, AND IN YOUR OFFICES. THIS WORKSHOP WILL HIGHLIGHT COMMON DILEMMAS TEACHERS, COUNSELORS, COACHES, AND ADMINISTRATORS ENCOUNTER WITH STUDENTS' PARENTS; SHED LIGHT ON THE PRACTICAL AND EMOTIONAL CHALLENGES IN CONTEMPORY FAMILIES' PRIVATE LIVES; PROVIDE TIPS AND STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING DIFFICULT PARENT CONVERSATIONS; AND EXPLAIN WHY (AND HOW) YOU SHOULD DEVELOP COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS WITH PARENTS IN ORDER TO SERVE YOUR STUDENTS MOST EFFECTIVELY.

**THIS SESSION IS PART OF THE HEALTHY AND WELL SCHOOL COMMUNITIES SERIES.**

Learn More and Register Here:
https://www.njais.org/cf_forms/view.cfm?formID=511

 

Wednesday, February 23, 2022; 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
CYBERCRIME AND THE LATEST THREATS

Target Audience: Board Members, Heads of School, Finance Officers, and Technology Coordinators

 

 

Tuesday, March 1, 2022; 5:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
ADVANCED TRUSTEESHIP

Target Audience: Independent School Board Members with more than three years of experience

 this session will briefly review the responsibilities of trustees to effectively address the fiduciary and strategic levels of governance. discussion will focus primarily on the generative level of a trustee's role. examples of generative thinking will be examined and contrasted to different problem-solving strategies and perspectives. how to create a productive agenda, and how to use your committee structure efficiently and wisely will also be examined.

Completed Programs

 

Wednesday, November 17, 2021:
YOUTH VOICE AND CLIMATE JUSTICE ACTIVISM THROUGH THE LENS OF EXISTENTIAL ANXIETY AND INTERSECTIONALITY

   For: All Educators 
 

IN THIS SESSION, RESOURCES WILL BE SHARED TO COUNTER THE EXISTENTIAL ANXIETY AND ECO-DESPAIR MANY EXPERIENCE AND WAYS OF EXPLORING IDEAS AROUND SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION, AND THE INTERSECTIONALITY OF UNDERLYING SYSTEMS OF DISCRIMINATION AND PRIVELEGE VIS-A-VIS CLIMATE CHANGE. 

 

Sunday, November 14, 2021:
TRUSTEE ENRICHMENT DAY

For: Boards of Trustees, Heads of School, Finance Officers, and School Leadership Teams
 

NJAIS' ANNUAL TRUSTEE ENRICHMENT DAY IS A BENCHMARK EVENT FOR NEW AND EXPERIENCED TRUSTEES. THIS IS A VALUABLE OPPORTUNITY FOR ADMINISTRATORS AND TRUSTEES ALIKE TO EXPERIENCE A BROAD RANGE OF SPEAKERS AND WORKSHOPS TO SUPPORT STRONG GOVERNANCE OF OUR SCHOOLS.

 

Sunday, November 14, 2021:
LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
BUILDING  BLOCK II: SERVE

For: 2021 - 2022 Leadership Institute Cohort
 

ThIS SESSION OF THE 2021-2022 LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE WILL EXPLORE THE ROLE OF GOVERNANCE IN SCHOOLS, EXAMINING THE QUESTION, "WHAT IS A TRUSTEE AND HOW DO TRUSTEES SERVE OUR SCHOOLS?".

 

Wednesday, November 3, 2021:
A SOLUTIONS-ORIENTED FRAMEWORK TO TACKLE REAL LIFE CLIMATE CHANGE LESSON EXAMPLES FOR TEACHERS

For: All Educators
 

THIS SESSION IS A FOLLOW-UP TO THE SERIES OPENING SESSION, WHY HOPE IS VITAL FOR ENGAGEMENT WITH CLIMATE CHANGE AND HIGH PRIORITY SOCIETAL ISSUES, AND THE INSTRUCTIONAL FRAMEWORK DR. KELSEY OUTLINES IN THAT PRESENTATION. THIS WILL EXPAND ON HER FRAMEWORK AND GIVE TEACHERS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE ANY OF THE PRACTICES THEY HAVE EXECUTED IN THEIR CLASSROOMS IN ORDER TO GAIN INSIGHT AND FEEDBACK FOR FUTURE LESSONS.   
**THIS SESSION IS PART OF CLIMATE AWARE AND ACTIVE SCHOOLS SUBSCRIPTION SERIES**

Thursday, October 28, 2021:
ADMISSIONS OFFICERS WORKSHOP

  For: All Admissions Professionals  

   

This ANNUAL MEETING SERVES TO SUPPORT THE COLLEGIALITY AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH OF ADMISSIONS PROFESSIONALS.

 

Wednesday, October 27, 2021:
FINANCE OFFICERS WORKSHOP

For: CFOs, Business Managers, HR Directors, and all Finance and Operations Professionals     

   
This ANNUAL MEETING SERVES TO SUPPORT THE COLLEGIALITY AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH OF FINANCE PROFESSIONALS.

 

Wednesday, October 27, 2021:
AVOIDING THE RABBIT HOLE: TEACHING CONCEPTS OF CONSPIRATORIAL THINKING 

For: All Educators

CONSPIRACY THEORIES ARE BECOMING PART OF MAINSTREAM DISCOURSE AND PUBLIC AWARENESS. FROM QANON TO PANDEMIC-RELATED BELIEFS TO OLDER IDEAS SUCH AS THE EARTH IS FLAT, WE ARE FINDING THAT MORE AND MORE OF OUR FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND LOVED ONES BELIEVE AT LEAST ONE CONSPIRACY THEORY. HOW DO WE TEACH STUDENTS TO AVOID CONSPIRACY THEORIES WITHOUT ACTUALLY TEACHING THEM THE SPECIFICS OF SUCH FALSE BELIEFS? THIS SESSION EXPLORES THE PSYCHOLOGICAL AND COGNITIVE FACTORS BEHIND CONSPIRATORIAL THINKING, INCLUDING THE ROLE OF FEARS AND ANXIETY, COGNITIVE DISSONANCE AND BIASES, MOTIVATED REASONING AND INSTITUTIONAL CYNICISM. WE WILL DISCUSS THE WAYS IN WHICH CONSPIRACY THEORIES EXPLOIT OUR EMOTIONS AS WELL AS FILL OUR EMOTIONAL NEEDS. AS PART OF THIS SESSION, WE WILL OUTLINE ESSENTIAL LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND CONCEPTS AND PROVIDE INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES FOR INTEGRATING THESE CONCEPTS INTO THE CURRICULUM, INCLUDING OUR FREE, INTERACTIVE LESSON WHICH IS PART OF THE Checkology® VIRTUAL CLASSROOM.

 

Tuesday, October 26, 2021:
CLIMATE CHANGE RESOURCES CENTER: OVERVIEW OF TOOLS AND SUPPORTS FOR YOUR CLASSROOM AND CURRICULUM

For: All Educators

NEW JERSEY IS THE FIRST STATE IN THE NATION TO REQUIRE CLIMATE CHANGE INCORPORATION INTO LEARNING STANDARDS. THOUGH INDEPENDENT SCHOOL CURRICULUM IS NOT REQUIRED TO ADHERE TO THESE STANDARDS, THEY SET A PRECEDENT FOR LEARNING AND THE IMPORTANCE OF CLIMATE-AWARE STUDENTS AND CLASSROOMS. IN THIS SESSION, PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN TO NAVIGATE THE NJ CLIMATE CHANGE RESOURCE CENTER IN ORDER TO EXTRACT TOOLS AND LEARNING STRATEGIES. ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS SESSION IS HOW THESE STANDARDS MIGHT EVOLVE AND HOW THEY ARE BEING INTEGRATED ACROSS SEVEN CONTENT AREAS (VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS; CAREER READINESS/LIFE LITERACIES AND KEY SKILLS; SCIENCE; SOCIAL STUDIES; WORLD LANGUAGES; COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH AND PHYSICAL ED; COMPUTER SCIENCE AND DESIGN THINKING). 
**THIS SESSION IS PART OF CLIMATE AWARE AND ACTIVE SCHOOLS SUBSCRIPTION SERIES**  

 

Tuesday, October 26, 2021:
ADVANCEMENT OFFICERS WORKSHOP

For: Directors of Development and All Advancement Professionals

THIS ANNUAL MEETING SERVES TO SUPPORT THE COLLEGIALITY AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH OF DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONAL. 

 

Monday, October 25, 2021:
EARLY CAREER TEACHER PROGRAM:
SCHOOL CLIMATE AND CULTURE

For: Independent School Associate Teachers, Assistant Teachers, Teaching Fellows, and Early Career Teachers

THE CLIMATE AND CULTURE OF A SCHOOL GUIDES THE LEARNING AND INSTRUCTIONAL ENVIRONMENT. THIS SESSION WILL EXPLORE SCHOOL CLIMATE AND HOW IT AFFECTS LEARNING AND THE LEARNER. HOW MIGHT YOU BETTER UNDERSTAND YOUR SCHOOL'S CLIMATE? HOW MIGHT YOU EMBOLDEN IT TO BEST SERVE YOUR STUDENTS?

 

Thursday, October 21, 2021:
SOLUTIONS: CUTTING EMISSIONS AND PROTECTING NATURE 

For: All Educators

IT IS NOT INEVITABLE THAT THE WORST ASPECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE MUST HAPPEN. WE KNOW HOW TO PREVENT A DANGEROUS FUTURE AND THERE ARE EARLY SIGNS OF SUCCESS. BUT WE ARE STILL FAR FROM WHERE WE NEED TO BE IF WE WANT TO LEAVE THE NEXT GENERATION A WORLD WHERE THEY CAN THRIVE. JOIN US FOR A DISCUSSION ABOUT THE TRANSFORMATIONAL ACTIONS THAT ARE NEEDED TO STOP CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE DESTRUCTION OF NATURE.       

 

Wednesday, October 20, 2021:
LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
BUILDING BLOCK I: EXPLORE

For: 2021 - 2022 Leadership Institute Cohort

THIS OPENING SESSION OF THE 2021-2022 LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE COHORT WILL BEGIN ITS COLLABORATIVE JOURNEY, ORIENT PERSONAL LEADERSHIP STYLES, AND DIVE INTO THE LANDSCAPE OF SCHOOL LEADERSHIP.

 

Thursday, October 14, 2021:
CLIMATE CHANGE: IMPACTS AND IMPLICATIONS

For: All Educators

          researchers tell us that is global warming continues, large parts of the tropics and mid-latitudes will become unlivable, potentially displacing one-third of humanity within only 50 years. this has political implications that have already been set in motion. join us for a discussion of global security, food and water shortages, extreme weather events, and the growth of intense heat. 
** THIS SESSION IS PART OF CLIMATE AWARE AND ACTIVE SCHOOLS SUBSCRIPTION SERIES**

 

Wednesday, October 13, 2021:
UNDERSTANDING BIAS - A NUANCED APPROACH TO A VITAL NEWS LITERACY TOPIC

For: All Educators

  PEOPLE FREQUENTLY PERCEIVE AND ALLEGE BIAS IN NEWS COVERAGE, BUT WHAT DOES THIS REALLY MEAN? WHAT MAKES A PIECE OF NEWS BIASED, AND WHO DECIDES? WHAT ROLE DO OUR OWN BIASES PLAY IN OUR PERCEPTIONS OF BIAS? IN THIS SESSION WE'LL HELP YOU TEACH THIS VITAL, CONTROVERSIAL, COMPLEX TOPIC IN WAYS THAT EMPOWER STUDENTS TO MEANINGFULLY EVALUATE THE FAIRNESS AND IMPARTIALITY OF NEWS COVERAGE.

 

Wednesday, October 5, 2021:
CLIMATE CHANGE BASICS: WHAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW

For: All Educators

HOW DO COVID-19, THE JET STREAM, AND WHAT YOU EAT ADD UP TO A PLANET-WIDE EMERGENCY? IN THIS EVENT WE WILL LEARN ABOUT "EARTH SYSTEMS" AND THE IMPORTANT CONNECTIONS BETWEEN YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE CHOICES AND THE FUTURE EARTH WE ARE LEAVING FOR OUR CHILDREN. WE WILL DISCUSS THE BASICS OF CLIMATE CHANGE INCLUDING GREENHOUSE GASES, CIRCULATION IN THE ATMOSPHERE AND OCEAN, GLACIERS, AND RAINFORESTS, AND PAST CLIMATES.   
** THIS SESSION IS PART OF CLIMATE AWARE AND ACTIVE SCHOOLS SUBSCRIPTION SERIES**  

 

Thursday, September 30, 2021:
WHY HOPE IS VITAL FOR ENGAGEMENT WITH CLIMATE CHANGE AND HIGH PRIORITY SOCIAL ISSUES

For: All Educators 

 

  MANY STUDENTS AND FACULTY ARE FEELING OVERWHELMED, DEMORALIZED, AND HOPELESS IN THE FACE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, CLIMATE CHANGE, SOCIAL INJUSTICE AND INEQUITY, WILDFIRES, AND A HOST OF OTHER CRITICAL ISSUES. DR. ELIN KELSEY WILL WORK TO EXPLORE HOW TO BRING A SOLUTIONS ORIENTATION TO TEACHING ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE, AND OTHER CRITICAL ISSUES. SHE WILL DISCUSS THE RISE OF ECO-ANXIETY AND HEADLINE STRESS DISORDER, AND THE HEALTH AND EMOTIONAL WELLBEING IMPLICATIONS OF THE "DOOM AND GLOOM" NARRATIVE THAT IS PERPERUATED BY THE 24/7 MEDIA CYCLE.
**THIS SESSION IS PART OF CLIMATE AWARE AND ACTIVE SCHOOLS SUBSCRIPTION SERIES**
 

Wednesday, September 29, 2021:
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE 'NEWS LITERATE' - AN
INTRODUCTION TO NEWS LITERACY EDUCATION

For: All Educators

          This SESSION WILL PROVIDE AN OVERVIEW OF THE NEWS LITERACY CONCEPTS AND SKILLS THAT STUDENTS NEED TO BE RELIABLY INFORMED, SUCH AS RECOGNIZING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NEWS AND OPINION, IDENTIFYING MISINFORMATION, EVALUATING EVIDENCE, USING FACT-CHECKING AND DIGITAL VERIFICATION TOOLS, AND DISCERNING VARIOUS TYPES AND FORMS OF BIAS.

 

Monday, September 27, 2021:
EARLY CAREER TEACHER PROGRAM:
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS 101 AND MENTOR TEACHER GUIDANCE

For: Independent School Associate Teachers, Assistant Teachers, Teaching Fellows, and Early Career Teachers

This opening session will provide participants with an understanding of the independent school landscape.  What is an independent school?  What is a mission statement?  Why is it imperative that the actions within the school reflect the mission?  What is the role of the teacher in an independent school?

 

Sunday, September 12, 2021:
TRUSTEE 101

For: Newly Appointed Board of Trustee Members of Independent Schools or those in their first or second year serving on the Board

This session is for Board of Trustee members in their first or second year of service on the Board, or for those who want a reminder of the principles of good governance.  You will be presented with an overview of the basic concepts and complexities of independent school governance.  Case studies provide an interactive session.

 

Tuesday, August 31, 2021:
CHASING CHILDHOOD
FILM SCREENING AND DISCUSSION

For: All Educators

 

 discussion facilitated by the film's directors and producers, margaret munzer loeb and eden wurmfeld chasing childhood is a feature documentary that takes us to three communities that are trying  to shift culture with the hope of raising kids to become competent, healthy, and happy adults. 
after an asynchronous screening of the film, join your colleagues from across the association for a robust discussion of what schools and school communities can do to support play, independence, and agency for students.

 

Wednesday, August 25, 2021:
PANEL PRESENTATION:
NAVIGATING PUSHBACK AGAINST YOUR SCHOOL'S DEIB COMMITMENTS

For: Heads of School, Board Members, and Communications Professionals

**THIS IS A MEMBER SCHOOL ONLY EVENT**

During this panel presentation, participants will hear from an attorney, a PR/Crisis professional, a DEIB practitioner, an HR professional, and a Head of School who navigated the conflict, press, and public harassment.  Following the guidance, lessons learned, and suggested considerations from the panelists, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and to discuss action plans with colleagues.

 

Monday, August 23, 2021:
THE INVISIBLE PLAYBOOK: 
HOW TO CREATE A CULTURE OF INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE

For: Athletic Directors, Athletic Coaches, and all other Athletic Professionals

 

This workshop serves to engage athletic professionals in purposeful reflection in order to inspire team cultures of inclusion and excellence. Through a focus on critically analyzing definitions, participants will gain an understanding of how such meanings shape individual views of the world.  As the session highlights common fears that may create barriers to engaging in antiracist actions, coaches and athletic professionals will learn how to have uncomfortable conversations about race, diversity, and themselves.  This experience will inspire participants to deeply examine how to be a change agent in a world of performative allyship.