2022 - 2023 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 2022 - 2023
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.
Thursday, November 17, 2022
TUITION SETTING IN AN INFLATIONARY MARKET
This session will provide considerations for your school's tuition-setting process for the 2023 - 2024 school year amid inflation, possible recession, and the “Great Resignation." Led by Jeff Shields, NBOA President and CEO (National Business Officers Association), the presentation will also provide fundamentals for Boards and Finance Committees as they embark on tuition setting in the current market.
For: Board Chairs, Heads of School, Finance Officers, and Finance Committee Chairs
Virtual Experience; 5:15 - 6:15 p.m.
Learn More and Register Here:
https://www.njais.org/cf_forms/view.cfm?formID=540
Wednesday, November 30, 2022; 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
EARLY CAREER TEACHER PROGRAM:
COMMUNICATION: HOW TO TALK TO TODAY’S INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PEOPLE
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.
This is a virtual, year long, cohort experience
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
UNDERSTANDING GENDER IDENTITY AND EXPANSIVENESS
This workshop will provide an introduction and in-depth exploration of topics related to gender diversity including understanding gender identity, terminology, and youth’s experiences with these topics. The session will address common myths related to gender-diverse youth and provides take-home steps for school personnel.
For: All Educators
**This is part of a whole-school subscription series.**
Virtual Experience; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Learn More and Register Here:
https://www.njais.org/cf_forms/view.cfm?formID=541
Wednesday, December 7, 2022; 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCING FEMALE LEADERSHIP IN INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
BLOCK II
For: Current and Aspiring Female Identifying Leaders
Description pending
**This is part of a year-long cohort experience.**
Virtual Experience
Thursday, December 8, 2022; 1:30 - 4:00 p.m.
TEACHING WHILE WHITE: UNDERSTANDING WHITENESS AND ITS IMPACT ON TEACHING AND LEARNING
Part 3A: From Ally to Accomplice — Strengthening Our Skills to Act Against Racial Injustice
For: Participants in TWW Parts 1 and 2
It’s not a question of if racism is operating, but when, and are you prepared to address it head-on, both individually and institutionally? Module three of this experience will build on the concepts from the first two modules: white racial identity development, challenging color-evasiveness and white silence, and identifying effective interpersonal interventions. As a next step in this progression, we will consider many of the systemic issues that become more visible as we hone our own strategies for reflection and resistance. We will refine our skills for disrupting racism and white dominant culture in schools. We will utilize tools to help anticipate moments where bias and racism may emerge so we can plan ahead and practice accordingly.
Virtual Experience - Not Recorded; 1:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Monday, December 12, 2022; 1:30 - 4:00 p.m.
TEACHING WHILE WHITE: UNDERSTANDING WHITENESS AND ITS IMPACT ON TEACHING AND LEARNING
Part 3B: From Ally to Accomplice — Strengthening Our Skills to Act Against Racial Injustice
For: Participants in the TWW series
This is a continuation of this series’ Part 3A
Virtual Experience - Not Recorded
Tuesday, December 13, 2022
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR KIDS WHO ARE QUESTIONING GENDER IDENTITY
*Please attend or view the recording of Understanding Gender Identity and Expansiveness prior to engaging in this session*
It’s common for kids to question their gender identity and sexual orientation, but the process can be confusing and scary. This session will outline guidelines and considerations for school personnel when students have questions or concerns about their gender identity or sexual orientation, while highlighting teacher specific support, how to work in partnership with parents, and in what ways questioning students may need adult advocacy.
For: All Educators
**This is part of a whole-school subscription series.**
Virtual Experience; 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Learn More and Register Here:
https://www.njais.org/cf_forms/view.cfm?formID=541
Thursday, January 12, 2023
GENDER 101: IDENTITY AND EXPRESSION
“As I looked at each facet of gender, I needed to fix it with a definition, just long enough for me to realize that each definition I came up with was entirely inadequate and needed to be abandoned in search of deeper meaning.”
Kate Bornstein, Gender Outlaw
Many independent schools have taken important steps to be more inclusive and supportive of their transgender and nonbinary students. This workshop will begin with some basic exercises to develop a common understanding and shared vocabulary around gender and sexuality. We will also review the primary issues facing transgender and nonbinary students in schools and discuss how to better support them.
For: All Educators
**This is part of a whole-school subscription series.**
Virtual Experience; 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Learn More and Register Here:
https://www.njais.org/cf_forms/view.cfm?formID=541
Wednesday, January 18, 2023; 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
TALK SAVES LIVES
For: All Educators
Talk Saves Lives is The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) education program that provides participants with a clear understanding of this leading cause of death, including the most up-to-date research on suicide prevention, and what they can do in their communities to save lives. Participants will learn common risk factors and warning signs associated with suicide.
Virtual Experience - 90 Minutes
Learn More and Register Here:
https://www.njais.org/cf_forms/view.cfm?formID=533
Saturday, January 21, 2023; 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
TRUSTEE ENRICHMENT DAY
For: Independent School Trustees, Heads of School, 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 for our schools.
Virtual Experience
Learn More and Register Here:
https://www.njais.org/cf_forms/view.cfm?formID=542
Wednesday, January 25, 2023; 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
EARLY CAREER TEACHER PROGRAM:
BUILDING A CULTURE OF BELONGING THROUGH ENGAGEMENT, CHOICE, AND RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
This session will provide a deep-dive into the social-emotional components of classrooms that are absolutely imperative for successful classroom cultures. The session will reinforce the power of relationships in knowledge acquisition and student success, while establishing reasonable expectations and moments of celebration for your students. Participants will also consider how they might increase engagement through novelty, choice, and harnessing empathy.
This is a virtual, year long, cohort experience
Thursday, January 26, 2023; 1:30 - 4:00 p.m.
INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCING FEMALE LEADERSHIP IN INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
BLOCK III
For: Current and Aspiring Female Identifying Leaders
Description pending
**This is part of a year-long cohort experience.**
Virtual Experience
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
WHEN THE ADULTS DON’T UNDERSTAND GENDER EXPANSIVENESS
For many of our students, gender expansiveness requires no thought or confusion. This is not true for the adult population who did not come of age during a time when pronouns were commonplace and gender fluidity welcome. This session will outline some of the reasons our students have an easier time understanding and accepting gender expansiveness and how adults - teachers and parents - can learn and grow in this area.
For: All Educators
**This is part of a whole-school subscription series.**
Virtual Experience; 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Learn More and Register Here:
https://www.njais.org/cf_forms/view.cfm?formID=541
Thursday and Friday, February 2 - 3, 2023
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS CONFERENCE
This two-day experience will bring together MarCom Professionals to collaborate, to learn, and to expand professional knowledge and networks.
For: All Marketing and Communications Professionals
The Peck School
Learn More and Register Here:
Form pending
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
SERVICE LEARNING AND GLOBAL STUDIES CONFERENCE
This experience will bring together Service Learning and Global Studies Professionals to collaborate, to learn, and to expand professional knowledge and networks.
For: Service Learning and Global Educators
Wardlaw + Hartridge School
Learn More and Register Here:
Form pending
**Snow date: Thursday, February 9**
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
NAVIGATING THE LEGAL ASPECTS OF GENDER INCLUSION
From communicating with parents to school trips and bathrooms and more, this session will provide legal guidelines and considerations for schools regarding gender inclusion and supporting all gender identities.
For: All Educators
**This is part of a whole-school subscription series.**
Virtual Experience; 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Learn More and Register Here:
https://www.njais.org/cf_forms/view.cfm?formID=541
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
EARLY CAREER TEACHER PROGRAM
CONTINUOUS GROWTH - MEANINGFUL FEEDBACK AND ASSESSMENTS
To teach effectively - and equitably - we must design assessments that reveal clearly where students are relative to the objectives they are working to master. Well-crafted assessments also allow teachers to offer helpful feedback and modify instruction to best effect. In this session, we will discuss the principles of effective assessments, distinguish useful feedback from harmful "feedbad," and share strategies to encourage students to take greater charge of their own learning.
This is a virtual, year long, cohort experience
Thursday, February 16, 2023
CASE STUDIES IN GENDER INCLUSION
*Please attend or view the recording of Gender 101 and Navigating the Legal Aspects of Gender Inclusion prior to engaging in this session*
“When someone with the authority of a teacher describes the world and you are not in it, there is a moment of psychic disequilibrium, as if you looked into a mirror and saw nothing.”
Adrienne Rich
Beginning where “Gender 101” ended, we will review basic vocabulary and the fundamental issues facing schools who are working to be more gender inclusive. We will explore these issues through several case studies.
For: All Educators
**This is part of a whole-school subscription series.**
Virtual Experience; 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Learn More and Register Here:
https://www.njais.org/cf_forms/view.cfm?formID=541
Wednesday, March 1, 2023; 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCING FEMALE LEADERSHIP IN INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
BLOCK IV
Description pending
**This is part of a year-long cohort experience.**
Virtual Experience
Monday and Tuesday, April 3 - 4, 2023
ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
This experience serves to support professional learning and camaraderie for the Academic Leaders in our schools.
For: Assistant Heads of School, Division Heads, Academic Deans, Deans of Faculty, Curriculum Coordinators, and all School Leaders who lead the teaching and learning efforts at your school
Nassau Inn
Learn More and Register Here:
Form pending
Tuesday, April 25 2023
PROGRAM FOR SCHOOL LIBRARIANS
This session will include presentations and conversations to connect and support school librarians
For: School Librarians
At: Christina Seix Academy
Learn More and Register Here:
Form pending
Wednesday, April 26, 2023; 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
EARLY CAREER TEACHER PROGRAM
MAKING LEARNING STICK
This session will include research-informed strategies that make learning stick, such as the retrieval practice, spacing, and interleaving. Through metacognitive instruction, participants will consider brain science to support working memory and also the connection to student cognitive load and the impact of stress.
This is a virtual, year long, cohort experience
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
LEADING FROM THE MIDDLE:
EXPLORING THE ROLE OF DEPARTMENT CHAIRS
For: All Department Chairs (and those considering the role)
Department chairs play a pivotal role in educational leadership, yet as leaders "from the middle" they face unique challenges. At many schools, they are both colleague and evaluator, teacher and administrator. How does a Department Chair navigate these sometimes competing aspects of the position successfully? Using case studies as a springboard for discussion, this interactive workshop, led by current and former department chairs, will help you explore the contours of the role and identify the variety of skills required to succeed. Both current department chairs and those considering the position are encouraged to join.
At: Newark Academy
Learn More and Register Here:
Form pending
Thursday, April 27, 2023
INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCING FEMALE LEADERSHIP IN INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
BLOCK V: CLOSING BRUNCH
For: Current and Aspiring Female Identifying Leaders
This closing experience will be a time to present our leadership projects, reflect, connect, and celebrate the leadership journey the cohort completed.
**This is part of a year-long cohort experience.**
At Far Brook School
Friday, April 28, 2023
FULL, AUTHENTIC SELVES:
A CONFERENCE FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, JUSTICE, AND BELONGING
For: All Educators
This program is in progress and will feature Rodney Glasgow and Jen Cort. Please look for a call for proposals during the Fall of 2022.
At: TBD
Monday and Tuesday, May 1 - 2, 2023
FINANCE OFFICERS CONFERENCE
This experience serves to support professional learning and camaraderie for the Finance Professionals in our schools.
For: CFOs, COOs, Business Managers, and all other Finance Professionals
Nassau Inn
Learn More and Register Here:
Form pending
Tuesday and Wednesday, May 2 - 3, 2023
ADMISSIONS OFFICERS CONFERENCE
This experience serves to support professional learning and camaraderie for the Admissions Professionals in our schools.
For: All Admissions Professionals
Nassau Inn
Learn More and Register Here:
Form pending
Thursday and Friday, May 4 - 5, 2023
HEAD OF SCHOOL CONFERENCE
This experience serves to support professional learning and camaraderie for the Heads of School in our schools.
For: Heads of School
Nassau Inn
Learn More and Register Here:
Form pending
COMPLETED PROGRAMS
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE OF SCHOOL REVENUE MANAGEMENT:
ADMISSIONS, ADVANCEMENT, AND FINANCE OFFICERS
For: Admissions, Advancement, and Finance Professionals
This day-long experience will bring together the three sides of the revenue triangle in schools - business managers, admissions officers, and advancement professionals. With a morning of collaborative work followed by breakout space for professional affinity engagement, this day will be in partnership with CASE.
At: The Pingry School, Pottersville Campus
Wednesday, November 2, 2022
PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID FOR SCHOOLS
For: All Educators, especially Administrators
Psychological First Aid for Schools (PFA-S) is an evidence-informed intervention model to assist students, families, school personnel, and school partners in the immediate aftermath of an emergency. PFA-S is designed to reduce the initial distress caused by emergencies, and to foster short- and long-term adaptive functioning and coping. The principles and techniques of PFA-S meet five basic standards.
Virtual Experience - Full Day
Thursday, October 27, 2022; 1:30 - 4:00 p.m.
TEACHING WHILE WHITE:
UNDERSTANDING WHITENESS AND ITS IMPACT ON TEACHING AND LEARNING
Part 2B: From Ally to Accomplice — Strengthening Our Skills to Act Against Racial Injustice
For: Participants in the TWW series
This is a continuation of this series’ Part 2A
Virtual Experience - Not Recorded
Wednesday, October 26, 2022; 1:30 - 4:00 p.m.
TEACHING WHILE WHITE: UNDERSTANDING WHITENESS AND ITS IMPACT ON TEACHING AND LEARNING
Part 2A: From Ally to Accomplice — Strengthening Our Skills to Act Against Racial Injustice
For: Participants in TWW Part 1A and 1B
The second module of this experience will explore Dovidio’s research on aversive racism to enhance our understanding of racism as a system. We will practice how to interrupt racially stressful situations and how to manage white guilt, shame, and paralysis in the face of racist comments or behavior. We will identify how white fragility operates in schools and ways to challenge it via both pedagogy and content. Participants will leave the day with a deeper understanding of allyship as an action and with strategies to support healthy, antiracist teaching/learning environments.
Virtual Experience - Not Recorded
Wednesday, October 26, 2022
EARLY CAREER TEACHER PROGRAM:
SCHOOL CLIMATE AND CULTURE
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?
This is a virtual, year long, cohort experience
Tuesday, October 25, 2022; 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
IT’S REAL: TEENS AND MENTAL HEALTH
For: All Educators, especially from middle and upper schools
This session provides resources for those who work with young people with mental health education and resources. The program raises awareness about mental health issues, how to start a conversation about mental health, the importance of self-care, and how to reach out for help.
Virtual Experience - 90 Minutes
Thursday, October 13, 2022; 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
LET’S DISCUSS DISCUSSION:
DEVELOPING A SKILLS-BASED STRATEGY FOR OUR CONVERSATION CRISIS
For: Academic Leadership including but not limited to Department Chairs, Deans of Teaching & Learning, Directors of Studies, Division Heads, Assistant Heads for Academics, DEIJB Directors
Discussion is at the heart of everything: democracy, workplaces, relationships -- and all great schools. Yet, for today's students, teachers, and school leaders, real discussion can be hard and scary. The roots of this challenge are myriad and debatable -- blame COVID! social media! politics! parents! -- but it's clear that students are struggling to communicate – and that schools need a mission-aligned strategy for supporting kids in developing discussion skills for success in school and life.
Virtual Experience
Thursday, October 13, 2022; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
SUICIDE PREVENTION: QPR (QUESTION, PURSUADE, REFER)
For: All Educators
Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help.
Virtual Experience - Not Recorded
Tuesday, October 11, 2022
INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCING FEMALE LEADERSHIP IN INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
BLOCK I: WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP BRAND?
For: Current and Aspiring Female Identifying Leaders
This opening session of the 2022 - 2023 Institute for Advancing Female Leadership in Independent schools will open the conversation about leadership, leadership brands, and leading with authenticity. Through connecting activities and conversations, participants will begin the deep dive into reflecting upon leadership triumphs and tribulations in order to develop personal leadership brands.
**This is part of a year-long cohort experience.**
At: Kent Place School
Thursday, September 29, 2022; 1:30 - 4:00 p.m.
TEACHING WHILE WHITE: UNDERSTANDING WHITENESS AND ITS IMPACT ON TEACHING AND LEARNING
Part 1B: Teaching While White – Now What?
For: Participants in TWW Part 1A
This is a continuation of the September 21 Part 1A
Wednesday, September 28, 2022; 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
EARLY CAREER TEACHER PROGRAM:
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS 101
For: Assistant /Associate 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?
Wednesday, September 21, 2022; 1:30 - 4:00 p.m.
TEACHING WHILE WHITE:
UNDERSTANDING WHITENESS AND ITS IMPACT ON TEACHING AND LEARNING
Part 1A: Teaching While White – Now What?
For: White Identifying Teachers and Leaders who understand that race matters in the classroom, but continue to seek support engaging in racial topics, especially across racial difference
To better understand our own perspective, the first module of this experience will explore what it means to be “white” and why it matters. We will explore the concept of managing racial stress and what to do when we start to feel overwhelmed. We will discuss why being “colorblind” is not a solution, what language is appropriate to use, how stereotypes influence everyone, and how we can be more conscious of our own biases in the classroom to ensure we are effective teachers for all students.
Thursday, September 8, 2022; 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
OR
Sunday, September 18, 2022; 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
TRUSTEE 101
For: Novice Independent School Trustees
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.
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
PROGRAM FOR ATHLETIC PROFESSIONALS: MENTAL WELLNESS AND SUPPORT FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES
For: Coaches, Athletic Directors, and all Athletic Professionals
As we have sadly heard the news of the struggle experienced by high performing student-athletes, this session will provide a framework for coaches and athletic professionals to support the mental health and wellbeing of their athletes.
Virtual Experience - 90 Minutes
Thursday, August 18, 2022
CULTURALLY RELEVANT TEACHING
For: All Educators
Identity, belonging, and equity work are paramount to creating classrooms in which each student feels seen, heard, valued, and, thus, able to succeed. Workshop sessions will also include exploration of learning contexts beyond the classroom, including advisory, parent conferences and communication, assemblies, athletic areas, and more.
At: Morristown-Beard School
Tuesday - Thursday, August 16 - 18, 2022
INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES AND CULTURALLY RELEVANT TEACHING
For: Novice and Reenergized Teachers
This three-day workshop for K-12 teachers will explore the current understanding of how children learn and investigate an array of teaching strategies and feedback techniques based on cognitive science research. Participants will explore principles of effective learning, including the role of student beliefs and mindsets in influencing that effectiveness. Identity, belonging, and equity work are paramount to creating classrooms in which each student feels seen, heard, valued, and, thus, able to succeed. Workshop sessions will also include exploration of learning contexts beyond the classroom, including advisory, parent conferences and communication, assemblies, athletic areas, and more.
At: Morristown-Beard School
Monday - Wednesday, August 15 - 17, 2022
ADMINISTRATORS OF COLOR INSTITUTE
For: BIPOC Identifying Heads of School and Direct Reports to the Head of School
Independent school leaders have been called upon, with new urgency and inspiration, to transform their diversity, equity, and inclusion work with more effective and authentic practices. This experience welcomes self-identified BIPOC administrators an exploration of culturally responsive practice, leadership training and learning together. Topics will include investigating institutional culture, developing collaborative leadership, and navigating the needs of multiple constituencies while attending to your own. The program is specifically designed to help participants develop the tools they need to be effective change agents within their schools.
At: Kent Place School
Monday - Wednesday, August 15 - 17, 2022
WHITE ADMINISTRATORS INSTITUTE
For: White Identifying Heads of School and Direct Reports to the Head of School
Independent school leaders have been called upon to transform their diversity, equity, and inclusion work with more effective and authentic practices. As white school leaders of independent schools commit to serving the needs of their whole student body and faculty, their own cultural competence and leadership skills need to evolve with their schools. This experience welcomes self-identified white administrators who sit on the senior leadership team for an exploration of equity practice, leadership training, and learning together. Topics will include understanding racial identity, investigating institutional culture, developing collaborative leadership, and navigating the needs of multiple constituencies. The program is specifically designed to help participants develop the tools they need to be effective change agents within their schools.
At: Kent Place School
Tuesday - Wednesday, August 9 - 10, 2022
INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION CONFERENCE
For: All Educators
This two-day conference experience for all grade levels, subject areas, and instructional focus, serves to bring educators together from across the association in order to engage and play with instructional tools, collaborate with colleagues, and enhance instruction. Each conference participant will receive a copy of Tech with Heart: Leveraging Technology to Strengthen Relationships, Ease Anxiety, and Empower All Students with a Voice by Stacey Roshan AND a year’s subscription to Making the Case, a monthly e-newsletter for school leaders published by Steve Valentine and Reshan Richards.
At: The Peck School
Wednesday, July 13, 2022; 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
GUIDELINES AND CONSIDERATIONS FOR STUDENT AND FACULTY HANDBOOKS
For: Heads of School, Finance Officers, HR Managers, Deans, and all those charged with writing/revising student and faculty handbooks