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.

 

COMPLETED PROGRAMS

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 

 

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 

**This is part of a year-long cohort experience.**

 

Thursday, January 26, 2023
AI: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ACADEMIC INTEGRITY ~ Virtual Round Table

As artificial intelligence poses a threat to monitoring academic integrity, this round table discussion will consider a myriad of questions for educators and school leaders.  This will be facilitated by Drs. Reid Cottingham and Danielle Mirliss of The Pingry School who have given great thought to this conundrum and will ask colleagues to ponder and to collaborate obstacles regarding this topic.

 

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. 

 

Monday, January 23, 2023
FAITH AND GENDER IDENTIY

This panel presentation will examine the intersection of religious values and gender identity and expression.  With support of three religious communities, this session will outline considerations when supporting students and partnering with families and other constituents.

For: All Educators 

 

Saturday, January 21, 2023; 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 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. 

 

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.

 

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 

 

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 

 

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

 

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.

 

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.**

 

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 

 

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

 

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

 

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