Learn about the criteria for being an independent school, how independent schools are structured, how they differ from charter or public schools and how they can be a place where new teachers thrive.

Hear about the predictable pace, patterns and levels of optimism when joining a new school to be prepared for the highs and lows of the school year. Learn to anticipate the pattern and predictable cycles of these first years while understanding the circumstances that will allow new teachers to flourish.

Hear the research regarding the impact of routines and procedures while also anticipating the needs of students as they return to school. Consider the most effective routines and specific procedures to set the tone and ensure student engagement in all settings.

Hear about the unique needs of those in various stages of their careers and what you might offer and need from each other.

Consider the profiles and needs of each community member while joining and then building a community that maximizes learning.

Dana Fattore Crumley, Franczek PC
Learn the legal rights and responsibilities of teachers in the classroom on a myriad of issues including: student records and confidentiality, student discipline, bullying/harassment/discrimination, accommodation of individuals with disabilities, abused and neglected child reporting, supervision of students, guidance on establishing and maintaining professional and effective student/teacher relationships, and best practices to avoid liability for individuals and schools.

Experience the challenges and opportunities of joining a new team while learning strategies and mindsets to build relationships that can be mutually beneficial.

Explore the hopes, fears, needs and behaviors of the parents in your school. Learn to effectively partner in support of the students.

Consider the dreaded conversations that wind up intensifying into tense, even combative, interactions. By understanding the dynamics in these charged exchanges and managing your own emotions, you can more effectively de-escalate encounters. Leave with skills to manage these moments. Also included will be effective approaches to parent/teacher conferences as well as communication with/about students.

Select from a number of sessions to meet your own needs including:
— Curriculum Design with Purpose
— Planning for Effective Parent/Teacher Conferences
— Designing Early Childhood Spaces for Learning
— Establishing Student Boundaries
— Considerations for Your Well-being
— Responding to Challenging Emails
— Opportunities to work on your own or in small groups.

A chance to ask the questions we may have missed and benefit from candid and caring responses from your experienced faculty team.

Celebrate and share what you think and feel about the year ahead.

Jill Webb

Jill Webb brings decades of experience in independent schools to the Institute. She currently serves as Director of Learning for ISACS, following many years as a teacher and administrator at ISACS member schools. Her leadership experience includes serving as a Lower School Head and providing training for hundreds of new teachers and mentors nationwide. A frequent presenter on teacher development and leadership, Webb will facilitate the Early Childhood and Lower School Division Head Cohort.

Ken Rogers

Ken Rogers, a trained counselor, serves as Assistant Head of School for Curriculum and Instruction at The Park School (MA) after previously leading the Middle Division for four years. With extensive independent school experience as a teacher, department chair, dean, and head of middle school, he brings a systems-oriented approach to leadership, curriculum design, communication, and faculty development. Rogers is a frequent presenter for ISACS and the Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE) and consults with schools and associations on instructional leadership, program coherence, and strategic communication practices. Rogers will facilitate the Middle School Division Head Cohort.

Mark Wagner

Mark Wagner has been a teacher and Upper School Division Head in several independent schools before becoming the Head of School at St. Andrew's United Methodist Day School (MD). He brings extensive independent school experience and has been a presenter in the areas of teacher leadership, curriculum, and professional development. Wagner will facilitate the Upper School Division Head Cohort.
 
 

Shelley Brown

Shelley Brown is an experienced educator and administrator with over 20 years of experience in independent school education, most recently serving as the assistant head of school for academics and head of early childhood and lower school at The Wellington School in Columbus, Ohio. Brown earned her undergraduate degree in early childhood education from Miami University and her graduate degree in educational leadership from DePaul University. She is passionate about bringing the most current, research-based instructional practices into classrooms and designing cohesive PK through 12th grade curriculum frameworks that stretch and support every learner.

Dana Fattore Crumley

Dana Fattore Crumley, partner, Franczek PC, speaks on education law topics, including teacher employment and dismissal, special education, student records and confidentiality, and student discipline. She has taught school law classes at Loyola University's Graduate School of Education, the University of Illinois at Chicago and Roosevelt University, and has served as a member and president of the Winnetka Public Schools District 36 Board of Education. Prior to joining the firm, Crumley was a public school teacher.