Presentations and Training
Relational Trust – The Core to Successful Leadership in Independent School
Based on my 2012 doctoral dissertation, this session features a presentation of a research study on relational trust as a leadership capacity. It includes a description of the study along with key research findings and implications for leadership development and ongoing examination of leadership practice, along with tangible takeaways for head of school search committees and leadership developers.
Professional Communities of Practice – From Mindfulness, to Obligation, in the Direction toward Action
In a customized short or long-term engagement with groups from five to twenty-five individuals, I will facilitate the study of a specific issue or opportunity in governance, leadership, teaching and learning, or diversity and inclusion. The engagement will include pre-reading assignments, dialogue, post-session homework, and individual/group action planning to implement effective and sustainable initiatives to expand governance, leadership, and teaching practices.
Making the Case for Diversity, Parts I & II
Very few issues cause as much passion and emotion as those related to diversity. Is this realization viewed as providing opportunities, causing threat, or something in between? How does the successful organization fulfill its mission regarding diversity while addressing the various and sometimes conflicting needs of a more diverse community? In this two-part presentation I will explore diversity issues and trends as well as offer concrete and creative next step initiatives. Part I includes a discussion of the process of building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive community and an explanation of cultural identifiers. Part II features a discussion on cross-cultural competency with a framework for individual and institutional cross-cultural competency development, an opportunity to develop a diversity mission statement, and to learn about strategic planning for diversity, inclusion, and equity and justice.
Socio-Economic and Class Diversity – The Assumptions We Make
Even before the 2008 economic collapse, businesses and organizations have been dealing with the pervasive -- seldom discussed – issues related to socio-economic and class diversity. This presentation includes a brief review of specific literature, a deconstruction of the terms socio-economic and class diversity, and a frank exchange of the difficult questions and honest conversations in bringing to light what is rarely openly discussed but almost always felt in some way by every constituent group.
Race and Ethnicity in America – Fears and Courageous Conversations
According to Sonia Nieto in The Light in Their Eyes: Creating Multicultural Learning Communities, "The simple slogan 'Celebrating Diversity' that is part of many multicultural education initiatives, although it may be well-meaning, glosses over severe structural inequalities that are replicated in schools every day through the combination of uneven access, unfair practices, and harmful beliefs. No amount of cultural festivals or ethnic celebrations can turn this situation around." In order to fully understand and develop inclusive organizations and communities, having transparent and generative conversations about race and ethnicity is vitally important. Learn how to lean into discomfort and discuss the fears about race and ethnicity, stereotyping and essentializing, and experience a model for having courageous conversations about race and ethnicity in America.
Affinity Group Work: Benefits and Challenges for an Independent School Community
The term affinity group refers to a gathering of people who share something important in common. Affinity groups can include a broad range of categories from age, to learning style, to commitment to charitable causes, or to race and ethnicity. Whether it is a dedication to helping save our planet or commitment to building and sustaining inclusive school communities, we all have an affinity for something. This presentation will focus on racial/ethnic/cultural affinity group work in independent schools. Build your knowledge of what affinity group work is and how to implement it in your school. Hear about the benefits of affinity group work - building community, providing affirmation, empowerment, and nurturing.
Strategically Planning for Diversity Committees and Task Forces
With a focus on building an effective and successful independent school diversity committee or task force, this presentation features best practices, an exercise based on the NAIS Principle of Good Practice for Equity and Justice, developing a diversity mission/vision statement, and strategic planning for diversity.