t is more important than ever for school board leaders to develop the skills that will enable them to navigate the challenges facing education today. NJSBA’s leadership training, supported by the Educational Leadership Foundation of New Jersey, is designed to hone the skills of board presidents, vice presidents, and aspiring board leaders.
In this three-part leadership series, learn about the role leadership plays in the digital transformation of schools, including the role of leadership in the Future Ready Schools – New Jersey certification program.
The programs will be facilitated by Jeremiah Okal-Frink, Ph.D., Education Strategist, and NJSBA’s Field Service Representatives.
School board members and school superintendents are encouraged to attend all three parts in the series to get the most out of the training, but may select to attend any one session. Other members of the district leadership team are invited to participate.
Session #1, Vision: Setting a Culture of Innovation, Collaboration, and Empowerment – Monday, July 15, NJSBA Headquarters, Trenton, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Board Member Academy Credits: 4
The first session in the series will focus on purposeful direction, and laying the foundation for a solid plan for a true transformational initiative. Topics include:
- Readiness factors
- Developing and focusing on a shared vision for digital learning
- Examining and funding a culture of capacity building
- Communicating the vision and establishing buy-in with community and staff
Session #2, Planning: Goal Development Toward a Shared Vision – Thursday, August 1, NJSBA Headquarters, Trenton, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Board Member Academy Credits: 4
The second session will focus on planning for and evaluating the critical aspects of future-ready transformation. Topics include:
- Creating your plan
- What is known/not known about initiatives focused on increasing access
- Professional Learning Frameworks
- The plan for a Digital Learning Environment
- Leading through example: The Connected Leader
- Involving students
Session #3, Structures: Plans and Policies for Support and Accountability – Wednesday, August 14, NJSBA Headquarters, Trenton, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Board Member Academy Credits: 4
The final session will focus on the structures that support ongoing transformation within a district. These relate to scheduling, the technology itself, the support plan for teachers, how to involve students, and setting clear attainable expectations. Topics include:
- Establishing board approved processes for vetting and implementation
- Establishing budgetary processes that take in the whole picture
- Creating effective communication plans
- Ensuring a process that honors teacher and student voices
- Data security considerations
- Understanding the new models of teaching and learning that will be supported
- Metrics for examining success
- Digital workflows/systems
- Process for the selection of aligned resources
- Process of creating effective pilots
- Development of policy for effective oversight and monitoring
The Summer Leadership Series programs are supported by the Educational Leadership Foundation of New Jersey, and are offered at no cost to New Jersey school leaders.