Department Chairs Institute
Aug 03, 2022 9:00AM—Aug 05, 2022 2:00PM
Location
Virtual
Cost Early Bird Pricing for Members (available until June 22) $1,150 members; $1,000 group-rate; $1,875 non-members
Categories Leadership, Online Offerings, Online Workshop, Summer Institute
Department Chairs Institute
SESSION 1: August 3, 2022 | 9:00am - 2:00pm
SESSION 2: August 4, 2022 | 9:00am - 2:00pm
SESSION 3: August 5, 2022 | 9:00am - 2:00pm
ABOUT THIS ONLINE SUMMER INSTITUTE
The role of the department chair is often one of the most complex in a school. The chair must negotiate the responsibilities of leadership within the department as a teaching colleague while at the same time work with the administrative team in addressing the larger issues of the entire school. The Department Chairs Institute will guide participants in exploring the multilayered challenges of this unique position and in developing the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to become effective department leaders.
With the help of readings, activities, and group work, participants will learn new skills and processes, support each other around challenges, and establish a strong “leadership learning community” amongst themselves. Throughout the Institute, participants will have opportunities to work individually and collaboratively on their own department visions, and will leave with a plan to implement their goals in the year ahead.
Some of the specific topics we will explore–
- Developing departmental structures and systems that support student learning and foster equity and efficiency
- Forging a common and compelling vision/direction amongst independent-minded colleagues
- Identifying, prioritizing, and advancing professional and departmental goals for the short and long term
- Designing and facilitating impactful department meetings
- Leading and managing change over time
Central questions we will explore–
- How can I support the design and facilitation of key department work?
- How can I support my department to collaborate and develop as a professional learning community?
- How can I help the department contribute to the development of the school as a whole?
- How can I support my department through uncertainty and unpredictability?
- What is my departmental vision and goals for the coming year, and how can I lead my team in working toward that vision?
Do you work at an independent school outside of California? Click here for a discount on our non-member registration!
ABOUT THE FACILITATORS
Erin Nordlund is a K-12 Director of Teaching and Learning at Chadwick School. Prior to her current position she was Chadwick's Curriculum Specialist and, before that, the English Department Chair and Interim Dean of Students. Erin has developed, led, and presented on a wide range of school-wide, divisional, and departmental curriculum, instruction, and assessment initiatives and wellness programming and has taught eighth through twelfth grade English. Erin holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Southern California.
For the past 16 years Damaris Saenz has served as an educator in middle and upper school English programs. Apart from her role as a classroom teacher she has served in various leadership capacities such as middle school DEI coordinator, and international educational consultant where she leveraged a passion for curriculum to create professional development seminars on collaborative learning, ESL best practices, strategies for new teachers, new approaches to assessment, and positive behavioral intervention strategies. Damaris has also served as an adjunct faculty at La Sierra University where she has taught courses in both the Masters in Curriculum and Instruction and Masters in Teaching program. She currently serves as the chair of the Middle School English department at Harvard-Westlake.
Cancellation Policy
Life happens. We understand that there will be times when you cannot attend a workshop that you have registered and paid for. We strive to be as helpful and flexible as possible when things out of your control happen. Please visit our FAQ page for detailed information about our cancellation policy and answers to frequently asked questions about enrollment and membership.