Catapult Learning Leadership Institute Focused on Transforming Leadership in Education
Camden, New Jersey (PRWEB) February 27, 2015 -- Catapult Learning hosted its 2015 Leadership Institute on February 18-20 in San Francisco, California. The theme for this two-day institute was “Building Better Schools, Building Better Leaders.” Authors Elizabeth Green and Jennifer Abrams headlined this year’s conference, which examined the leadership challenges of reforming classroom practice and providing world-class instruction to all students. Over fifty school and district leaders attended the two-day conference, which also featured several workshops and a Celebration Dinner highlighting the company’s partnerships with schools and districts throughout the country, spanning from one to 17 years of partnership.
Both keynote speakers are well-known authors committed to advancing the national conversation about transformation and leadership in education. In her keynote address, “Building a Better Teacher,” Elizabeth Green shared her research and observations on the set of best practices that leaders can develop in all teachers through building specialized content knowledge, extensive hands-on coaching, self-scrutiny, and collaboration. Jennifer Abrams’ keynote address, “Having Hard Conversations,” provided an interactive, personal approach to mastering the art of challenging conversations as well as a step-by-step strategy for planning hard conversations that addresses a wide range of situations, including communication with supervisees, peers, and supervisors.
Catapult Learning CEO Stuart Udell addressed the institute attendees on Thursday afternoon following the morning keynote and before the afternoon’s sessions began. The six afternoon breakout sessions held over the two days further explored leadership challenges and helped school leaders understand how to develop and support mastery-level teachers, prepare for the challenging conversations that come with change, create and support a culture of collaborative study among teachers, and learn effective instructional keys for improved student learning.
A team planning session completed the two days of professional learning, providing an opportunity for leadership teams and individuals to process what they'd learned at the conference and formulate plans for integrating and implementing new ideas, information, and strategies in their schools and districts. One attendee said, "The institute provided me more thoughtful approaches and questions to raise in my interactions with principals and teachers.” Another attendee shared that the conference schedule and content were a “great use of time—for sharing and networking.”
Diane Rymer, Vice President of Professional Development for Catapult Learning, was encouraged by the conference attendees’ participation throughout the two days. “It is inspiring to see leaders from districts across the country gather to reflect on their instructional leadership, challenge each other, and collaborate to engage in their own continuous learning,” Rymer explained.
The institute concluded with a Celebration Dinner on Friday evening, beginning with a musical performance by students in the K-8 Strings Program at Catapult Learning’s partner school Mission Dolores Academy. During the award portion of the evening, thirty school leaders received Partnership Recognition Awards for their collaborative efforts within their schools.
About Catapult Learning: For nearly 40 years, Catapult Learning has been dedicated to improving academic achievement for students from Pre-K to grade 12, with a special focus on intervention for struggling learners, building teacher capacity, and graduating more students. Catapult Learning’s nationwide network of 4,100 teachers, coaches, and consultants partners with over 300 school districts across the country.
For more information, please contact Meg Roe, VP of Marketing for Catapult Learning, at 856-831-7956 or meg(dot)roe(at)catapultlearning(dot)com.
Meg Roe, Catapult Learning, http://www.catapultlearning.com, +1 (856) 831-7956, [email protected]
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