PPE to Offer Institute on Independent Schools

The Harvard Graduate School of Education has announced a leadership development program that will consider the evolving role of independent schools and their leadership. The Future of Independent Schools: Leading in a Changing Context will be offered at HGSE from October 15 – 17, 2014. Enrollment is now open.

“Independent schools have especially great potential to be innovators and leaders for the benefit of all in education,” said John Chubb, president of the National Association of Independent Schools, in a recent EdCast about the future of independent schools and the program where he will teach a course. “We’re hoping that people who come will see this as an opportunity to share in some of the exciting possibilities for independent schools that are eager to embrace the world we’re living in now.”

The program will convene leading faculty and school leaders to discuss how they can best position their schools for success in a rapidly changing environment. Designed for all independent school leaders, the program covers topics such as diversity, access, equity, innovative instructional design strategies, online learning, financial sustainability, and the role of independent schools in the context of their communities.

Participants will work directly with HGSE faculty and leading practitioners including Chubb, Dean James Ryan, Professor Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, Professor Richard Light, Assistant Professor Karen Brennan, and HarvardX Research Fellow Justin Reich.

“I am excited to bring together this incredible faculty lineup and to look closely at how independent schools can really make an impact in our changing global environment,” said Senior Lecturer James Honan, also faculty chair for the institute. “I see this as an opportunity to bring school leaders from across the country together to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing independent schools today and to work collectively to create shared, practical solutions.”

During the program, participants will delve into case studies and work in small and large groups to share their most pressing issues, gain new solutions, and network with peers from across the United States.

The Future of Independent Schools is a Principals’ Center program offered through HGSE’s Programs in Professional Education. PPE has offered professional development programs for education leaders for more than 40 years. Applications for the program are now being accepted online. For additional information or to apply, visit gse.harvard.edu/ppe/ind.