These conferences, for principals and aspiring leaders of MCNC member schools, bring together school leaders to build community and networks of mutual support, and to learn from one another and from experienced MCNC principals. Topics are focused on principals’ needs, such as fiscal sustainability, relationships with colleges, staffing, curriculum alignment and other issues involved with the implementation of MCNC’s Design Principles.
Titles and themes of previous conferences include:
- What is the Difference between a Culture of Answers and a Culture of Questions?
- Leadership in the Digital Age
- Leadership and Instruction
- Distributive Leadership
Participant Comments:
“Willingham’s discussion raised a lot of questions in my mind as to how I may be an impetus in helping our staff understand how to help students think. During my experience as a classroom instructor, I assumed that when students were not grasping the concepts taught it was due to their lack of motivation. I wonder how many teachers still have that view. Would discussions on Willingham’s finding change the way we teach and our students learn?” (2010)
“As early college high schools we are in the business of promoting excellence. Conley’s discussion left me with the question “Do I really know what excellence looks like?” What is rigor? Are we really providing rigor in our academic programs that adequately prepares our students for college? From these discussions we will lay the framework for professional development activities for teachers and administrators in our district.” (2010)
“We are looking at our seminar and how it can be more beneficial to students. I already met with staff re: the information and discussed what we needed to do to improve reading, writing and math. Also the important role teachers have in affecting positive changes in students.” (2010)
“The biggest impact that our attending the conference will have on our schools is looking at our teachers’ growth plans. Professional development and culture and paradigm shifts are imperative for us to be successful. We will have to take a close look at our teacher development and help them see the bigger picture. It will be difficult to get them away from teaching the test and just skimming the surface to teaching in depth.” (2010)
