Independent Schools maintain a unique position in American education. Unattached to national and state curricula, independent schools are in a unique position to meet the needs of their specific populations, and to develop a curriculum and co-curricular activities that can have a long term positive impact on the lives of their students. However, due to the shifting educational landscape, independent schools can feel financial, enrollment and other pressures that make their task even more challenging. Further, new educational choices, such as magnet and charter schools, have drawn parents who might have been interested in independent education to low or no-cost options instead.
This certificate will prepare leaders in independent schools to address some of their key challenges. In the first course, the changing landscape for independent schools, learners will tackle some of the key issues for leaders in this sector, and examine some of the unique characteristics and opportunities that independent schools possess. They will develop a leadership philosophy, and complete an environmental scan for their current school. They will also develop a mentoring plan for personnel in their building.
In the second two courses, Financial Leadership and Educational Leadership and Managerial Strategies, learners will address two of the major issues facing independent schools. These will include technical details such as setting tuition and managing cash flow, as well as developing building technology and social media plans. Throughout the courses, connecting to families and communities will be a key theme, as well as the importance of building partnerships.
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