A Commitment To Renewal

The National School Leaders' Network (NSLN) was established to renew, support and sustain school leaders in their efforts to increase student achievement. The NSLN approach to leadership renewal is straight forward. School leaders, in networks representing a variety of geographical regions across the nation, are provided with opportunities to identify, reflect and dialogue on critical leadership issues. Network participants are treated as highly prized professionals. Meetings are scheduled and dinner is provided for network members. All along the way, network members receive support and encouragement through the collective wisdom of their colleagues. As a result, leadership capacity is increased and passions and hopes are renewed.

Each network, consisting of twelve to fifteen K-12 school leaders, meets monthly for dinner and problem solving conversation. Guided by a trained facilitator, professional relationships are formed, and a sense of community is established as school leaders share successes, concerns and factors that are fostering and inhibiting their individual leadership efforts. Network members focus on the human side of change, and as trust levels deepen, increase critical thinking and reach consensus on a topic they themselves choose to collectively explore more deeply for an extended period of time. During the meetings that follow, network members sustain focus on the identified issue or topic, collaboratively brainstorm and prioritize solutions for the topic, develop action steps, report on progress or setbacks that occurred in their schools during the interim, reflect on leadership practice and make adjustments as necessary.

Currently, there is no shortage of advice given to school leaders regarding what they should be doing to improve schools. The number of mandates and initiatives school leaders are expected to implement have left many feeling overwhelmed and wondering if they will be able to sustain their efforts. NSLN is not in the business of telling school leaders what to do. Instead, NSLN helps school leaders achieve clarity regarding what needs to be done and supports them in their efforts to develop and implement a course of action that they have tailor-made for their particular school.

The NSLN approach to leadership renewal underscores the important role school leaders play in shaping schools. Because network members are treated as professionals and because of the support they receive during meetings, NSLN participants feel valued, encouraged, nurtured, renewed and up to the challenge of making schools places where all teachers can teach well and all students can achieve at high levels.

Heads, Hands and Hearts Working Partnership