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School of Education

Departments & Programs

Graduate Institute of Education

Leadership Think Tanks

Join a dynamic working group of educators committed to exploring best practices and key issues with a 21st century perspective.

Leadership Think Tanks are learning communities focused on educational innovation and problem solving. They bring together individuals across districts in a variety of leadership positions. Together, we read thoughtfully, learn from expert speakers, share best practices, and develop a collegial working space to delve into critical issues and explore bold perspectives.  

Each Think Tank is co-led by a faculty member in the School of Education and an expert practitioner from within the group. Attendance is limited to 18members to promote discussion. Sessions include outside experts and guest speakers from Merrimack College in addition to member-led sessions around key issues and best practices.

Think Tanks for 2012-2013 invite a broad range of school leaders to participate.

We welcome team and grade level leaders, curriculum coordinators, guidance directors, assistant principals, principals and others who exercise a leadership role in your school.

  • Elementary School Leadership
  • Middle School Leadership
  • High School Leadership

Sample topics from previous Think Tank sessions:

  • Contemporary Views of Adolescence: Challenges for Both Girls and Boys
  • Careers and Work in the 21st Century: Trends and Challenges
  • Brain-Based Research: Childhood and Adolescent Development
  • The First World and Education: What Can We Learn From Finland, Korea, Singapore? 
  • Grit and Resilience: Is Failure the Key to Success?
  • Connected Learning and Social Media 
  • Leading the “Good School” in a Technology-Centered World
  • Addressing Student Anxiety: Causes, Manifestations, and Interventions
  • Is There a Creativity Crisis in our Schools?
  • Data: A Method For Including all Teachers and Administrators Helping Students to Achieve

Guest speakers during previous Think Tank sessions:

  • John D’Auria, President, Teachers 21, author Ten Lessons in Leadership and Learning
  • Ryan Madigan, Center for Anxiety Related Disorders, Boston University 
  • Anthony Baldasarro, Virtual Learning Charter School Academy, NH
  • Heather Maietta, Director, Career Services and Cooperative Education, Merrimack College
  • Mark Barrett, Dean of Admissions, Merrimack College
  • Patrick Larkin, Principal, Burlington HS
  • Dan Kennedy, Northeastern University and WGBH-TV
  • Shelly Chamberlain, Massachusetts Computer Using Educators, Executive Director
  • Sue Collins, Professional Development Provider
  • Mary Wermers, District Data Coordinator, Danvers Public Schools

Benefits to Educators, Schools, and Districts:

  • Unites individuals within a professional community of practice
  • Enhances educators’ professional development
  • Expands network of resources and professional support

Think Tank members receive:

  • Complimentary breakfast and lunch
  • Free parking

Details:

  • 25 PDPs awarded for the full year (2012-2013 Session)
  • Six (6) sessions throughout the 2012-2013 academic year. Each session is 8:30am - 12:00pm.
  • Cost:  $300 for full year (all inclusive: food, materials, supplies and resources)
  • Location: Merrimack College

Contact:

Email: thinktanks@merrimack.edu
Phone: (978) 837-5436