ISANNE Newsletter - February 2017

Several heads have mentioned to me recently how important it has become to foster a c ampus environment that is open to discourse and disagreement in ways that lead to learning. The current Trump era has highlighted this need and underlines the importance of teaching critical thinking skills.

In his article "What is Critical Thinking, Anyway?" Rob Jenkins, Associate Professor of English at Georgia State University Perimeter College asserts that critical thinking is often a buzz word ; educators know that it is important but may not know how to teach it. In Jenkins' lesson to his first class, he describes the critical thinking process as "Cross-Training" for the brain -- a workout requiring disciple, analytical skills and objectivity. He encourages students to take the hardest classes, the ones outside of their comfort zone knowing that the harder classes will confront their internal resistence and expand their knowledge.

Of course, this "cross-training" for the brain applies outside of the classroom too. As schools make room for pink "pussy" hats and "Make America Great" ballcaps to coexist on the same campus, students (and faculty) are challenged to develop and test their ideas in ways that respect the dignity and worth of each individual.

We have some excellent speakers on the agendas of our Spring Events that will help us to think critically and uncover bias. At the Spring Heads Conference, Dr. Christian Jernstedt wil present his new findings on Learning, Teaching and the Brain. Also at our April School Visit Series, Gould Academy will show us how Design Thinking can uncover unconscious bias. Our Annual Admissions Conference will share recent thinking on Financial Aid and Strategic Marketing. And at the Spring Student Life Leaders Conference, psychotherapist Christine Miller will talk about Anxiety and Depression in Adolescents. We hope to see you and learn with you!

This month, ISANNE Board member Amy Smucker writes about gender parity in leadership and her recent experience at the Babson Executive Center's Women's Leadership Program. You can find Amy's blog below and on Isanne.org where we will continue to feature and archive member's voices in our new blog, Member Views.

I know this month's snow drop has been a prize for all the outdoor activities and ski trails. As the February tournaments continue, we wish all of our ISANNE teams and athletes well in their competitions.

More good things ahead,

Laurie Hurd, Executive Director, ISANNE

Together in Our Independence

ISANNE unites, supports and promotes its diverse member schools in a changing world.

ISANNE Member Views

This month's guest blog comes to us from Amy Smucker, member of ISANNE's Board of Directors and Assistant Head of School for External Affairs, Berwick Academy.

GENDER LEADERSHIP GAP: BEYOND THE BUBBLE

"I am writing this blog somewhere over the Midwest as I make my way to the CASE NAIS Conference in Austin, Texas. Today, as I am in the air, millions of women and men are gathering in cities across the globe to ensure that our country and the world understand that women's rights are in fact human rights, and that women should have parity in all aspects of leadership and community." Read more .

Amy Smucker,

Assistant Head of School for External Affairs, Berwick Academy

ISANNE welcomes Deborah Cook as Director of Professional Development

Deb Cook comes to ISANNE with 30 years of experience in non-profit and small business strategic communications, PR and marketing. Deb received her BA in American Studies from Colby College and her MPPM from the Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Southern Maine. Most recently, Deb served as the Interim Director of Advancement for the Chewonki Foundation. .

Deb has already "met" many of you on email and the phone and looks forward to in-person meetings through the spring schedule of events. Email Deb anytime with your ideas for ISANNE conferences and trainings here.

Member and Corporate Partner Events

Member Events:

March 31-April 1 - Waynflete School's Youth Identify Summit - speakers, student-led workshops, and dialogue sessions intended to build bridges and create a vision for strong multi-cultural communities. Waynflete School, Portland, Maine.

June 27-30 - Gould Academy's Field Guide - a four-day program to learn the fundamentals of design thinking. Gould Academy, Bethel, Maine.

Corporate Partner Events:

February 27-28 - Bernstein Shur's Sexual Misconduct Response and Investigations Workshop at Kimball Union Academy, Meriden, NH. FMI

Corporate Partners

We thank all of our Corporate Partners who support ISANNE year round and generously sponsor our calendar of events! Please let Deb Cook know if you have vendors who might be interested in supporting ISANNE activities through our Corporate Partners program!

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