Our Fall Heads conference "Developing Leaders and Fostering Culture in Our Schools"  began with a group-read discussion of the book  The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle. Coyle names three primary building blocks for creating a strong culture. The first is an environment where people feel safe and they belong; second, vulnerability is supported as they learn new things and grow; and third, there is a shared sense of purpose. These fundamental qualities describe the kinds of learning environments our ISANNE schools seek to create for their community members. During the conference, we also discussed the shifting of faculty expectations over time and understanding the millennial mindset. Another session was a case study of one school's culture challenge and the transparent way the leadership addressed it.  

The final session focused on different examples of professional development opportunities. We noted the importance of the head's role in encouraging people to challenge themselves and try things they might not think they are qualified to do. School leaders believing in and supporting the potential of colleagues is as important as it is with students. Presentations from several school leaders were followed by Round Table conversations and some PD ideas from the session included: 

• NEASC's accreditation process has many leadership opportunities by serving on a visiting team or running a self study committee; 
• The New England LEADS program (formerly ISANNE LEADS); 
• Special campus projects and committee work; 
• Babson's Women in Leadership program and other Executive leadership programs offered at Universities and colleges;
• Susan Scott's book Fierce Conversations on offering honest feedback and enriching relationships;
• One head asks the question, "If you were paid a full salary to work full time in a job other than teaching doing something that would significantly benefit the school, what would you do?"

Many people often comment on the the collegiality of ISANNE membership. As one head commented, "Our recent Head's conference gave me an appreciation for the unique nature and culture of the ISANNE organization. The depth of conversation and the willingness to be open and vulnerable (without being sappy!) are rare occurrences in professional organizations. It is good for us and ultimately good for our schools. Something to work to preserve." Continuing with the culture theme, check out this month's Member Views blog from Meredith Morin on how culture is developed at Maple Street School.  

December seems to arrive before I'm ready for it and here we are! In the days ahead, we wish you safe travels and meaningful moments with family and friends.