2024 Conference Schedule
The 2024 National Small Schools Conference, hosted on the campus of The Crefeld School, has been thoughtfully designed as a total experience for attendees. All meals are included in your registration and are the perfect time to meet and connect with new and old colleagues and friends. The hospitality tent is open throughout the conference in between meals for you to grab a drink or snack, or meet up with a fellow attendee.
Coaches Corner with Lukie Wells and Brooke Carroll
This year we are delighted to offer free, 30 minute coaching sessions throughout the conference courtesy of Lukie Wells and Brooke Carroll, two experienced leadership coaches and former Heads of School. Lukie and Brooke are educator-focused coaches trained to listen, ask powerful questions, and create a space for reflection. Whether you have a school-based dilemma or have reached a personal or professional crossroads, take advantage of the opportunity to use a fully trained certified coach as a sounding board during your time at the conference. Click here to sign up for your coaching session.
* Schedule subject to change
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26
12:00 - Check-in Open, Refreshments available
1:30 - Conference Opening, Welcome & Introduction of Keynote Speaker
1:45 - Educators Collaborative Opening Keynote - Hari Kondabolu
3:00 - Session 1 Workshops
Pre-School Year Planning Intensives: Strategizing for Success Before the Bell Rings
Understanding Socio-Economic Diversity in Our Schools
Forging Relationships and Expanding Streams of Income
Building a Vibrant Small School Community
4:30 - Drinks & Dinner Reception in Backyard
Make your way out to the Backyard when your session ends and join your colleagues for a lively and casual dinner reception. “Tour of Philly” food stations showcasing the flavors of three famous Philly neighborhoods
Drinks & Hors d’Oeuvres, 4:30pm
Dinner, 5:00pm
THURSDAY, JUNE 27
8:30 - Breakfast in Backyard
Arrive a little early to enjoy a catered breakfast under the hospitality tent. Matines Café - Parisian fare
10:00 - Session 2 Workshops
Improving the Effectiveness of the Board-Head Relationship: How to Keep Making Progress When Many Plates Are Spinning
From Crisis to Action: A Change Management Case Study
Case Study – Lansdowne Friends School, Philadelphia: Reputation Review for an Impactful Positioning Strategy in a Small School
How Small Schools Can Prepare to Communicate through Unpredictability
11:30 - Lunch in Backyard
Mingle with your colleagues and recharge with a delicious catered lunch. Papermill Fresh Asian Kitchen - modern, healthy Southeast Asian fusion
Heads of School Lunch Meetup Location TBA
1:30 - Enquiry Tracker Featured Speaker - Julia Volkman: Teacher Burnout: How Administrators Help and Hurt Theater
3:00 - Session 3 Workshops
Election Preparation
Developing a Healthy and Effective Leadership Team in a Small School
More Bang for Your Buck: Fostering Adaptive Change Using the Resources You Have
Addressing Misbehavior: For Best Results have a Discipline Philosophy and Focus on Student Psychological Needs
6:00 - Dinner on the Avenue El Poquito, 8201 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia
Join us at a restaurant on Germantown Avenue, just a short walk from Chestnut Hill Hotel, for dinner. This is always a fun and memorable evening! (included in registration)
FRIDAY, JUNE 28
8:00 - Breakfast in Backyard
Arrive a little early to enjoy a catered breakfast under the hospitality tent. Spread Bagelry - Montreal-style bagels and other fresh and delicious breakfast options
9:30 - Session 4 Workshops
Leading from the Middle – How to Become an Effective 360 Degree Leader in Your School
Are Your Students People?
Unlocking the Potential: AI for Small School Websites
Do Collaborations Really Work? Exploring Lessons Learned from a Successful 7 School Community of Practice
10:45 - Acies Strategies Closing Keynote - Dr. Eddie Moore
12:30 - Closing Address