Ulster BOCES Cora Stempel pictured right, led a workshop on school culture. Professor Michael Fullan, pictured left, addressed participants in the two day professional and leadership development institute.

On day two, participants participated in one of six featured sessions about a variety of pertinent educational topics including: Literacy for Learning, School Finance, Turning Schools Around, Engaging the Arts, Writing Process as a Leadership Tool, and Systemically Improving School Culture. The literacy workshop launched a regional initiative to strengthen literacy instruction in all content areas for all students.

“When we started the Principals’ Center 18 years ago, Summer Programs attracting 35 educators were big. Now our challenge is finding a suitable facility for more than 350 participants. Wallkill Central School District was gracious in offering their air conditioned high school auditorium, which allowed participants to fully engage on a hot, humid summer day,” said Jane Bullowa, co-founder and co-director of the Principals’ Center.

Feedback from participants expressed the value of this program and included comments such as “Thanks for the opportunity to engage in thinking and dialogue with a visionary leader,” and “Very practical-well presented and clearly stated!”

The Principals’ Center has a membership of 25 school districts from Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster counties. A New Administrator program offers a series of sessions to support these educators in gaining confidence and compliance in their new assignments. Accomplished school leaders serve as mentors. “Administrators are busy and we need to provide dynamic programs and support for those who have stepped into these roles,” commented Dr. Laurie Cassel, the Deputy Superintendent at Ulster BOCES and the new co-director of the Mid-Hudson Principals’ Center.

For more information about programs throughout the year, contact the Principals’ Center at 255-1402 or e-mail rrotzler@mhric.org.