Leadership as a Creative State of Mind Webinar
Friday, February 26, 2016 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Online, More Info to Follow
Why do we need to utilize an aesthetic approach in developing a new generation of transformational urban school leaders? Whether, we look at the work of Elliot Eisner, John Dewey or Maxine Greene we find a great many reasons regarding the power of the arts in transforming, or as Maxine Greene would say, “Disturbing” the status quo.
This Mountaintop Webinar will focus on Lehigh’s Educational Leadership programs (APLI, U*PAL). Learn how the seminars we offer on the Art of Observation, Utilizing Jazz as a Metaphor for Leadership, and Improvisation for Leadership impact the perspectives of emerging and existing leaders, and how they, in turn, are impacting their schools.
Jon Drescher is a Professor of Practice in the CDUEL (Center for Developing Urban Educational Leaders) Program which is part of the Graduate School of Education at Lehigh University. Jon is also the Founding Director, and lead faculty member, of the Urban Principals Academy at Lehigh (U*PAL) a rigorous 13 month Ed. Leadership master’s program, which began in June of 2013, with an emphasis on Creativity and Imagination in Leadership, Issues of Inequity and Privilege, as well as the importance of Organizational Culture to enhance student learning.
NEW
For this Mountain Talk webinar, we will utilize Zoom, an online meeting software used by the College of Education. You will be able to experience how Lehigh is reaching students, both near and far, with the use of this technology. You will have the option to join us via PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android devices. Video conferencing will be available and is encouraged, but it is not required. Further instructions will be provided in your confirmation email.
Jon Drescher
Jon teaches graduate classes in both the PHSLP (Philadelphia High School Leadership Project) and APLI (Allentown Principal Leadership Initiative) programs. Both programs are designed to work specifically with veteran educators who are aspiring school leaders. Jon’s classes are primarily focused on developing leaders who will transform schools into outstanding institutions of student learning.
In addition to teaching Organizational Structure, Data Driven Decision Making, Leadership and Management, Curriculum and Instruction and other relevant foundational courses, all of Jon’s classes focus on: Self-Reflection, Capacities for Imaginative Learning, Communication, Balance and Trust. In keeping with this focus, his classes have traveled to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for classes on The Art of Observation. They have studied the importance of leaders knowing when to lead and when to follow by studying with a group of tango dancers and musicians. As a tangential part of Jon’s work, he has started a monthly series called, “Rounds” at Lehigh. These monthly gatherings of educators and those interested in education delve into topical issues relevant to developing creative approaches to leadership and teaching through shared perspectives and innovation. The Rounds also utilize a Collaborative Assessment Protocol at each gathering that allows each participant to look deeply into one piece of provided student work.
Prior to coming to Lehigh, Jon was a Project Director for the Center for Educational Innovation in New York City and the Associate Director of the Summer Principals Academy at Columbia University. Jon also spent over 25 years as a Principal in New York City and Westchester County and four years as the Head of School of a K-12 Charter in Cambridge, MA. Jon also spent a number of years as a Group Leader at Harvard’s Principal Center and many years producing and hosting shows for New York Public Radio.
Contact Name:
Lindsay Drake
Contact Email:
Sponsoring Organization/Department:
Lehigh University, Alumni Relations