Core Values in Action: Girls’ Education and Commitment to Growth
At SL Network we are driven by our core value of growth, and we do not rest on our laurels when it comes to opportunities to learn and exchange knowledge with our network and partners who are striving to achieve gender equity. Our staff members receive ample support to undertake professional development opportunities, which in turn, helps us continue to improve and expand our impact on equalizing education.
In this post, we’re looking at a couple of ways that our Girls’ Education team took advantage of the summer months to learn, share their expertise, and create space for our network leaders and educators to gather, and tend to their growth.
ICGS Global Forum on Girls’ Education
For the first time since the pandemic’s beginning, girls’ education professionals had an opportunity to gather in person once again at the Global Forum on Girls’ Education in Boston hosted by the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools (ICGS).
Sarah Boldin, Director of Leadership and New School Development, found being back in person was one of the best parts of this year’s conference. “It was like a joyful family reunion, and I think everyone felt so grateful to be able to be in a collaborative environment with like-minded colleagues again.”
The forum is an important event on the calendar as it provides a unique space for girls’ education professionals and advocates to learn more about the landscape, and share ideas and promising practices in educating girls and women. Rashida Heslop, Senior Manager of Girls’ Education and Teacher Development, joined SL Network in January 2022 from the NYC Department of Education, so while she is well-versed in the educational landscape, this is her first experience in the girls’ education space. The forum provided her with an opportunity to dive deeper into girls’ education. “It was important for me to attend the conference to learn more about girls’ schools worldwide and identify connections between public girls’ schools and independent/private girls’ schools, aside from gender,” says Heslop. “Attending this conference helped me further realize the importance of a conference for girls’ schools that centers on public and charter schools.”
Our team also presented on components and core areas of our proven Whole Girl Education framework. Heslop, along with Drew Higginbotham, Director of Research and Innovation, presented on nurturing school communities and designing classroom instruction that centers students’ voices and deepens their connection to peers and teachers. The workshop focused on implementing school-based girls’ education teams to infuse Whole Girl practices into classroom instruction and school culture. The presentation was well-received, and it inspired a rich and enlightening discussion about centering student voices in the classroom.
Boldin, along with Caitlyn Griffith, Senior Manager of Affiliation and Expansion, presented their key findings from working closely with new school leadership and affiliate schools. The session, “LAUNCHing Schools in a Whole Girl Education Model,” was aimed at educators interested in learning what it takes to start an all-girls school. The interactive session introduced the TYWLS model and allowed participants to think through their prospective school’s mission, vision, values, and landscape analysis for start-up success.
Laura Rebell Gross also engaged in a lively panel discussion entitled “Educational Equity: Giving Girls a Choice.” The panel included some of our YWLN colleagues including Chevonne-Hall Smith, CEO of YWLN affiliate school, Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women (BLSYW), and Lynn McBee, CEO of our partner network, Young Women’s Preparatory Network.
The Girls’ Education team is also excited to present the first Whole Girl Education Conference in spring 2023 which will explore the theme of “Connected Communities.” Learn more about the conference and how to join us!
Principal Planning Institute (PPI)
This summer, the Girls’ Education team facilitated a three-day planning retreat for TYWLS administrators to come together as a community to reflect, relax, and connect ahead of the new school year.
The annual retreat provides an intentional space for TYWLS administrators and SL Network to explore strategies for deepening student engagement and the school community through various exercises and working sessions.
The Girls’ Education team also has an opportunity to share their plans for student programming, partnerships, and professional learning–and get feedback from the school leaders. Throughout the retreat, SL Network staff outside of the Girls’ Education team facilitate various sessions, like Aaron Hawn, Director of Research & Evaluation, who led a discussion on reviewing and analyzing college outcome data for TYWLS alumnae. Together, they considered ways to better track college persistence so we can ensure that our students are equipped with the right tools and resources for reaching their college and career goals.
Historically the retreat included only principals, but after receiving and hearing feedback, the team extended the retreat to include all of the TYWLS assistant principals as well–which was appreciated and helped them foster a deeper connection with SL Network and our Whole Girl Education framework. One of the assistant principals shared, “This was great. It was my first time really getting to know other TYWLS schools and learning more about the Whole Girl approach.”
Adding to that, one of the principals left feedback emphasizing that the retreat continues to help them grow as school leaders, saying, “I always leave PPI with lots to think about–and I am always grateful.”
Driven By Growth
Not only is the Girls’ Education team committed to their own professional growth, but also to providing ongoing professional development opportunities to school leaders across our TYWLS and YWLN affiliate school networks. Creating space for learning and continuous improvement is a crucial component of our work, and the team isn’t resting on their laurels!
Looking ahead, the team will host a network-wide day of professional development for our teachers and school staff, as well as facilitate opportunities to connect and learn through school visits, online groups, and other workshops. Planning is also underway for our first Whole Girl Education Conference in New York City from March 16-18, 2023. Registration and application to submit a workshop proposal are now open!
We look forward to the new school year and the upcoming opportunities to collaborate and grow together!
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