Annual Report 2021-2022

INFLECTION POINTS

Annual Report

A MESSAGE FROM NICOLE FURLONGE

PROFESSOR AND

DIRECTOR, THE KLINGENSTEIN

At the Klingenstein Center, we’ve been thinking about inflection points, those events that call us to adapt, those defining moments that invite us to clarify who we are and who we want to be. Change has felt so rapid. It is as if we are living and leading in prolonged inflection. A (waning) global pandemic provokes questions about what our future – and, by extension, schooling – will look like. In this moment, we’re called as educator-leaders both to prepare for the possibility of a new era and to commit to shaping it. Yet sensing inflection points and making actionable sense of them is not easy. How do we approach such moments strategically and with care? What could a new era of leading for learning look like?

In this prolonged inflection point, one thing we are certain of is the power and possibility of the cohort – and of cohorting. This year, we’re enjoying the ability to bring people together again, while evolving programs – the Klingenstein Summer Institute (KSI), Private School Leadership (PSL), Leadership Academy (LA), Heads of Schools Fellows program, and FORGE – based on what we learned while remote. I am grateful for the many alumni, instructors, and thought-partners – many of you – who helped make these programs not only possible but also enduringly transformational. Thank you, too, for your generous offerings of time and funds. Your time spent with us enhances our graduate students’ learning. Your financial contributions allow us to increase access to our programs.

CENTER

As the first and only university-based center committed to independent and international schools, the Klingenstein Center is uniquely positioned to tune in to this moment of inflection. The founding purpose of the Center – to professionalize independent school education by building the capacity of educators and school leaders so that students thrive – remains core to our work. We extend this purpose to engage in research – or, as Zora Neale Hurston put it, formalized curiosity – that focuses on the complex ecosystem of independent and international education. We are committed to research that is grounded in our core pillars of Mind Brain Education (MBE), diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, and belonging (DEIJB), and social emotional learning and well-being (SEL). For instance, regarding the Black@Schools Instagram archive: How might we listen as students voice their experiences in order to identify data-informed ways to make our DEIJB work that much more intentional and impactful? And with the Council of International Schools (CIS): How might we better understand how schools define and make pedagogical decisions so that we can better support learning? In all inquiry, we will prioritize the understanding that data-informed teaching, leading, and learning allow us to create and sustain more equitable, inclusive, and humancentered schools.

Membership in our Klingenstein community – nearly 4300 alumni in 64 countries over 6 continents –always has come with a widened sphere of influence. Accompanying that influence is a deep responsibility. Our schools are spaces ripe for bringing deeply intentional change to any inflection points we encounter. They are places where hope for a better future is imagined, cultivated, enacted, and practiced. They are also communities in which we can grapple up close with acute social challenges like economic stratification, racism, sexism, gender oppression, anti-semitism, homophobia, climate crises, and polarized conflict. How are we designing learning that prepares students to understand their current world and to intervene in the world they will inherit? How might we think of

DEIJB and SEL work as, in part, futures work – forging a world we have thus far only approximated? Perhaps we can think of the inflection points we sense in this moment as invitations to clarify our purpose and to create the systems and structures necessary to align –and stretch – purpose and practice. We hope that you hear in this inflection moment an invitation towards the possible and a recognition that we are all needed here to shape the curve.

All best, Nicole Brittingham Furlonge, PhD

RESEARCH PROJECTS

CLARE SISISKY

Dr. Clare Sisisky began her tenure as the first-ever post-doctoral research fellow at the Klingenstein Center. During her two-year tenure, Clare will focus on intercultural immersion learning experiences for high school students and climate action education.

Clare recently completed her doctorate in education from University of Pennsylvania and also holds a master’s degree from Harvard University. She spent 20 years as a teacher and senior administrator at independent and public schools in the United States, including eight years at the Collegiate School in Richmond, Virginia as the Founding Director of the Institute for Responsible Citizenship and the Director of Strategic Planning. Additionally, Clare has written and spoken widely on intercultural competence and global citizenship in K-12 education, and recently co-authored the chapter “Global Engagement, Perspective Sharing, and Future Seeing in and Beyond a Global Crisis” in the book Flux Leadership: Real time inquiry for humanizing educational change from Teachers College Press.

“Welcoming Clare as our inaugural postdoctoral fellow marks an exciting moment for the Klingenstein Center. As we build our engagement in research, Clare will

be a key member of the Center’s growing community of inquiry,” said Nicole Furlonge. “Our commitment to supporting a postdoctoral fellow is one way we are mentoring education scholars who are committed to researching independent and international schools, an educational ecosystem that is understudied yet ripe for inquiry.”

Clare is currently recruiting participants for her first study, focusing on how independent and international schools are teaching the global competencies that enable and empower students to take climate action. The study is open to all educators, regardless of grade level or discipline, who teach the skills needed for students to act or prepare to act to mitigate climate change, to adapt to the impact of climate change, and/or to seek greater justice in relation to climate issues.

To learn more, visit klingensteincenter.org/research

KANE & BEST SCHOLARSHIPS

2022-2023 SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

Breanna Conley

I am both honored and grateful to be chosen as the Pearl Rock Kane Scholar. Pearl Rock Kane’s legacy is based on her clear dedication to cultivating caring, compassionate, and highly-skilled private school leaders. Being selected as a Kane Scholar serves as both great recognition for the values I deeply embody, but also as a great reminder to keep striving towards excellence for myself and my community, just as she did. I would be so fortunate if my efforts were even half as successful and enduring as Pearl Rock Kane’s. I feel inspired to continue on my life-long learning journey to help my community.

The prestigious Pearl Rock Kane Endowed Scholarship honors its namesake, the first director of the Klingenstein Center. Shortly after her time as a student in the first cohort of Klingenstein Fellows at the Center, Pearl was tapped as the first director. She served in that capacity for 37 years, during which she grew the Center from a single program to the preeminent destination for leadership development for independent school professionals. Kane Scholars are selected because they demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and to continuous deep and reflective learning—two areas of focus in Pearl’s research, writing, and teaching.

The 2022-2023 Kane Scholar is Breanna Conley. Bre comes to the Klingenstein Center from her alma mater, Montclair Kimberley Academy in Montclair,

New Jersey, where she taught pre-K and served as the pre-K grade level team leader, diversity, equity & inclusion coordinator, middle school step team coach, and primary school black affinity group leader. Bre began her year at Klingenstein this September.

Bre holds a bachelor’s degree in education and philosophy from Boston College and a master’s degree in education with a specialization in special education from Lesley University. Reflecting on the early weeks of her Klingenstein experience, she shares, “In just the first few weeks of being in the PSL ‘23 cohort, the collaboration and relationship building with exceptional educators from around the world has already proven to be invaluable. I know that these relationships and experiences will stay with me for a lifetime. I hope to use these experiences and newly acquired skills and relationships to help build my capacity to be an efficient and dynamic leader.”

The James and Landis Best Scholarship was created by Jim Best, a member of the Klingenstein Center Advisory Board, and his wife, Landis, to embody their belief in the “power of education—and in the importance of developing and strengthening the leadership skills of teachers and administrators at every step of their professional journey.”

Best Scholars are selected because they demonstrate dedication to equity in independent schools and seek creative solutions to the challenges schools face. These criteria were adopted by the Klingenstein Center in recognition of Jim’s leadership in independent schools— particularly his advocacy of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives—and of his partnership with the Center in identifying and engaging with opportunities for learning and growth for emerging independent school leaders.

The 2022-2023 Best Scholar is Tamara Schurdak. Tamara began her professional career in a college admissions office, where she had the opportunity to travel to schools across the US and Canada and engage in conversations about equity, access, and preparation.

She then transitioned to K-12 education, serving a variety of roles from teacher to division head at several schools. Tamara most recently served as the head of school at the Chestnut Hill School.

Reflecting more on these challenges and on her decision to come to Klingenstein, Tamara elaborates, “I had wanted to marry experience with research. The Klingenstein Center provides that opportunity: a small cohort and incredible instructors focused on teaching, learning, and leadership. Although I am not working full-time in a school, my experiences are ever-present, as professors ask us to reflect, to listen, and to apply. Our cohort has been incredible. Hailing from different countries, with diverse experiences, and a common commitment has made every conversation that much richer. I am constantly surprised by the questions asked, ones I may not have even thought to consider.

I am humbled by the recognition. I can only hope to live up to the ideals of the scholarship, a continued dedication to equity in schools and a commitment to creative solutions to independent school challenges,” said Tamara on learning that she was named as the Best Scholar. “Schools, and the teachers and administrators in them, are under increasing pressures to do more without the resource of more time. Our challenge is to focus on that which is most important: connection with one another and deep learning for everyone in our community.

The Klingenstein Center’s two named scholarships – the Pearl Rock Kane and the James and Landis Best Scholarships –have been awarded to members of the PSL ‘23 cohort.

Tamara Schurdak

Klingenstein students with your gift to one of our scholarship funds.

CURTIS TURNER

The Klingenstein Center welcomes Dr. Curtis Turner, KSI ‘94, Heads ‘22, as the newest member of the Center’s Advisory Board. Of his relationship with the Center, Curtis says, “The Klingenstein Center has been part of my entire 30-year career in education. I have very fond memories of working with Dr. Pearl Kane as a Summer Institute participant. Most recently, I had an equally fulfilling experience with Dr. Nicole Furlonge as a Heads Fellow. My affiliation with the Klingenstein Center continues to be a particular point of pride.”

Dr. Turner is the Head of Saint Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland, a small college preparatory high school still owned and operated by the Oblate Sisters of Providence, where he also teaches physics. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Howard University, and both a Master of Education and a Doctorate of Education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Advisory Board members are volunteers who serve four-year terms and advise the Klingenstein Center as it continues to adapt to the changing needs of emerging and established independent and international school leaders. “The Center has provided many independent school educators throughout the world with unmatched professional development,” said Curtis. “Personally, the Center has provided an invaluable service to my career. I now look forward to being of service to the Center as a member of the Advisory Board.”

Nicole is thrilled to welcome Curtis to the Center’s Advisory Board. “I appreciate Curtis’ leadership and thought-partnership,” says Nicole. “He joins an Advisory Board full of people committed to making a more equitable, flourishing, and daring future for all students through the educator-leaders we have a hand in cultivating.”

KLINGBRIEF EDITOR POSITION

The Klingbrief Editorial Board is seeking new editors to fill open seats on the board. Through an application process, the board seeks candidates who bring fresh perspectives that will help Klingbrief grow and meet the needs of our readers. The board values increasing the diversity of voices across various identities, geographies, professional experiences, and school types.

Klingbrief editors contribute regularly to the publication by reviewing relevant and compelling books, articles, podcasts, and resources they have encountered in their own professional learning practice. They also engage in a review process to select which submissions will be published each month, and they encourage others to subscribe and submit to the publication. Finally, they steer the publication, evaluating how well Klingbrief responds to the needs of educators and ensuring Klingbrief accomplishes its mission.

Klingbrief editors are voracious readers and enthusiastic learners who are engaged with the craft of writing. They are connected to the independent and international school community. They are curious about trends in education and seek ways to create connections in and across schools that enable educators to learn together. They are comfortable evaluating written work across a variety of topics and collaborating with a team.

Application deadline is February 1, 2022. To learn more, visit klingensteincenter.org/klingbrief-editorial-board-applications.

STEPHANIE LIPKOWITZ

Volunteering with leaders like these women [Pearl Rock Kane and Nicole Furlonge] provided me with personal professional development and provided me a larger sense of purpose beyond my own school community.

As she steps away from her volunteer leadership roles at the Klingenstein Center, we recognize and thank Stephanie Lipkowitz for her remarkable contributions to the Center over the span of nearly 30 years of its 45year history. Stephanie currently serves as the Associate Head of School at Albuquerque Academy. She first came to the Center as an early-career English teacher participating in the KSI ’ 89 cohort. She then served as a Summer Institute lead teacher (1992-2003), Advisory Board member (2006-2022), and a Klingbrief editor (2009-2022). Through this work, Stepanie gave of her time and wisdom to help the Center develop remarkable programs that have served generations of independent school educators. “My connections with the Klingenstein center as a volunteer are deeply and personally meaningful to me—mostly because the mission of the Center so closely aligns with my values and priorities as an educator and citizen. Now more than ever, we face a looming shortage of career educators, and there are so many ways that the Klingenstein team and its network support teachers at every stage of their careers and in the many ways that they lead and serve their schools and communities,” says Stephanie.

VOLUNTEER

To each of her formal roles and to numerous informal acts of generosity along the way Stephanie has brought her invaluable talents and generous spirit. Stephen Valentine, coordinating editor of Klingbrief writes, “Stephanie has routinely centered my thinking, work, and spirit. She has done the same for Klingbrief. As a founding editor and then prolific writer-editor, Stephanie has called us back to our work each month with her trademark pace and grace. She is, also, the most gentle warrior I know: reducing harm and increasing understanding wherever she goes, edits, or writes.” As a careful listener, thoughtful colleague, gifted writer, and insightful editor and curator, Stephanie’s wisdom has helped to shape the Klingenstein Center for the last three decades through the design and delivery of programs, strategic visioning and planning, and shaping the voice of the Center through Klingbrief.

From all who have worked with Stephanie the Klingenstein Center team, fellow Advisory Board members and Klingbrief Editors, and the KSI ’92-’03 students and staff we offer deep gratitude and sincere admiration for years of partnership.

CALL HOW TO GIVE

The Klingenstein Center is increasing volunteer opportunities for alums to engage with current students and each other, from mentoring current students to hosting an admission event at your school. If you’d be interested, please fill out our volunteer survey at klingensteincenter.org/volunteer.

Make your 2022-2023 contribution online at klingensteincenter.org/give Please make checks payable to “Klingenstein Center, Teachers College” and mail with enclosed card to:

Klingenstein Center, Teachers College 525 W 120th St., Box 125, New York, NY 10027

ALL DONORS

Peter Abuisi, Heads ‘99*

Jon Alschuler, LA ‘15*

Richard Arnold, JKF ‘93

Maria Arone

John Baird, Heads ‘00*

Brooks Batcheller, KSI ‘09, PSL ‘14

Chris Beeson, KSI ‘19

Andrew Bishop, KSI ‘09, PSL ‘11

Frances Blackman*

Mary Kate Blaine, LA ‘11*

Lindsay Bowman, LA ‘21

John Bracker, KSI ‘88

Kerry Brennan, JKF ‘83*

Bob Carignan, Heads ‘14

Melissa Cassis, PSL ‘19

In honor of Klingenstein Center Staff

Jenny Clark Rao, PSL ‘05

Daphne Clyburn, KSI ‘12

Josh Cobb, LA ‘13

Mrs. Richard N. Cohen

The Betsy and Alan Cohn Foundation*

In honor of Pat Klingenstein

Mike Coppola, KSI ‘09, PSL ‘11

Jason Couch, PSL ‘08*

Joan Countryman, JKF ‘89

Debra Curry Koppelberger, PSL ‘01

Elie Déu, Heads ‘19

Tom Doar, PSL ‘96*

Vinny Dotoli, PSL ‘02

Liz Duffy, Heads ‘11, and John Gutman

Terry Eagle, JKF ‘85, and Sally Eagle*

Daniel Ervin, KSI ‘12

Kalimah Fergus Ayele, PSL ‘20

Kathleen Fernald, JKF ‘86*

Doug Fishman, PSL ‘06

Susan Flaum

Jessica Flaxman, LA ‘15*

Bill Fleischmann, JKF ‘93*

Rob Follansbee, PSL ‘09

Nigel Furlonge, KSI ‘00, JKF ‘06, and Nicole Furlonge

Dean Fusto, Heads ‘20

Scott Gaynor, PSL ‘99

Jenel Giles, LA ‘19

Debi Gordon-Goodrich, LA ‘09*

Jeremy Gregersen, Heads ‘16

Rachel Griffin, PSL ‘08*

John Gulla, Heads ‘10*

Jack Hall, JKF ‘92, Heads ‘05*

Jim Handrich, JKF ‘95*

Richard Hardej, JKF ‘85*

Sarah Heard, JKF ‘07

Richard Heflich*

James Hejduk, JKF ‘82*

Ian Hoke, LA ‘15*

Wanda Holland-Greene, PSL ‘95

Will Holmes, PSL ‘01, and

Lisa Holmes, KSI ‘94, PSL ‘01

John Huber, Heads ‘18

Joy Hurd, PSL ‘13*

Nasreen Hussain, PSL ‘20

Maiya Jackson, PSL ‘05

JP Jacquet, KSI ‘09, PSL ‘12*

Ole Jorgenson, Heads ‘10*

Jim Justice, LA ‘07

Philip Kassen, PSL ‘98*

Edward Kim, JKF ‘94*

Jen Kitner, KSI ‘04, PSL ‘06

Ann V. Klotz, Heads ‘12, and Seth A. Orbach

Joel Konzen, Heads ‘06

Peter Kraft, KSI ‘96, JKF ‘01*

James Kubacki, Heads ‘10*

Jeremy LaCasse, KSI ‘98, PSL ‘01*

Robyn Laha, KSI ‘07*

Liz Lee, KSI ‘22

Judd Levingston, KSI ‘87*

John Lewis, PSL ‘03, Heads ‘22

Jeffrey Lippman, LA ‘09*

Claire Logsdon, PSL ‘13

Ray Long, KSI ‘09*

Maria Lopez, PSL ‘99*

Eileen Marceau, PSL ‘08*

Ashley Marshall, PSL ‘14

Ronni McCaffrey, JKF ‘90*

Melody Meade, PSL ‘95*

Peter Miller, PSL ‘18

Sally Mixsell, JKF ‘01

Lebogang Montjane

William Morris, JKF ‘93*

Also in honor of Maxine Greene

Donald Morrison, KSI ‘96, JKF ‘01

Lester and Dinny Morse

Megan Nellen, PSL ‘10*

Will Nisbet, KSI ‘12

Steve Noga, KSI ‘06, LA ‘13*

Karen O’Neill, LA ‘15

Michael O’Toole, JKF ‘95

Will Orben, LA ‘17

Tom Owen, PSL ‘19

Diana Owen, LA ‘15*

David Padilla, LA ‘13*

Blair Parker, PSL ‘13*

Danielle Passno, PSL ‘08

Peg Pavelec, LA ‘07*

Liz Perry, KSI ‘99, and Max Grant, KSI ‘99

Thad Persons, PSL ‘06

Marisha Plotnik, JKF ‘09

Emily Pressman, KSI ‘04

Jack Raslowsky, KSI ‘88, and Sarah Raslowsky, KSI ‘88

Mark Reed, PSL ‘04*

Madeline Richards, PSL ‘16*

Jon Rosenshine, PSL ‘03, and Mary Pat Draddy

Debbie Russell, Heads ‘15

Jeremy Sandler, PSL ‘18*

Mary Sessions, PSL ‘19

In honor of Dr. Nicole Furlonge

Alex Shaurette, PSL ‘09

David Smith, KSI ‘05

Elliott Smith, LA ‘23

Steve Solberg, LA ‘09*

Jalene Spain Thomas, KSI ‘03, LA ‘11*

In honor of Lovis Thomas

Nancy Spencer, KSI ‘89

Prentice Stabler, KSI ‘10, PSL ‘13

Bee Stribling, PSL ‘19*

In honor of PSL ‘19

David Suter, PSL ‘02*

Matt Suzuki, JKF ‘99

Olivia Tandon, KSI ‘14, PSL ‘17*

Mark Tashjian, PSL ‘02*

Tom Taylor, LA ‘13

Ann Teaff, JKF ‘85*

Noni Thomas Lopez, JKF ‘06

Caroline Trottier, PSL ‘16

Stephen Valentine, KSI ‘02*

Geoff Wagg, Heads ‘16, and Alice Wagg, KSI ‘93

Russell Werkman, LA ‘09*

Bob Whelan, Heads ‘17

Larry Woodbridge, JKF ‘86

Jeff Wyshner, KSI ‘95, PSL ‘96

VOLUNTEERS

Reem Abu Rahmeh, LA ‘15

Julia Alexander, KSI ‘10, PSL ‘14

Mark Anderson, Heads ‘08

Jim Best

Odkhoi Bold, PSL ‘15

Eliot Brenner

Brendan Buckland, PSL ‘19

Paul Burke, PSL ‘00

Jefferson Burnett

Kai Bynum, LA ‘11

Jennifer Ciccarelli, PSL ‘97

Mo Copeland, Heads ‘09

Roy Danovitch, PSL ‘16

Liz Fernandez, PSL ‘14

Jessica Flaxman, LA ‘15

Sen Foo, PSL ‘19

Barrington Fulton, PSL ‘15

Giselle Furlonge, KSI ‘11, PSL ‘13

Nigel Furlonge, KSI ‘00, JKF ‘06

Terence Gilheany, KSI ‘96, LA’ 09

Johnathan Gold, KSI ‘08, LA ‘13

Sean Hamer, LA ‘09

Rebecca Hammerman, KSI ‘05, PSL ‘20

Danielle Heard, KSI ‘93

Wanda Holland Greene, PSL ‘95

Andy Housiaux, KSI’ 10

Mike Ioli, PSL’ 10

Robert Jackson, PSL ‘16

Houming Jiang, PSL ‘18

Ole Jorgenson, Heads ‘10

Andy Klingenstein

Ann Klotz, Heads ‘12

Alice Laskin, PSL ‘21

Chris Lauricella, PSL ‘00

Stephanie Lipkowitz, KSI ‘89

Carolyn Louden, Heads ‘10

Ashley Marshall, PSL ‘14

Tony McKinley, LA ‘21

Paris McLean, LA ‘15

Elizabeth Morley, Heads ‘07

Thu Nga Ho, KSI ‘12, PSL ‘15

Belinda Nicholson, PSL ‘10

Sarah Odell

Phil Peck, JKF ‘92

Brent Penney, LA ‘07, Heads ‘19

Kurt Prescott, KSI ‘17, PSL ‘21

Andrew Prince, KSI ‘13, PSL ‘17

Jenny Rao, PSL ‘05

Mark Reed, PSL ‘04

AC Roche, LA ‘05

Sylvia Rodríguez Vargas, JKF ‘03

Jim Scott, Heads ‘06

Ina Seok, PSL ‘16

Sarah Shepherd, PSL ‘17

Nancy Simpkins

Jini Sparkman, KSI ‘16, LA ‘21

Bee Stribling, PSL ‘19

Meghan Tally, KSI ‘08, LA ‘15

Michael Tapscott, PSL ‘17

Stephen Valentine, KSI ‘02

Amy Wilson, KSI ‘18, MA/MBA ‘21

*Gifts to the Pearl Rock Kane Scholarship or given in honor of Pearl