WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US AT THIS YEAR'S
SYMPOSIUM OF WOMEN EDUCATIONAL LEADERS
Friday, March 28, 2025
Inspire, EmpowHER, Connect
This event offers a unique opportunity to engage with like-minded professionals, expand your network, and participate in meaningful conversations on leadership, coaching, collaboration, and personal growth. Powerful keynote speakers and interactive break-out sessions will leave you feeling empowHERed, and ready to elevate your career, while forming lasting connections with colleagues who share your passion for leadership.
The Common Man Inn and Spa
Plymouth, NH
8:30AM-3:15PM
Registration Fee: $350.00 Register for the Conference Here
If you are interested in reserving a room for Thursday night, March 27, 2025 you may do so here. You may also reserve your room by calling 1-603-536-2200.
We will be hosting a networking and connecting reception on Thursday evening March 27th from 6:00-8:00pm. Cost $25. Seats are limited. Reserve your spot here.
Program Agenda
8:00-8:30 - Registration and Breakfast
8:30-8:45 - Welcome and introductions
8:45-10:00 - Keynote Jenn David-Lang: “A Truly Great Culture PAVES the Way for Everything Leaders Do”
10:00-10:10 - Break
10:15-11:15: AM Breakout Sessions
Sandi Herrera - “The Evolution of Consciousness: Cultivating Thriving Cultures of Wellbeing in Our Schools”
Elizabeth City - “Leading Strategically: How to Be More Effective and Sustained in Your Leadership”
Dr. Kathleen Murphy & Anna Parrill - “The Switch: Challenging Tradition and Elevating Women in Leadership”
11:30-12:30 - Lunch
12:45-1:30 - Keynote Dr. Rachel White: “The Intersections of Superintendent Attrition and Gender in a Complex Political Environment”
1:30-1:45 - Break
1:45-2:45: PM Breakout Sessions
Elizabeth City - “Leading Strategically: How to Be More Effective and Sustained in Your Leadership”
Jenn David-Lang - “Beyond Gratitude Journals: Three Strategies to Address Staff Burnout”
Meghan Glynn & Christine Boston - “Like a Boss – How to Communicate Effectively in a Leadership Role”
3:00-3:15 - Closing Remarks and Raffles
March 28, 2025
Symposium of Women Educational Leaders Keynote
Speakers:
Jenn David-Lang
“A
Truly Great Culture PAVES the Way for Everything Leaders Do”
Trying to improve an organization without building its culture is like trying to start a car without oil. It’s the foundation of everything. The good news is that successful cultures can be built Learn the three areas research shows will help strengthen your organization’s culture Organizations with strong cultures know how to build vulnerability, build safety, and build purpose. You’ll leave with multiple strategies to put these three areas into practice immediately.
Presenter Biography:
Jenn David-Lang has worked as a teacher, school administrator, consultant, and founder of educational organizations for over thirty years. About 15 years ago she realized her superpower lies in supporting other educational leaders with their own professional learning. She also noticed that school leaders had little time for their own professional learning
Given all this, Jenn founded The Main Idea Her subscribers receive a thorough book summary each month, connecting them with the latest and most compelling ideas on education and leadership. Jenn also facilitates Masterminds (online groups of educational leaders learning together), coaches educational leaders, conducts school evaluations, and facilitates workshops Jenn received her principal’s certification and Ed M from the Bank Street College of Education. She is also the co-author of two books, along with Kim Marshall: The Best of the Marshall Memo Book One and Book Two.
Dr. Rachel White
"The Intersections of Superintendent Attrition and Gender in a Complex Political Environment”
Dr White will share visualization, and data analyses using her National Longitudinal Superintendent Database to discuss how increasingly contentious superintendent attrition and gender-based differences in attrition and mobility can exacerbate superintendents’ challenges related to policy and political engagement Participants will engage in collaborative dialogue focused on their experiences with navigating contentious political and policy issues and ways of approaching and managing these issues, and identify avenues through which administrators can manage unhealthy political contention that takes away from the educational goals of schools, and how administrators across the state may work together to reduce the toll that political contention has on education leaders and reduce undesirable administrative turnover.
Presenter Biography:
Dr Rachel S White is an Associate Professor in the Department of Education Leadership and Policy at The University of Texas at Austin. Dr. White’s scholarship concentrates on issues of power, voice, and inclusion in district and state-level K-12 education policy spaces. In particular, Dr White primarily employs mixed methodological approaches to (1) understand the backgrounds and experiences of district and state education policy leaders and the contributors to and consequences of power inequities in policy spaces, and (2) explore how education leaders conceive of and enact their role as policy influencers In developing, executing, and communicating her research, Dr. White brings her lens as a former local school board member and high school cross country and track coach. Dr. White is also the Founder and Principal Investigator (PI) of The Superintendent Lab, which serves many functions to build out rigorous research on the superintendency including the continual development of the National Longitudinal Superintendent Database (NLSD). The NLSD has been a vehicle for advancing data and research capacity, and informing policy changes related to the superintendency
Dr. Rachel White
Jenn David-Lang
March 28, 2025
AM Breakout Session Descriptions & Bios
The Evolution of Consciousness: Cultivating Thriving Cultures of Wellbeing in Our Schools
Sandi Herrera
In the ever-changing world of education, how do we lead with confidence, empower our colleagues, and inspire our students? Join this transformative session to explore the *7 Levels of Consciousness* and discover how understanding the mindsets at each level can unlock new possibilities for you, your team, and your entire school community Together, we’ll unpack the connection between emotional intelligence, resilience, effective communication and leadership, giving you practical tools to navigate challenges, foster collaboration, and create environments where everyone thrives. This is a chance to reflect, recharge, and grow alongside fellow leaders who share your commitment to shaping the future of education. You’ll learn practical strategies that empower you to help students manage their emotions, navigate setbacks, and persist through challenges all while cultivating a mindset of lifelong learning that can boost academic achievement and close achievement gaps. Through engaging, interactive exercises, self-awareness assessments, and group discussions, you'll explore models of emotional intelligence and practice mindfulness techniques to build resilience within yourself and for your students.
Presenter Biography:
As Co-Founder and CEO of HumanizEDU, Sandi Herrera is leading the movement to bring the human back to the center of education. Her work in the U.S. and abroad is fostering strong school cultures and igniting the genius in both educators and students She is helping schools everyday become happy, empowered and engaging places to work and learn!
Leading Strategically: How to Be More Effective and Sustained in Your Leadership
Elizabeth City
Being a leader can be a noisy, distracting job. It can also be a rewarding, joyful job. How can you approach both your daily work and larger decisions with intention and discernment towards greater purpose? This session will introduce you to five core elements of strategic leadership and will engage you in a hands-on workshop, including tools and a mini-case study to explore and apply to your own work.
Presenter Biography:
Elizabeth City is Senior Lecturer on Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE), where she is Executive Director of Reach Every Reader and previously served as Director of the Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.) Program. Liz has served as a teacher, instructional coach, principal, and consultant, in each role focused on helping all children, and the educators who work with them, realize their full potential. She is currently focused on developing successful readers and strategic leaders in equitable, learning-rich environments She has authored and co-authored several books for educators, including: Meeting Wise; Data Wise; Strategy in Action; Instructional Rounds in Education; Resourceful Leadership; and The Teacher’s Guide to Leading Student-Centered Discussions. Her latest book, Leading Strategically, is expected in late summer 2025 from Harvard Education Press.
Elizabeth City
Sandi Herrera
March 28, 2025
AM Breakout Session Descriptions & Bios
The Switch: Challenging Tradition and Elevating Women in Leadership
Dr. Kathleen Murphy & Anna Parrill
Join us for this engaging session designed for school leaders facing the growing challenge of principal retention and mentoring new leaders. The role of the principal is more complex and challenging than ever and our new leaders need the highest quality support and mentoring Learn more about the innovative journey of two New Hampshire women leaders who redefined leadership roles in their school community through a unique role-switch model They lifted each other up and redefined a school community's typical succession planning model This approach not only reinvigorated a highly accomplished leader’s passion but also empowered a new principal with high-quality, on-the-job mentoring—leading to significant improvements in both leadership skills and student outcomes.
Dr Kathleen Murphy is a dedicated educational leader with a commitment to student success and school leadership. As the principal of Clark-Wilkins Elementary School in Amherst, NH, she oversees the growth and development of 700 young learners, fostering a supportive and dynamic educational environment. Currently serving as the president-elect of the New Hampshire Association of School Principals, Kathleen advocates for the role of the school principal and leads work throughout the state of New Hampshire to support and help grow the skills of school leaders. She recently earned her doctorate in Learning and Leadership, with her dissertation focusing on the changing role of school principals and the need for innovative preparation programs. She knows first hand how demanding the role is and how important it is to receive high-quality mentoring and support.
Anna Parrill is an accomplished educational leader with 36 years of experience, including 31 years as a principal at both middle and elementary schools across New Hampshire. Known for her dedication to fostering growth and leadership in others, Anna currently serves as the co-facilitator of the New Hampshire Association of School Principals' (NHASP) Mentor Program. As she prepares to retire at the end of this school year, Anna is excited to embark on a new chapter, channeling her passion for education into her coaching and mentoring consulting business, where she will continue to inspire and guide the next generation of school leaders.
Dr Kathleen Murphy
Anna Parrill
March 28, 2025
PM Breakout Session Descriptions & Bios
LeadingStrategically:HowtoBeMoreEffectiveand SustainedinYourLeadership
ElizabethCity
Beingaleadercanbeanoisy,distractingjob.Itcanalsobearewarding,joyfuljob. Howcanyouapproachbothyourdailyworkandlargerdecisionswithintentionand discernmenttowardsgreaterpurpose?Thissessionwillintroduceyoutofivecore elementsofstrategicleadershipandwillengageyouinahands-onworkshop, includingtoolsandamini-casestudytoexploreandapplytoyourownwork.
PresenterBiography:
ElizabethCityisSeniorLectureronEducationattheHarvardGraduateSchoolof Education(HGSE),wheresheisExecutiveDirectorofReachEveryReaderand previouslyservedasDirectoroftheDoctorofEducationLeadership(Ed.L.D.)Program. Lizhasservedasateacher,instructionalcoach,principal,andconsultant,ineachrole focusedonhelpingallchildren,andtheeducatorswhoworkwiththem,realizetheirfull potential.Sheiscurrentlyfocusedondevelopingsuccessfulreadersandstrategicleaders inequitable,learning-richenvironments.Shehasauthoredandco-authoredseveral booksforeducators,including:MeetingWise;DataWise;StrategyinAction; InstructionalRoundsinEducation;ResourcefulLeadership;andTheTeacher’sGuideto LeadingStudent-CenteredDiscussions.Herlatestbook,LeadingStrategically,is expectedinlatesummer2025fromHarvardEducationPress
Beyond Gratitude Journals: Three Strategies to Address Staff Burnout
Jenn David-Lang
Something is going on. Since the pandemic we have been seeing lower rates of staff engagement and higher rates of absenteeism We can do something about this Learn systematic strategies to get staff out of burnout More than just helping them survive, we can truly help them to thrive and find meaning in their work
Presenter Biography:
enn David-Lang has worked as a teacher, school administrator, consultant, and founder of educational organizations for over thirty years. About 15 years ago she realized her superpower lies in supporting other educational leaders with their own professional learning. She also noticed that school leaders had little time for their own professional learning.
Given all this, Jenn founded The Main Idea. Her subscribers receive a thorough book summary each month, connecting them with the latest and most compelling ideas on education and leadership. Jenn also facilitates Masterminds (online groups of educational leaders learning together), coaches educational leaders, conducts school evaluations, and facilitates workshops.
Jenn received her principal’s certification and Ed.M. from the Bank Street College of Education. She is also the co-author of two books, along with Kim Marshall: The Best of the Marshall Memo Book One and Book Two.
Elizabeth City
Jenn David-Lang
PM Breakout Session Descriptions & Bios
“Like a Boss – How to Communicate Effectively in a Leadership Role”
Meghan Glynn & Christine Boston
Good communication is key to personal and professional growth. As women in leadership roles, it is especially important that we are clear, concise, and effective in communicating with the members of our school communities, from parents to school board members. This breakout session will explore effective communication strategies, including how to address challenges to your authority and credibility.
Meghan Glynn is an attorney in Drummond Woodsum's School Law practice group. She provides counsel to K-12 public schools, municipalities, and higher education institutions on a broad range of issues, including policy development, student rights, discipline, bullying, Title IX, employment law, collective bargaining, and compliance with laws such as FERPA and New Hampshire’s Right to Know Law. Recognized for her expertise, she is listed in The Best Lawyers in America for Labor and Employment Law and has been named a “Rising Star” by New England Super Lawyers. Meghan frequently presents at educational law conferences and offers customized training for schools.
Dr. Christine Boston was named Assistant Superintendent for the Dover School District in 2018. Boston previously served Dover from 2007-2018 as the Director of Pupil Personnel Services, as well as serving both Dover High School and Dover Middle School as principal. She currently serves as the President for the NHASEA Board of Directors as well as on the Equity Committee for NHSAA. Her graduate work was completed at Plymouth State University earning an M.Ed. in K-12 Special Education, several professional certifications, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Education Leadership. Boston earned her Ed.D in Leadership, Learning, and Collaboration from Plymouth State University, the subject of her dissertation was "Principal definition and attitude toward inclusion: The impact on student placement in New Hampshire Public Schools". Her primary areas of research are inclusive education and culturally responsive equitable education. Dr. Boston has also served as a teaching lecturer at Plymouth State University in the Department of Elementary Education and Youth Development and has served as a Peer Reviewer for several national grant competitions including Race to the Top and AmeriCorps School Turnaround in partnership with Corporation for National and Community Service.
Dr. Boston has achieved ATIXA certification as a Title IX Coordinator and Administrator Level II, K12 Title IX Coordinator and Administrator Level I, as well as the K-12 ADA/504 Coordinator Certification. She has completed over 80 Title IX investigations and 50 Conduct and Discrimination investigations. March 28,
Meghan Glynn
Christine Boston
Special Thanks to Our Event Sponsors
NHSAA Southwest Region