Before you tell your life what you intend to do with it, listen for what it intends to do with you. Before you tell your life what truths and values you have decided to ive up to , let your life tell you what truths you embody, what values you represent.

– Parker J. Palmer

This Institute is designed for school leaders who wish to deepen their skills as facilitators of the adult learning communities within their school. 

At this gathering, you will be joining a group of school leaders from around New England and beyond. We envision a continuation and deepening of the leadership-related conversations we began last summer, as well as skill-building opportunities both for for those who are new to the institute and for those who are returning for round two. In addition to engaging in a retreat experience at the gathering, you will be able to explore ways to deepen your capacity for building relationships, for creating safe and hospitable spaces which support faculty and staff as they are challenged to respond to the realities of your community.  You will experience reflective practices to benefit the adult community in your school. You will have the opportunity for consultation with several regional facilitators who can offer on-going support within your state in the future.

We welcome suggestions from you about particular workshop topics or design features for the retreat that would meet your needs during these difficult times.  Let us know if you would like to share your experiences from this past school year as you tried out some of the approaches we discussed at last year’s institute.  We want to hear your stories!

This Courage to Lead Summer Institute will be held at the Kennedy Learning Center in Nobleboro, Maine, about 60 miles northeast of Portland on Damariscotta Lake and a 20-minute drive from the ocean.  

Cost to you for the Institute, including lodging and meals, is $600.00  

There are also a few rooms available both before and after the retreat in case you may want to extend your stay.