Upper School Directors

2020-2021 Schedule and Topics

Headways for Upper School Directors will be facilitated by Laura Hotchkiss, former NCGS Trustee & Associate Head of Academics and Director of Upper School at Marlborough School. All meetings will occur from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.


Headways for Upper School Directors is open to those in positions including but not limited to Assistant Principal, Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs, Associate Head of School/Head of Upper School, Director of Upper School, Head of Upper School, Head of Senior School, etc.


Like our schools, NCGS remains nimble and will iterate to best meet your immediate needs. While many of the topics planned for discussion are universal, they will be examined through a timely lens regarding antiracism and social justice work and how COVID-19 is impacting schools.

October 8, 2020: Starting this School Year Amidst COVID-19 and Anti-Racism Work

Topics to consider: onboarding new employees, goal setting and evaluation, initiatives and priorities, work-life balance, messaging to parents and students, senior year – college, role models, traditions


November 5, 2020: Program Development, Curricular, and Co-Curricular

Topics to consider: curricular – AP Program, Capstone/Research, STEM/STEAM; co-curricular – Advisory programs, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Athletics, Arts, Technology integration, Online behavior;

Questions to consider: schedule and structure, desired goals/outcomes, key topics, suggested materials/resources/speakers, curriculum development, opportunities for teachers and students, desired goals/outcomes, and how to measure “success”


January 7, 2021: Grading and Assessment

Topics to consider: high school expectations, project-based and collaborative work, effects of assessment on health and wellness, rubrics and alternative forms of assessment, peer-to-peer assessment, student-led conferences, portfolios


February 18, 2021: Tapping into Talent: Faculty Recruitment and Retention

Topics to consider: structure and organization of hiring process, interviews on campus, sample lessons, role of department head and department members, orientations, professional growth, evaluation, leadership pathways


April 22, 2021: Preparing for Next Steps: College and Careers

Topics to consider: college prep programs and pressures, internship and shadow day programs, balancing academics and extracurricular responsibilities, parent education, finishing strong for seniors, launching young alumnae


REGISTRATION

Registration for the 2020-2021 Headways program has closed. Please contact Jean Baker, Manager of Membership & Outreach, to be added to the advance-registration list for 2021-2022.