Increasing student achievement through supporting leadership growth
We dream together about what education can be and walk out the door refreshed and ready to take on the next day.”
- TLN Principal, 2023-24
The Transformational Leaders’ Network (TLN) creates an ongoing community of principals engaged in learning about themselves and their leadership. Principals read current literature, participate in deep and meaningful conversations, and receive support and feedback from facilitators and each other. They also experience and practice a variety of processes and protocols they can use in their schools with their own staff members. This offering is a way to fulfill your professional development plans.
Every year in TLN, the facilitators glean from the participants the most significant learning needs as a basis for the next year’s work. These past few years have been exceptionally difficult for educators, and perhaps even more so for school leaders. They had to contend with others’ heightened emotions as well as keep their own feelings in check. So the focus this year will be on the theme: Emotional Intelligence
TLN Highlights
- Communication and feedback loops: building capacity in managing uncertainty
- Conflict management: preparing for difficult conversations, building positive relationships
- School Leadership Teams: distributive leadership – helping others feel valued and empowered
- Mission, visioning, and goal setting: preparing for what’s coming next
- Self-care and sustainability: “Health is a state of body. Wellness is a state of being.”
- Celebration of self, staff, students, and community
- Sharing and responding to needs of the principal’s school
"It was helpful to share current issues I’m facing, and we also had time to reflect and plan. The opportunity to connect was incredibly valuable. The most impactful aspect was having dedicated time to focus solely on improving my leadership skills without school interruptions. As leaders, we rarely get such opportunities."
- TLN Principal, 2023-24
- Participants' Feedback
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“I’m entering my 19th year as a principal. The challenges of leadership hit a climax last year. I’m hoping that participating in the TLN will help me see the joy again…I’m excited to collaborate with other leaders…”
- Principal, TLN 2023-24“My school is no longer on the Tier 3 list. Over the past 4 years, my work with the TLN has been instrumental in developing clear improvement plans for the school. TLN provided me with time to plan, a network of colleagues to exchange ideas with, and valuable resources to draw from.”
- Principal, TLN 2023-24“My experience in the TLN has encouraged me to lean a little bit harder into that vulnerable side of leadership. We are a very small, rural district…Time in the TLN gave me perspective on where to focus my energy, how to communicate effectively to build transparent and trusting relationships, and to always approach this role with the mindset of meeting people where they are.”
- Principal, TLN 2023-24“Today’s activities were incredibly effective for me: Conversations brought shape to my nebulous, partially developed thoughts. Role-play pushed me to the very edge of my comfort zone and helped me develop my ability to navigate hard (and important) conversations. I continue to be grateful for the safe culture and sense of camaraderie and community that allows me to be vulnerable and take risks.”
“Today was phenomenal, as always! I have become more aware (and have lots of work to do) around systems thinking. The coaching stems were so amazing, and I will put those to use immediately…I have 3 things to try/implement—a conversation, a protocol, and some classroom visits—SUPER HELPFUL”
“TLN activities and conversations give me permission to stretch my thinking and to be more creative in problem-solving.”
“Sometimes it’s good to just realize we are not alone. When I talk through challenges and problem solve it helps me to be a better leader.”
“What I appreciate the most about TLN is that it’s a ‘time-out’ from the pressures of leading a school. It’s a chance to catch my breath and reflect on my approach to the work.”
“The support TLN provided shaped my leadership for the better. In addition, I have made professional relationships with these individuals. I have a sounding board that is an email or phone call away. Creating a professional network is vital to any leadership position, and I am grateful that the TLN helped to facilitate ours.”
2024-2025 TLN Schedule
TLN Gatherings In-Person (8:30 am - 2:30 pm) - Location TBD
- September 20th, 2024
- October 25th, 2024
- December 6th, 2024
- March 7th, 2025
- May 9th, 2025
- June 20th, 2025
TLN Remote/Regional Meetings
- Week of November 18th, 2024
- Week of January 13th, 2025
- Week of February 10th, 2025
- Week of April 7th, 2025
Registration Information:
Those interested in registering for the 2024-25 cohort of the Transformational Leaders' Network should contact Christina O'Neal, Educator Excellence Coordinator, at Christina.L.ONeal@maine.gov.
Contact
Christina L. O'Neal
Educator Excellence Coordinator
Email: Christina.L.ONeal@maine.gov
Frances Farr
Lead Facilitator
Email: franfarr522@gmail.com