Twenty-Four Berkshire School and Community Leaders Complete Leadership Training
DALTON, Mass. - To the strains of Pomp and Circumstance followed by the theme from Star Wars, graduates of the 2009 Charter Class of the Central Berkshire Leadership Training received their certificates completing their 3-month program.The Leadership Training was designed to equip current and emerging leaders with communication, decision-making and facilitation skills. It was also created to provide opportunities to bring community and education leaders together to align their efforts toward common objectives to strengthen the community and schools.
“The Leadership Training pushed me out of my comfort zone, which I recognize is a healthy thing. I met people and was impressed by the leadership—the forward-thinking—of the district,” remarked Mary DeMaranville, an English teacher at Wahconah High School, when asked about what she gained from the program.
“The most exciting aspect of this program is how people apply their new skills to their work and personal relationships,” says Ingrid Bredenberg, the program’s designer and facilitator. “Almost immediately, participants applied their new perspectives and communication skills in their teaching and community leadership roles.”
What is next for these leaders? “Now we have a cadre of trained community stakeholders to help develop and implement a strategic plan for the schools – with input from the communities,” says Jim Stankiewicz, Assistant Superintendent of Schools. “We hope that programs like this will both encourage and equip people to step up to community leadership and involvement.” For more information about the program, call Jim Stankiewicz at 413-684-0320 X103.
