Pre-conference: Using technology to build your teaching and leadership capacity

During our pre-conference, we will demonstrate several technological tools to help increase your capacity to educate BVI students. We will discuss teacher resources, free software licenses, sources for CEUs, and innovative programs to inspire BVI students as they integrate technology into their learning.

Workshop 1: A practical guide to being a mindful leader

The Institute will open with an interactive workshop led by Janice Marturano, award-winning author of Finding the Space to Lead: A Practical Guide to Mindful Leadership. During our time together, Ms. Marturano will define what it means to be a mindful leader; provide techniques for maintaining focus throughout the day; and discuss how purposeful pauses can help us to be more intentional leaders.
 
Janice Marturano was vice president and deputy general counsel at General Mills for 15 years. There, she initiated the company’s program in mindful leadership, training the mind to develop leadership excellence. She is now the executive director of the Institute for Mindful Leadership, which she founded in 2010. The first 100 registrants will receive a free copy of the book, Finding the Space to Lead: A Practical Guide to Mindful Leadership.

Workshop 2: How to have and facilitate cross-cultural conversations

Culture coach, Nikki Lerner, will teach us how to broach topics that may be difficult, regarding race, gender, and culture. She will offer insights while creating a safe space for us to discuss the differences and similarities. This workshop will provide a tactical approach for being a mindful, inclusive leader.

 Nikki Lerner is a singer, author, and culture coach who leads organizations in multicultural change efforts. For a sample of her thought leadership, check out 9 Reasons Diversity Efforts Fail in Organizations.

Workshop 3: Equitable Decision Making

During this interactive panel discussion, we will introduce a decision making tool that you can use to make equitable decisions, and we’ll explore scenarios in which the tool can be applied.

Workshop 4: Moving your organization forward

Sharon Sacks, former superintendent of the California School for the Blind (retired), will discuss how we move our organizations forward by identifying and preparing leaders at all levels of the organization. Then a panel of superintendents and agency heads will discuss their process for developing inclusive leaders. This workshop will address recruiting and maintaining a vibrant workforce; developing managerial and supervisory skills within our team; and creating different leadership pathways.

COSB Awards Ceremony 7:00 – 8:30
The COSB Leadership Institute is open to every professional within our COSB member organizations. Use us as a resource to help you grow as a professional in our field. 

2021 POSB and Outreach Service Providers Award Recipients