School Administrators Unite for Catholic School Principal's Executive Leadership Institute

June 29, 2009

The 11th annual Catholic School Principal’s Executive Leadership Institute convened at St. John’s Queens campus yesterday hosted by the University’s School of Education (SOE). The event, sponsored by Frank Dinger, Chairman of the Board of the Sadlier Corporation, was attended by more than 100 administrators from New York State and Metropolitan Area Catholic schools.

The theme for this year – “Do You See What I See? – Energizing Catholic School Administrators” –
mirrored thought provoking keynote speeches given by Rev. Michael J. Himes, Professor of Theology at Boston College; Mary Jane Krebbs, Ph.D., Associate Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of New York; Jonathan T. Hughes, Ph.D., Professor of Administration and Institutional Leadership at St. John’s University and Richard Sinatra, Ph.D., Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Director of the Writing Education Center at St. John’s University.

Jerrold Ross, Dean of The School of Education served as host and welcomed the large throng of principals and administrators to St. John’s in addition to presiding over the day’s activities. And, Rev. James J. Maher, Vice President for Student Affairs, had the distinct honor of introducing Rev. Himes to highlight the afternoon session, complete with educational workshops and thought provoking discussion.

“The excellence of the speakers and the long history of service to Catholic school leaders have enabled us to serve a wider constituency,” Dr. Ross said.  “We, at St. John's, are delighted that this outreach brought us together with our colleagues to share best practices in curriculum and strategic planning for Catholic schools.”

The mission statement for the St. John’s Leadership Institute for Catholic School Principals draws distinct parallels to the ideals of the University’s School of Education. This initiative is designed to support Catholic school principals in their unique mission as educational leaders and to empower them with the skills necessary to take Catholic education into the new millennium.

Three mini-workshop forums were conducted throughout the day and consisted of the following subject matter:

• Curriculum Renewal Revolution: If You Live Long Enough, What Goes Around Comes  Around – presentation given by Mary Jane Krebbs, Ph.D.

• Data Matters – presentation given by Jonathan Hughes, Ph.D.

• It’s Not Just 9-3 Anymore: Beyond the Curriculum – presentation given by Richard Sinatra, Ph.D.

For more information contact Madeline Larsen, The School of Education, by calling (718) 990-2577.

Interested media representatives can contact Dominic Scianna, Assistant Vice President for Media Relations at St. John’s University by calling (718) 990-6185 or e-mail inquiries to sciannad@stjohns.edu.