Elkhart Culture Series: Thought Leadership Conference

The one constant that all educators understand is that our profession is ever-changing.  On a slow day, it is a system in flux with moving targets, differing expectations, and conflicting demands – a system that we thought we knew when we signed-up-for it, but now different in how it defines itself each year of our careers.  It is “change-constant”!  Yet a perplexing reality works against change initiatives that we as educators undertake: The fact that the individual needs and ambitions of educators are subordinated, or even sacrificed, for the betterment of the team.  Further, that the very things adults need from schools are in many cases, de-prioritized or even forgone, for those of the students.  

Dr. Ryan Donlan, educational author, former K-12 leader, and university scholar, suggests a different approach – one that offers a countering perspective to those who might say, “There’s no ‘I’ in ‘TEAM,’” and “Children come first in schools.”  

Please join Dr. Donlan as he discusses change management in education, from the inside-out, and rediscover for yourselves in your own way, how to move forward professionally and make a lasting difference while not being afraid to look inside and ask, “Why?” and “Is this working for ME?”

Recommended Readings
Minds Unleashed: How Principals Can Lead the Right-Brained Way by Ryan Donlan and Steve Grunert

This session is for anyone who starts each day with the intention to make the world a better place. It's for leaders who, through their work, witness the crisis or suffering of others.  Secondary trauma, sometimes referred to as compassion fatigue, is best defined as the cumulative physical, emotional, or psychological response that occurs due to exposure to others’ traumatic events. These interactions, combined with the stress of everyday life, often lead to burnout, the breakdown of a positive workplace culture, and a decrease in the ability to build or sustain healthy relationships.  Participants will learn about the impact of secondary trauma, begin to identify the personal signs of vicarious trauma, and gain techniques for establishing a system of self-care while still working to make a difference in the lives of others.  

Session Goals
1) To understand the impact of secondary trauma on individuals, organizations, and communities
2) To recognize the signs of secondary trauma
3) To establish a self-care process to reduce the effects of secondary trauma

Participants will gain self-reflection skills to guide them in their capacity to do meaningful work and to continue serving in leadership roles within their community.