Sample Mastermind Topics
Each Mastermind topic below was covered in a Mastermind session and included materials for study and discussion.
Leading in Uncertain Times
Leaders explore the challenges and opportunities associated with leading through VUCA (Vulnerable, Uncertain, Complex & Ambiguous) times.
Prioritization
Leaders identify priorities for the year and explore the why / how of prioritization. Participants learn 3 key skills and explore the Eisenhower Matrix and other tools to support planning.
Effective Leadership Teams
Leaders learn about the 3 keys to establishing effective leadership team culture (Know Ourselves as Leaders, Build Trust & Build Purpose).
Unfinished Teaching and Learning
Leaders explore the impact of the pandemic and learn some strategies for mitigating learning loss / addressing unfinished teaching and learning.
Equity
Leaders explore 5 key Mindset Changes Needed for More Equitable Schools, based on the ideas in the book Unconscious Bias in Schools.
Culture
Leaders read about and discuss how a culture of physical safety, strong relationships and continuous improvement can be built and sustained in schools.
Self-Care
Leaders explore ways in which they take care of themselves in order to take care of others, while also working on building communities of care in their schools/districts.
Beyond Burnout
Rather than supporting teachers with one-time mindfulness sessions, we introduced a way to address burnout proactively when planning initiatives and for reopening in the fall by using self-determination theory. Read more.
Virtual Coaching / Virtual Classroom Visits
Leaders collect and study strategies and techniques for administering effective virtual visits and coaching sessions.
Student Engagement
Leaders share and explore research-based strategies for engaging students, in both virtual and in-person contexts.
Deeper Conversations
Participants explore a David Brooks column on deeper conversations and engage in activities exploring the implications for school leaders and instructional coaches.
Build Better Habits
Timed with the New Year, leaders read 4 Laws of Behavior Change to Help Build Better Habits, based on Atomic Habits, by James Clear. Leaders identify personal/professional habits they would like to start, along with strategies to ensure success.
Leader Credibility
Based on ideas in The Distance Learning Playbook for School Leaders, participants explore 4 components of their credibility: Trust, Competence, Passion and Accessibility.
Social Emotional Learning
Based on the ideas in Social-Emotional Learning in the Classroom: Practical Guide for Integrating All SEL Skills into Instruction and Classroom Management, leaders learn about 5 critical SEL skills: self-awareness, self-management, social-awareness, relationship management and responsible decision-making.
Coaching Conversations
Leaders reflect on their approach to coaching using Justin Baeder’s 10 Coaching Questions.
Evaluating Professional Learning
This reflective session explores Thomas Guskey’s work on the Five Levels of Impact professional development has on teaching and learning.
Adaptive Leadership
This introduction to Adaptive Leadership explores some of the key concepts in The Practice of Adaptive Leadership: Tools and Tactics for Changing Your Organization and the World by Alexander Heifetz and Marty Linsky. Leaders are introduced to the differences between technical problems and adaptive challenges.
Leader Reflection
Participants explore four key Emotional Intelligence skills (Self-awareness, Self-management, Social awareness & Relationship management) and hone in on reflection as a critical component of each skill.
Hiring for Diversity
Participants look at the importance of diversifying our educational staffs, share best practices, and explore the issue of bias in the hiring process, particularly with video interviews.
Effective Grading Practices
Participants learn the key grading principles that guide effective practice and explore ways to influence the mindsets of teachers to rethink traditional practices that harm student learning.
Accelerated Learning
Identifying effective leverage points is critical for school leaders. Participants identify how schedules, staffing structures and curriculum and assessment could support accelerated learning for 2021-22.
