SAIS Webinar | A Middle Level Leader’s Guide to Promoting Psychological Safety in Schools

Psychological safety, often mistaken for simply “being nice”, is a foundational belief that a person feels comfortable and capable in a given situation to take risks, make mistakes, and share opinions. Because psychological safety isn’t only experienced at an individual level, leaders must take steps to actively create a climate that promotes psychological safety and nurture that climate to maintain psychological safety in their schools.

Research has shown that workplaces with high levels of psychological safety experience increased engagement, increased collaboration, and increased learning behaviors. Teachers’ perceptions of psychological safety are directly influenced by middle leaders, and that influence also permeates to students’ learning experiences and ultimately their experiences in school as a whole.

This webinar will focus on the importance of psychological safety in today’s school contexts. Participants will learn how to identify current levels of psychological safety in schools and receive practical tips and tools for increasing this vital core component of workplace culture.

Speakers:

Lauren Huddleston, EdD, Office of Research & Education Accountability, Vanderbilt University

Lauren Huddleston, Ed.D. has previously served as a middle school teacher, a department chair, and a dean. She currently works with the Office of Research and Education Accountability as part of Tennessee state government finding data-driven solutions to some of the state’s most pressing education policy issues.

Sarah McIlroy, Ed.D., Director of Undergraduate Advising in the Department of Human and Organizational Development, Vanderbilt University

Sarah McIlroy, Ed.D. was a teacher, counselor, and department chair in K-12 schools before transitioning to higher ed where she is a current Vanderbilt University faculty member and Director of Undergraduate Advising in the Department of Human and Organizational Development. She teaches courses on organizational and school climite and culture.

Who Should Attend: Academic Administrator, Assistant Head, Division Head, Department Chair, Dean of Students 

Registration: 
Members $0
Non-Members $39