Athlos Academies Fall Leadership Institute: Leaders Refresh Their Skills for the School Year

Today’s school leaders are the ultimate jack and jills of all trades. They are responsible for student learning outcomes, hiring and supervising teachers and staff, overseeing facilities, keeping students and staff safe, and creating welcoming environments for families. They are educators, human resources, custodians, school resource officers, and social workers, all rolled into one. They can move from helping a crying child to supervising bus duty in a pinch.   

Athlos Academies invited school leadership from the Athlos network of charter schools to take some time to refresh their leadership skills at the Fall Leadership Institute in Park City, Utah November 11-13.   

“Now more than ever, school leaders need time away from the day-to-day management of schools and the opportunity to reconnect with their purpose and passion for education.”

– Athlos Academies Superintendent Darin Knicely. 

The institute started with an emotional temperature check on the reason educators serve their schools.  Participants were invited to reflect on their “Ikagai” the Japanese term for life purpose. School leaders talked about the need to fill their cup and refocus on their reasons for serving in education. Several expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reframe the busy school year and refocus on the big picture. 

Sessions on school management included humor, lively discussion, and tools and tips for improving schools for students and staff. A geocaching activity inspired school leaders to use the three pillars of Prepared Mind, Healthy Body, and Performance Character with a little friendly competition in the fresh mountain air of Park City.  

Athlos Academies holds two leadership conferences annually for educators and staff in the Athlos Academies network. The Athlos Academies Fall Leadership Institute is one of many ways that Athlos Academies stands out in K-12 education. Find out more at athlosacademies.org.