Summer Leadership Institute to Focus on Leading in Challenging Times

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2025

The School of Education at St. John’s University proudly announces the launch of the Summer Leadership Institute, an immersive experience designed to equip educational leaders with the tools, strategies, and connections needed to navigate today’s complex educational landscape.

With the theme, “Leadership That Connects: Leading in Today’s Challenging Times,” the institute will be held on July 14 and 15 at St. John’s University’s Queens, NY, campus, providing superintendents, assistant superintendents, district leaders, and principals with a unique opportunity to network, share insights, and develop actionable strategies that create lasting impact in schools and communities.

“The School of Education at St. John’s University has always been committed to professional development that empowers great educational leaders,” said Dean James Wolfinger. “This institute furthers our longstanding mission, and we are thrilled to welcome the New York City metropolitan area’s educational leaders to campus for two days of workshops devoted to learning, networking, and improving professional practice.”

Participants will engage in keynote presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions focusing on enhancing leadership communication. The event will feature discussions on instructional leadership, teacher recruitment and retention, self-care, prosocial leadership, and supporting English Language Learners and their families, led by local and nationally recognized educators and authors.

The institute will include two dynamic keynote speakers. Julia Mahfouz, Ph.D., Associate Professor in Leadership for Educational Organizations at the University of Colorado Denver and an expert in mindfulness and prosocial leadership, will speak on “Beyond Exhaustion: Understanding and Overcoming Burnout in K-12 Leadership.” Peter DeWitt, Ed.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Instructional Leadership Collective and an expert in developing inclusive school climates, will focus on “Creating Communities of Trust.”

Additionally, the Institute Panel Spotlight will address “Current Legal Issues Facing School Districts” featuring school district attorneys from Ingerman Smith LLP.

Beyond these engaging sessions, the Summer Leadership Institute will offer ample networking opportunities, including a dedicated dinner reception to foster meaningful connections and collaboration among educational leaders. Participants will also gain valuable professional development, earning 15 CTLE hours and receiving digital badges upon completion of the program.

Registration Details:

•  General Registration: $1,600 per educational leader.
•  Early Bird Rate: $1,300 (available until May 1, 2025).
•  Registration is now open.

Katherine C. Aquino, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Innovation and Partnerships at St. John’s University, emphasized the significance of this initiative: “The creation of the Summer Leadership Institute at St. John’s University marks a significant milestone in advancing educational leadership across New York. This institute exemplifies The School of Education’s unwavering commitment to shaping the future of education by providing rich learning and networking opportunities that empower our educational leaders to thrive. As a hub for innovation and professional growth, the institute reinforces St. John’s University’s position as a leader in the educational space—dedicated to supporting our educational community and driving excellence in leadership.”

About The School of Education at St. John’s University: St. John’s University, a leader in education and professional development, is committed to preparing future educators and leaders through innovative programs and strong community partnerships. The School of Education continues to drive excellence in education by offering dynamic learning experiences that empower educational professionals to lead with impact.

Contact:

Katherine C. Aquino, Ph.D. 
czadoaqk@stjohns.edu