Chicago Summit Offers K-12 Administrators Timely Solutions to Tough Challenges

PETERBOROUGH, N.H., June 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Staff Development for Educators (SDE), a leading provider of professional development for K-12 educators, is pleased to announce the highly anticipated debut of its Extraordinary Educator Administrator Summit pre-conference, taking place July 20, 2013 in Chicago.

Based on the success of SDE's annual Administrator Summit in Las Vegas, this one-day, high-intensity Summit brings together an all-star team of educational thought leaders to help K-12 superintendents, principals, assistant principals, and other administrators meet the most pressing challenges they face—right now.

"These are especially challenging times for K-12 administrators," reports Kate Maggs, Program Planning Manager at SDE. "We've crafted an event that speaks directly to the toughest issues with fresh, innovative, and timely solutions."

First on the list of challenges are the new Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics, which are replacing disparate state standards in 46 states. The 2013 Administrator Summit offers expert-led workshops that will equip administrators with the information and skills they need to lead and support their teachers in this major change effort.

Classroom technology is evolving remarkably quickly these days. To optimize its value in the classroom, administrators need to understand how it can be most effectively integrated into instruction. And they must be aware of how teachers and students are using it in the classroom.

Teacher evaluation & capacity building require administrators to know how to evaluate and support teachers in their practice.

And strong leadership skills are critical—especially in times of change. And that is just the top of the list of topics that will be addressed at the Summit.

"This is an extraordinary program," adds Maggs. "It has an incredible line-up of dynamic presenters who are some of the best thought-leaders in education today."

Those thought leaders include award-winning educator, best-selling author, and New Jersey Principal Baruti Kafele, who will kick the day off with a keynote titled, "Extraordinary Results, Require Extraordinary Attitude!"

Distinguished educator and 2005 Michigan Middle School Principal of the Year Anthony Muhammad, PhD will lead workshops on 21^st century school leadership and change, high-level Professional Learning Communities, and more. Dr. Muhammad is the author of Transforming School Culture: How to End Staff Division (2009) and a contributing author of The Collaborative Administrator: Working Together as a Professional Learning Community (2008).

One of the nation's leading authorities on staff motivation, teacher leadership, and principal effectiveness, Todd Whitaker, PhD, will bring his signature enthusiasm and practicality to four Summit sessions. Dr. Whitaker is the author of the best-selling What Great Teachers Do Differently and 20 more books.

Rounding out the impressive lineup is 30-year educator Chris Toy, whose interactive presentation style reflects his belief that teachers and leaders must model what they expect from students, colleagues, and faculties.

About SDE

SDE provides professional development for PreK through Grade 12 educators. Through Onsite PD, PD Events, Web-based PD, and PD Resources, the company empowers teachers and administrators across the country with ongoing professional development that is not only research-based, innovative, and rigorous, but also practical, motivating, and fun. All SDE training is presented by the nation's top authors and educational experts, with the goal of creating extraordinary classrooms that prepare students for the evolving demands of the 21st century.

Educators interested in learning more about SDE's national conferences and the many other professional development opportunities offered by SDE can visit the company's website, www.SDE.com, or call 1-800-462-1478.

SOURCE Staff Development for Educators