Key themes include School Culture as the Context for Leadership and Change; Action Research, Reflective Leadership and School Change; and Critical Issues in Day School Leadership.

Welcoming the participants, Zvi Grumet of the Center expressed how important the Program is in "bringing together people from the broad spectrum of Jewish education, people who might not otherwise meet each other but who are here, building powerful relationships." Afterwards, while explaining to the participants what they are to expect in the coming two weeks, Deborah Court, director of the Principals' Program, described how action research is the "beating heart of the program," and that the Center is honored to have an expert in the field from Lewis and Clark College, Richard Sagor, presenting workshops. In addition, she stressed how important it is to "reflect on who we are as leaders." Immediately following these introductory remarks, Itay Talgam, one of Israel's leading conductors, gave the opening (and eye-opening) session, as in previous years--drawing a parallel between musical conducting and leadership styles.

The Lookstein Center Summer Seminar, which is the first part in a year-long professional development program, brings a highly select group of principals together for ten days of professional training. Through specialized workshops, mentored action research planning, group processing and individual assignments, participants from day elementary and high schools, Orthodox to Reform and Independent, convene to learn from each other’s experience and together grow under the supervision of the Lookstein Center.

Following the seminar participants will work on year-long in-school projects under the guidance of mentors provided by The Lookstein Center. The group will convene again for a follow-up seminar in February in Florida, at which time they will present the findings of their projects to date.

"What makes this seminar particularly unique and exciting is the hands-on involvement of each participant. As a result, the principals go home with refreshing ideas and real tools with which to open their new school year and approach their unique school culture," said Dr. Court. "The seminar is also one example of how The Lookstein Center sees itself contributing to Jewish peoplehood, by bringing together educators from the broad range of the Jewish community,” she added.

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