Controlling Conflict for School Leaders

MSAA Professional Development for School Administrators, Directors, Department Heads, Team Chairs, and Coordinators

Controlling Conflict for School Leaders 

The role of school leader is fraught with conflict management. Most often emotionally charged people expect an administrator to drop everything and immediately mitigate situations as they arise. The key to thriving in this role is to develop communication skills and specific strategies to navigate difficult conversations and difficult people. Effective confrontation is a learned skill.

Participants will:

·         Practice difficult conversations for a mediation, a complaint, and an evaluation conference

·         Deconstruct fear-based behavior and resistance

·         Learn the six elements of mastering difficult conversations

·         Apply specific strategies to five difficult personality types

When: Tuesday, January 21, 2025, from 8:30 am to 11:30 am

Delivery Method: In-Person Workshop

Location: The MSAA Office, 33 Forge Parkway, Franklin, MA

Presenter: Dr. Teresa Sullivan, Retired Principal, Abington High School

PD Hours: 3 in Content Area Leadership and Administration

Fees: Member $150 / Non-Member $205

MSAA Contact: Ethel Kawesa, ekawesa@msaa.net 

Dr. Teresa Sullivan | Retired Principal, Abington High School

Teresa Sullivan, Ph.D., is a veteran Massachusetts high school Principal and professional development provider. As a former high school history teacher, curriculum director, assistant principal and principal, Terri brings substantial authenticity to professional development in public education. Her research, education, and passion for public policy and social justice provide a powerful context for her work.
As the Principal of Abington High School, Dr. Sullivan built strong teams and a purposeful culture leading to the coveted USDOE Blue Ribbon in 2018 as ONE of only FOUR exemplary gap closing traditional public high schools in the nation. She has several professional publications and national presentations for the Youth at Risk Conferences in San Antonio and Savannah and the National Schools of Excellence Conference in Orlando. She has recently completed a professional program in Leadership and Communication at Harvard University. Terri is a skilled and engaging instructor, sharing valuable insight to current school leaders.