Jen Schwanke, Ed.D.
Dr. Jen Schwanke is a longtime educator, teaching and leading at all levels. She is the author of four ASCD books, including the just-released The Principal’s Guide to Conflict Management. A frequent contributor to multiple educational publishers, Schwanke consults with districts and school leaders in the areas of school climate, personnel, and instructional leadership. She is a frequent presenter at national organizations including ASCD + ISTE, NASSP, and NAESP. An instructor in educational administration at The Ohio State University, Dr. Schwanke currently serves as a Deputy Superintendent in Ohio. You can find her at jenschwanke.com, on X at @jenschwanke, and on Instagram @DrJenSchwanke.
Thank you for your interest in professional development for your staff. I provide various options and formats, including keynotes, presentations, seminars, and workshops. With a positive, humorous, thoughtful presentation manner, I will bring energy and excitement to your organization while addressing the difficult questions educators grapple with every day.
Consulting Options
Popular topics:
- Shared Leadership
- Supporting Teachers
- Rethinking Data Usage
- School Climate and Culture
- School/Community Engagement
- Staff Evaluations
- Instructional Leadership
- Collective Efficacy
- School Culture
- Teacher Morale
- Having Difficult Conversations
- Managing Conflict
- Rebranding your School
- Revamping Instructional Leadership
- Reenvisioning Teacher Potential
- Strategies for Work/Life Integration
- Building Parental Relationships
- Trust in Schools
- The Art of Leading Leaders
- Leveraging Instructional Coaches
- Avoiding Burnout
Models (All Available Virtually or In Person):
Workshops
Workshops are learning opportunities with groups of various sizes. Together we will capture a full day of learning, inspiration, and applicable strategies teachers, coaches, or administrators can use to plan for a great school year. Using concepts from any of my four books, attendees will be active, engaged learners and will come away with ideas they can implement immediately in their professional practice. Specific topics discussed will follow the interests and needs of the group. Format will combine consultant presentation, active problem-solving, workshop-style team work, and seminar-style reflection.
Institutes
These multi-day events will help your leadership team address topics that are challenging to your school and district. Typically held over the summer, attendees will identify a “problem of practice” and explore solutions to bring change and energy to the work.
Keynotes
In a large group setting, keynotes will provide attendees with an uplifting and inspiring message of hope while also gaining important tips and tricks for the upcoming school year. We will discuss some of the challenges facing educators today and will consider how we can come together to increase their impact and joy. Topics will be tailored to the organization’s wishes, but typical coverage includes school climate, teacher morale, the concept of “support,” strategies for work-life integration, and ways we can take care of ourselves—and one another—as we do this important work.
Breakout Sessions
These shorter sessions will provide intense learning on one topic, leveraging short bursts of audience participation to capitalize on collective knowledge and efficacy. Topics range and can be modified to meet the needs of the conference or session.
Team Coaching and Planning
These sessions, typically with a small group of district or school leaders, will help channel a district/school’s needs into a comprehensive and year long learning program. Participants will leave with a specific tools and timelines for enhancing the work they do each and every day.
Individualized Executive Coaching
Executive coaching sessions provide a focused, personalized experience designed to accelerate professional growth. Through targeted discussions about strengths, challenges, and aspirations, clients receive actionable strategies and practical tips tailored to their specific career journey. The process culminates in a comprehensive report outlining key insights and recommendations for navigating educational leadership, supplemented by valuable resources such as an ASCD book and a personalized letter of recommendation, empowering individuals to confidently pursue their desired path. We’ll meet over Zoom at a time that works for both of us!
Principal Matters Podcast
The Principal Matters podcast is an excellent resource for school leaders, teachers, and district leaders. Together with William D. Parker, founder of the podcast and owner of Principal Matters, Schwanke serves as a frequent host and co-host, taking on relevant and timely topics affecting the work of school leadership. Join Will and Jen for a dynamic, engaging, and balanced voice that will support the work of all educators. Weekly episodes are 30 minutes— perfect for a commute to work or a long walk to relieve the day’s stress!
Endorsements
Contact Jen
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