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In July of 2024, CASDA brought back "The Power of Relationships," a workshop and lunch designed specifically for school and district office professionals. Held at The Century House in Latham, and led by CASDA Facilitators Nancy Andress, Michael Pipa, and Sue Stoya, the workshop was a celebration of the critical role they play establishing positive relationships with members of their school community. The interactive workshop engaged participants in discussion, activities, and sharing on the topic of developing positive work relationships.
The day's agenda included thoughts on relationships such as understanding personality types, handling conflict, and dealing with complaints. Participants learned how to navigate their "emotional bank account" and tips for destressing, working as a team member, and providing "customer" service in their schools. There was also time for reflection and goal setting as the session wrapped up.
A few quotes heard around the room included:
"I enjoyed the conference and thought the presenters were spot on."
"Great workshop, you have some great consultants!"
"It was nice to have something for us."
Because of the popularity of the workshop, Saratoga Springs CSD enlisted CASDA to provide in-house professional development for their office professionals at the end of the summer. CASDA Facilitators Mike Pipa and Susan Tangorre led a large group in addressing the following goals: to cultivate their relationships, trust and work as a team; reflect on their leadership skills and the role they play in the district; and to build their collective capacity as a central office team.
As your district plans for future professional development opportunities for your staff, be sure to look to CASDA for non-instructional staff training. Often their first point of contact and on the front lines in a student's connection between home and school, your district's bus drivers, teaching assistants, aides, monitors and paraprofessionals are critically important in establishing students' sense of physical and emotional safety. As such, these employees would greatly benefit from training in equity, restorative practices, social-emotional learning, relationship building and trauma-informed education.
CASDA’s unique and effective approach to training for these key personnel involves interactive sessions combining the use of research-based content, case study analysis and situational scenarios. We work with large groups, small groups and individuals to provide learning experiences that train participants to immediately apply new skills in the context of broader change efforts based on your district’s goals. Our training will help foster the vital role your non-instructional staff members play in the well-being of your student population as well as the overall strength of your school community. Contact CASDA Executive Director Timothy Backus at tbackus@casdany.org to learn more!
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