In Summer 2021, supported by a generous 1:1 matching grant from the E.E. Ford Foundation, we launched FORGE, a new professional learning experience for school leaders who seek ways to learn, grow, and make meaningful change in their schools. FORGE is a year-long engagement that begins with a four-day workshop and continues through the academic year with coaching and peer mentoring as participants take practical steps to implement change.
As a FORGE participant, you select a problem or opportunity for growth in your area of practice. During the summer workshop, you'll build capacities needed to initiate and sustain change, connect with a cohort of like-minded educators who will support you on your journey, and hone your plan for pursuing your opportunity for meaningful change. Through the year, your FORGE community of coaches and members of your guild - a small group of fellow participants - will scaffold your work and provide guidance and peer-mentoring as you work toward your goal. At the end of the year, you'll have made progress toward your goals, grown your leadership toolkit, and built a professional learning community.
Who?
Independent school leaders who want to implement and sustain meaningful change
What?
A year-long learning experience that starts with a week-long summer workshop and continues through the school year with online learning and coaching.
When and Where?
The FORGE 2024 summer workshop will be held from Monday, July 8 at 4:00 pm through Friday, July 12 at 1:00 pm at the Edith Macy Center just north of New York City. Coaching session during the academic year take place on Zoom as schedule by the coaches and participants.
How?
A short application is required for the FORGE program. The application requires a brief form with contact information and one professional reference, an updated resume or CV, and answers to short essay questions, including a description of the applicant's chosen change initiative. Once accepted, there is a registration fee of which includes the summer workshop, lodging and delicious meals at the Edith Macy Center, and all coaching sessions throughout the year.
Participation in FORGE is open to leaders from independent, international, private, parochial, and charter schools. A short application is required and there is a registration fee for selected participants.
FORGE 2024 will be held from Monday, July 8 at 4:00 pm through Friday, July 12 at 1:00 pm at the Edith Macy Center just north of New York City. Online coaching sessions will be held via Zoom through the 2024-2025 academic year.
If you would like to be notified when applications open for summer 2024, please fill out our Contact Us for and specify FORGE as your program of interest.
In FORGE, we recognize that transformation is not effortless. It takes strength, vision, determination, reflection, and iterations of hard work. It involves a process of shaping, reshaping, and refining to create the finished work. Like the blacksmith, educators stand in a forge – of ideas about and practices of teaching, learning, and leading. By refining our vision, honing our practices, and reflecting on and adjusting our actions, we can shape ourselves and our schools in remarkable ways. It is hard work and we believe it is well worth it.
