Seasoned leaders in education, philanthropy and nonprofits will gain the skills necessary to make purposeful impact through the Experienced Leaders Program (ELP), a new offering from TC Academy, the College’s professional development suite of courses, and the Klingenstein Center for Independent School Leadership.
"We wanted to create a program that supports individuals with extensive experience who are at a pivotal moment of transition — be it retirement or pursuing their next opportunity,” says TC’s Nicole Furlonge, Executive Director of the Klingenstein Center, and the Klingenstein Family Chair Professor of Practice in Education. “We designed this program to honor individual career expertise and help experienced leaders understand what it means to take their expertise and use it differently.”
Over six months, ELP participants will collaborate with peers, TC faculty and global experts in transformative learning and leadership. Their experience will begin with a visit to vibrant New York City.
While in the program, participants will:
1. Grow From a Cohort of Like-Minded Peers
The program offers an opportunity for community building — an essential component of any career journey, new or established. “Often, people approaching career shifts are leaving professional communities where they’ve forged deep connections,” shares Furlonge. “This program aims to make new connections and minimize feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can occur when retiring or changing careers.”
Through co-generative peer collaborations, digital spaces to support idea exchanges, opportunities for discussion on campus and online, and individualized time with faculty, participants will gain valuable feedback that leads to discovery and deeper learning.
Nicole Furlonge, Executive Director of the Klingenstein Center, and the Klingenstein Family Chair Professor of Practice in Education. (Photo courtesy of the Klingenstein Center)
2. Take Advantage of Flexible Learning in New York City
Participants will begin their six-month learning experience with an online meet-up followed by a three-day immersion on campus. After spending time at TC, participants will stay connected through Zoom check-ins every four weeks, engaging in discussions and with visiting speakers.
”TC Academy is positioned in a way that allows us to extend our expertise and opportunities for learning beyond TC’s campus,” Furlonge says. “This means we’re providing increased access to unique, place-based learning in New York City that will inform our continued learning and community building in our online gatherings.”
3. Establish Lifelong Connections
At the heart of the ELP program lies the importance of connection. “Intergenerational engagement adds a unique element to the work of learning and planning through next-era transitions,” shares Furlonge. “ELP participants will interact with the robust Klingenstein network and have a chance to connect with leaders studying with us in our other programs.”
The Klingenstein Center delivers transformative learning in a community of peers. “Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a learning experience responsive to their unique life moment. And, like other Center programs, they will undoubtedly develop relationships with peers that extend beyond their time discovering with us.”