Description:The "character movement" is resurgent once again in education. It waxes and wanes like phases of the moon and is now ascendant. Participants will learn how secondary schools, such as the Midland School (CA) and Community School (ID), are focusing on effective means of describing thoughtful development of character attributes to their base. They have always promoted self-reliance, grit and resilience as an integral foundational base necessary to carry out their missions. Promoting this aspect of education has a newly receptive audience. Participants will take away strategies and tools for advancing character in the life of their schools. Weir and Holmes will also describe how schools are adapting admission practices, developing innovative educational programs, and reshaping their relationship to colleges.
AISAP Standard & Competency: Maintain current knowledge of local, regional, national, and global educational policies, practices, and programs. Advance the mission of the school using best practices in admission and enrollment management
Delivery Method: Interactive web seminar conducted online
Program Level: New to Admissions, Administrative Support Staff, Mid-level Professional, Experienced Professional, New to Directorship, MarComm
Presenters: Tim Weir, Director of Admission, Midland School &
David Holmes, Co-Director of the Institute on Character and Admission
David's Bio: David Holmes served the University of Vermont for 13 years as a professor of education and founder of the university-wide center for teaching excellence. He led two independent schools, Suffield Academy and Community School (ID). He helped found College for Every Student (helps low-income youth on a path to college) and Escola SESC (a 520 student boarding school serving low-income youth throughout Brazil). He coordinated a $25 mil grants program at the U.S. Department of Education¹ s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education. An author of articles, monographs and a book on the McCarthy era (Stalking the Academic Communist), David oversees studies of character development at Community School, including two projects in concert with Angela Duckworth and the Character Lab at UPenn. He received a B.A. from Middlebury College, an MA in International Relations from Columbia University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Denver. He is co-director of the Institute on Character and Admission.
Tim's Bio: Tim Weir’s professional journey in education spans 25 years. His experience is multifaceted and includes: a New England boarding school, an international boarding school in Switzerland, and a day/boarding school in Westchester N.Y. He is a true “school guy”, having started as a classroom teacher, coach, and dorm parent and then making the transition into administration. He has worn several hats including: Dean of Students, Athletic Director, and the Director of Admission for the Midland School in Los Olivos, California.
Throughout his career, Tim has consistently woven a thread of character education through the fabric of his work with students in the classroom, dorm, or on an athletic field. Tim is excited to share how the Midland mission develops skills in students not only for college but more importantly, for the life well lived.
Contact Info:
Tim can be reached by email at tweir@midland-school.org. David can be reached by email at davidrholmes24@gmail.com