Secretary of Education Yanira Reyes Vega successfully led the third edition of the summit cycle for school directors and leaders, which was planned to improve their professional skills. Under the theme „New Tools for Developing Leaders,” this edition focuses on best practices in leadership and educational administration.
The event, held in San Juan, brought together school principals from across the island to deliver a comprehensive professional development program. 36 workshops were held in both morning and afternoon with schedule. Each principal had the opportunity to register and participate in those workshops most relevant to their needs and practical application in their school communities. Afternoon workshops were developed on successful practices for work environments and delivered by experts from the University of Puerto Rico.
In addition, other workshops were taught by students who served as seven regional superintendents, facilitators, principals, teacher leaders, and sometimes lecturers. They all shared successful projects implemented in their schools or regions, with the aim of encouraging and replicating these initiatives in other educational institutions.
“A highlight of this meeting was the presence and participation of a group of 26 school district superintendents from across the state of Texas who are members of the Thompson Administrative Leadership Institute. In this valuable exchange, Dr. Thanks to the partnership achieved by the Professional Development Institute, directed by Damaris Varela. It is noteworthy that the group includes two regional superintendents from the San Juan and Bayamon regions, respectively, who benefit from this experience and expand their knowledge,” explained the secretary.
Raíces Vega highlighted during the keynote meeting the importance of creating safe and well-structured environments in schools to foster strong school communities capable of supporting students’ academic performance. He also presented some of the projects related to the “My School Life” campaign, which aims to give visibility to the reconstruction work being carried out in all schools in Puerto Rico. Additionally, on behalf of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC), Humberto Mercador participated in a talk about the latest executive order and the Computer Science and Applied Technology course for high schools.
Innovative topics covered in the sessions include: Cooperative Education, NAF Project: Robotics, Path to Target, Bilingual Project, Science Project Towards a New Vision, Merging Choices, Alternative Education: Coalitions Seeking School Retention, Mars Challenge Project, Transforming Learning through Innovative Schools, Scientific Research, Dual language offering and sports marketing development.
This summit for principals and school leaders has proven to be a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and development of improved educational practices. Summits are held regularly throughout the school year for both principals, teachers and other department professionals.
