IRSHAD MANJI Friday, 6pm Eastern

Courage in a Time of Corruption

The New York Times calls Irshad Manji “Osama bin Laden’s worst nightmare.” Oprah Winfrey gave her the first annual Chutzpah Award for “audacity, nerve, boldness, and conviction.” Manji, director of the Moral Courage Project at New York University, accepts both as compliments. The project develops young leaders who will challenge conformity and champion creativity, including reform-minded Muslims. She is the internationally bestselling author of The Trouble with Islam Today: A Muslim’s Call for Reform in Her Faith. In those countries that have banned her book, Manji is reaching readers by posting free translations on her popular blog. In just over a year, the Arabic translation has been downloaded 300,000 times and circulated by youth throughout the Middle East. She created the acclaimed PBS documentary, Faith Without Fear, which follows her journey to reconcile Islam with freedom and human rights. For her pioneering work, Manji receives both death threats and distinctions: The World Economic Forum has selected her as a Young Global Leader; The European Foundation for Democracy has made her a Senior Scholar; and The Jakarta Post in Indonesia — the world’s largest Muslim country — identifies Manji as one of three Muslim women creating positive change in Islam today.

Releasing the Power of Teachers through Lesson Study and Coaching. Friday 4:30 Eastern

I'm intrigued by this one, especially since both the presenters are associated with lab schools. Another snippet: "powerful methodologies that provide teachers the opportunity to reflect on and deepen their practice. Both approaches will be presented from the perspective of implementation in schools, including time for participant interaction."

Smart by Nature

Smart By Nature

Here's the bit of the description that caught my attention: Ways to use principles of ecological literacy in food programs, campus facilities, and innovative curriculum development. Great looking lineup of presenters on this one too: Carolie Sly, Center for Ecoliteracy (CA) , Crystal Land, The Head-Royce School (CA) , Mark Stefanski, Marin Academy (CA) , Paul Chapman, The Head-Royce School (CA) , Zenobia Barlow, Center for Ecoliteracy (CA)

Juan Enriquez As the Future Catches You Friday 12:30 Eastern

Juan Enriquez
Friday, February 26, 9:30 – 11:00 AM
As the Future Catches You — The Impact of the Genetic, Digital, and Knowledge Revolutions

Juan Enriquez is one of the world’s foremost authorities on how the extraordinary advances in the life sciences are changing the way we live and do business. He also has an important message for political and business leaders about how to compete effectively in the world’s knowledge economy as the digital and genomic revolu­tions create the wealth of the future. Enriquez is the author of the global bestseller, As the Future Catches You, an analysis of the impact of genomics on business and society; and The Untied States of America, which explores why, as technology advances, some countries are successful while others disappear. A fine speaker with invaluable insight into which advances in the life sciences will matter to your organization and industry — and why, Enriquez will show how to turn the life science revolution to your advantage. The founding director of Harvard Business School’s Life Sciences Project, Enriquez is currently a managing director of Excel Venture Management, investing in innovative medical companies. Fast Company named him one of their Fast 50 for 2005. He holds bachelor's and MBA degrees from Harvard University, with honors. View a clip of one of Enriquez’s outstanding speeches at http://www.poptech.org/juanenriquez.

Peter Gow, The Intentional Teacher Friday 11am Eastern

Peter Gow, The Intentional Teacher

The Intentional Teacher: Better Teaching through School-Teacher Dialogue
A thoughtful and responsive professional culture allows independent school teachers to build meaningful careers and lives. This presentation will offer specific and practical ideas for developing institutional environments in which teachers can maximize their professional potential for the school and students while meeting their own needs and aspirations.
PRESENTER: Peter Gow, Beaver Country Day School (MA)

Thought Leaders Summit Thursday 6pm Eastern

Thought Leaders Summit: Building Schools for a Digital Age

Facilitated by Wanda Holland Greene
Thursday, February 25, 3:00 - 4:30 PM (Pacific)

What should independent schools look like in 2020? How will macro-technology trends impact our classrooms — and our teaching and learning? What will the ideal school deliver to its students in the near future? At this idea inspiring, think-outside-of-the-box, interactive summit, thought leaders from the business and entrepreneurial world will share their expert perspectives on how schools must change in order to survive — and thrive! Our thought leaders include: Milton Chen, executive director of the George Lucas Educational Foundation; Shelley Goldman, professor of education, Stanford University; Monica Martinez, president of New Tech Network; and Megan Smith, vice president, new business development, and general manager, Google.org. Facilitated by Hamlin Head of School Wanda Holland Greene, this general session will break new ground in dialogue and interactivity with audience members — prepare to engage!

Arianna Huffington Thursday 12:30pm Eastern

Arianna Huffington

Thursday, February 25, 9:30 – 11:00 AM (Pacific Coast Time)
On Being Fearless

Arianna Huffington is cofounder and editor in chief of The Huffington Post, a nationally syndicated columnist, and author of 12 books. The co-host of Left, Right & Center, public radio’s popular political roundtable program, is also on Time magazine’s list of the world’s 100 most influential people. Originally from Greece, Huffington moved to England at age 16 and was graduated from Cambridge University with a master’s degree in economics. A successful entrepreneur who has triumphed over naysayers, self-doubt, and a turbulent economy, Huffington demonstrates how to turn difficult times into opportunity for growth — both personally and professionally. Becoming fearless — daring to think new thoughts, take big risks, embrace failure, and start again — will ultimately lead both people and businesses through the toughest times. Her book On Becoming Fearless… in Love, Work, and Life is Huffington’s most personal book to date, offering a roadmap for achieving fearlessness in every aspect of life, a manifesto on how to be bold, say what needs to be said, and do what needs to be done to find the freedom to love, lead, and succeed. A trustee for the Archer School for Girls (California), Huffington lives in Los Angeles with her two teenage daughters.

Next Up--NAIS Feb 24-25

I'll be attending the NAIS Conference in San Francisco later this month. I'm presenting during the very first session on Thursday the 24th, but otherwise I'll be blogging away at the sessions I attend. First up will be Arianna Huffington. I haven't picked out the other sessions yet, but I'll get the posts set up by February 22nd.

Cheers!