LISD elementary educators heading to Harvard

Two LISD educators were selected for the Raise Your Hand Texas Leadership Program at Harvard University in Boston, Mass. Myrtala Ramirez, who was just named LISD director of Elementary Education, and Cynthia Conchas, principal of Macdonell Elementary School, will be attending the week-long program scheduled for July 15-22.

The 2010 Raise Your Hand Texas Leadership Program invites more than 100 top public and charter school campus leaders to the Principals’ Center at the Harvard Graduate School of Education to participate in one of five Summer Institutes. Conchas and Ramirez will be attending sessions led by national and international experts in the fields of education and leadership.

In addition, the Harvard Leadership program requires principals to examine best practices, determine effective leadership qualities, and develop leadership capacity that they can use at their campuses.

Ramirez, who was nominated by Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction Linda Theret, said, "I am particularly honored that I was selected to attend a high caliber training and that I will be receiving instruction by renowned professionals. This is going to be an amazing opportunity to network and of course serve as professional development for me."

Ramirez received an all-expense scholarship that will cover tuition, lodging, air fare, and books.

Conchas, who was also nominated by Theret, said she plans "on incorporating what I learn with my teachers and staff during staff developments this school year to ensure that our campus remains an exemplary one."

After being nominated, the pair submitted a series of essays to the Raise Your Hand Advisory Board. Based on their response, both Ramirez and Conchas were notified of their selection with a letter of acceptance. In preparation for their trip to Harvard, they have begun working on their assignments and have also begun reading and researching required materials for their courses.

Raise Your Hand Texas is a nonprofit bipartisan advocacy group. Its 25,000 members consist of business and community leaders, parents, and citizens with the focus of supporting the students and staff of the Texas public school system.

The Harvard Graduate School of Education offers programs through its summer institute series in its Principal's Center, which provides school leaders all over the world with professional training.