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Principal Development Institute

PDI is for those who are administrators in a CSI member school for not more than ten years. The institute will feature sixteen active school leaders working with three knowledgeable facilitators as, together, they dig deeply into three critical areas of school leadership:

– Instruction and Learning: The Christian School’s Core Business
– Strategic Thinking
– Excellence in the Context of Building Communities of Grace

Due to the generosity of donors who are passionate about equipping Christian school leaders, CSI covers all registration fees, lodging and meal expenses. Participants selected are responsible for their own travel expenses and arrangements to and from the conference.

Below are some testimonials from the recent participants on how well received the inaugural PDI experience was:

“I am so glad you value administrators and what we do. My school would not have been able to afford to send me to PDI without your help. This was the most valuable professional development I have had the opportunity to be a part of. I loved the fact that we had some readings to do ahead of time and we talked about them at PDI. I also appreciated that there is some accountability – we had an assignment.” – Alberta, Canada

“Leadership in Christian schools is no small task. The constant demands of time, energy and finances can erode the well-being of even the most energetic leader. To be able to stop and be nourished for a few days was a remarkable gift. Thank you for allowing this group of people to gather and to learn from each other, and also from such capable CSI leaders.” – Ontario, Canada

“It was great to get away and spend some time thinking deeply about Christian School leadership. The topics were excellent and the facilitators spoke from a rich breadth of knowledge and experience. The time we spent together at the PDI was inspiring, and I would definitely recommend the institute to other Christian school principals.” – Illinois

“What an incredible opportunity this was to be challenged in my calling as a school leader. The opportunity to share with others in the profession was invaluable. I left the conference feeling a renewed sense of urgency and importance about the value of Christian Education in today’s society.” – Minnesota

“Our time together was one of wonderful development, collaboration and fellowship. The structure and schedule was intentionally rigorous, the time spent under the teaching of and in the company of a cohort of gifted school leaders, proved to be invigorating. I believe that the wisdom that was gleaned and the training on how to lead our learning communities through seasons of uncertainty will have both immediate and long term effects on the health of our schools.” – New Jersey

“Sometimes the task of creating positive changes seems so large. We ask where can we begin and what can I do? Your assistance and support in the first CSI Principal Development Institute successfully launched positive change in the culture of Christian Education in North America. Your support was used efficiently and strategically to impact sixteen CSI schools in leadership, mission, and vision. I thank you for giving me this opportunity so that I can be a change agent to the school to which I am called.” – Wisconsin

“Although I have been involved in several leadership programs, this was the most useful training I have experienced. Our Christian leaders were well-prepared to share practical ways for us to lead systemic thinking and strategic planning while being nurturers of authentic Christian communities. The time we spent in groups connecting with other leaders was of great value – not just in content, but in encouragement. I came home with ideas that I can put in motion right away and plans to move our school ahead as we remain committed to equipping students for service in God’s world.” – Michigan