Leading with Identity: Building Schools that Inspire Belonging and Purpose

Introduction & Framing (10 minutes) Presenter story: Why school branding matters. Quick poll: “What words come to mind when you think of your school’s brand?” Part 1: Understanding School Branding (15 minutes) Define branding in an educational context. Engagement: Pair-share reflection — “How would you describe your school’s identity today?” Part 2: Cultivating Belonging through Branding (20 minutes) Explore branding strategies that celebrate diversity and student identity. Share-out: What fosters belonging? Part 3: Authentic Voices in Branding (20 minutes) How to elevate student and staff voices in shaping identity. Activity: “If your students designed your school’s brand, what would it look like?” Participants draft 2–3 messaging strategies rooted in authentic voices. Part 4: Action Planning (20 minutes) Guided framework: Building a branding roadmap. Individual work: Draft a 30 day action step for their school. Peer feedback exchange. Closing & Commitments (5 minutes) Share one action step with the group. Call to action: Leading with identity as ongoing work.

Sinanis, J., & Sanfelippo, J. (2016). The Power of Branding: Telling Your School’s Story. Deal, T., & Peterson, K. (2016). Shaping School Culture. Fullan, M. (2021). Leading in a Culture of Change. Dweck, C. (2016). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. ASCD. (2023). Whole Child Network Framework. Ladson-Billings, G. (2021). Culturally Relevant Pedagogy 2.0. Hammond, Z. (2015). Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain. Pink, D. (2018). Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us. Kafele, B. (2019). Is My School a Better School Because I Lead It?

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