NYS Education Law requires that Education Council members take a minimum of two DOE-sponsored technical trainings on the powers, duties and functions of Education Councils per term.
Council members must complete a training within the first three months of taking office for the first time, and at least annually thereafter.
The Division of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) offers two types of professional development opportunities for Community Education Council (CEC) members:
- Single-session technical training on the powers and duties of Education Councils, which fulfill the legal obligation to take two trainings each term; and
- A multi-session leadership development institute.
Technical Trainings
These offerings educate members about the role of Education Councils and provide them with technical knowledge and tools to carry out council duties.
Prior to the start of each CCEC term, generally the last Saturday in June, the Division of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) hosts an all-day in-depth New Member Orientation.
Throughout the two-year term, FACE hosts regular sessions that usually occur on a Monday from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Topics offered will include:
- CCEC Roles and Responsibilities – a focused look at the key legal roles that CCEC members fulfill
- District Planning, Zoning, and Engagement – the rezoning process and related community engagement, presented by the District Planning Team
- School Visits – best practices and procedures for conducting successful school visits
- CCEC Officers – the individual roles of each CCEC officer
- The Capital Plan – guidance on the submission of capital improvement requests to the School Construction Authority
- Bylaws – drafting effective provisions; reviewing and amending bylaws
- Parliamentary Procedures – run an effective meeting using parliamentary procedures to increase functionality; best practices for motions and resolutions
- Conflict Resolution
In addition, FACE provides a day-long training on fiscal procedures and administrative matters for CCEC administrative assistants. Council presidents and treasurers are also invited.
The Parent Council Leadership Institute
The Parent Council Leadership Institute (PCLI), hosted by the Division of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) and facilitated by executive coach David Mensah, is a capacity-building opportunity for CCEC and Presidents’ Council members. David Mensah combines advanced leadership training with professional coaching to provide practical and long-lasting solutions to the most common council challenges, such as lack of participation and internal conflict.
While FACE’s technical trainings focus on the legal mandates applicable to CCECs, the objective of PCLI is to expand leadership capacity by building the professional skills of parent leaders so that they can effectively manage the responsibilities of their respective councils.
Three introductory cohorts and one advanced cohort are currently offered. Each cohort meets for two and a half hours, once a month, over the span of five months. Participants are also offered a 30-minute executive coaching session.
Topics covered in PCLI include:
- Conflict Resolution
- Empowering Volunteer Leaders
- Group Facilitation
- Leading without Authority
- Listening and Key Communication
- Motivation and Participation
- Team Building