Leadership TASB once again offers a series of five sessions during the program year. For the Class of 2008, the program began in September 2007, at the 47th Annual TASB/TASA Convention in Dallas and concludes with project team presentations and graduation at the Summer Leadership Institute in San Antonio in June, 2008.

SESSION ONE
September 28-30, 2007 - Dallas*

Building a New Team

The principal speaker was Peter DeLisle, Ph.D., Crane Chair in Leadership Studies, Posey Leadership Institute, Austin College. Since 1993, Dr. DeLisle has launched each LTASB class in its year-long study program by introducing the participants to different leadership theories and providing an understanding of personal leadership styles. Teambuilding was also a focus of this session.

SESSION TWO
November 8-10, 2007 - Austin

Becoming an Advocate

Meeting in the state’s capital, the class learned advocacy skills and strategies in testifying before committees of the state legislature. Presenters included Arch Lustberg, renowned author and authority on communication techniques, David Brooks, 1993 Toastmaster’s World Champion, and Glenna Hodge, Partner and Director, Governmental Affairs, Linebarger Goggan Sampson & Blair, LLP.

SESSION THREE
February 21-23, 2008 - Corpus Christi

Embracing the Differences

South Texas was the host location for this session where the class heard about the changing demographic trends in Texas and how those trends might impact public education. Principal speakers included Jane Elliott, national expert in understanding and confronting prejudice and creator of the Blue Eyed Brown Eyed Lesson. Also featured was James H. Johnson, a nationally recognized researcher whose primary research centers around drawing implications of the post 1990 demographic changes.

SESSION FOUR
April 17-19, 2008 - Amarillo

Bucking the Norm

During this session the class will venture to the Panhandle to make school site visits to rural school districts that are experiencing unprecedented enrollment growth and to a unique boarding facility for troubled boys and girls with its own public school system. Featured speakers include Debra Fine, nationally known communication expert, whose expertise is teaching how to stay engaged in conversation despite the topic.

SESSION FIVE
June 12-14, 2008 - San Antonio

Making a Statement

For the LTASB Class of 2008, the year concludes with two days of presentations when project teams offer the findings of their year-long research. Culminating activities will be directed by Dr. Peter DeLisle of Austin College. Featured graduation speaker will be Salome Thomas-EL author of the best-selling book, I Choose to Stay, which is his story of why he chose to stay and teach in inner city Philadelphia.

* Mandatory