Topics in Department Leadership
Presented by: Dr. Anthony Bent
Please join us for this webinar series: 2025-2026 edition
Topics in Department Leadership (TDL)* is designed for those who lead discipline-specific teams in school districts. Coordinators, Department Heads, and Directors hold critical leadership positions and are often chosen for their content knowledge and success as teachers but may not have had professional development for their leadership roles. Topics in Department Leadership will cover the following: 1) leading in an unpredictable environment, 2) maintaining a positive mindset, 3) fostering high-performing teams, 4) Succeeding in difficult conversations, 5) implementing effective communications, and 6) improving hiring practices. The discussions will be supported by journal articles for each session (no anchor text). The seminars will be highly interactive and focused on the unique challenges that discipline-specific leaders face as “middle managers.” Leaders from across New England bring a broad range of experiences and perspectives to the discussions and are encouraged to join this unique professional development activity.
Session 1 only: Tuesday, Oct.14 - in person
Time: 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Location: NESDEC, 28 Lord Road, Marlborough, MA
The remaining sessions will be held on Zoom on Fridays: Nov. 14, Dec. 5, Jan. 9, Feb. 6, and Mar. 6
Times: 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Location: Virtual
About the Presenter. . .
Dr. Anthony Bent holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and a doctorate from Boston College. After 8 years as a classroom teacher at Wellesley High School, he became a high school department head and district coordinator in Newton, then Lexington. He also served in central office positions in Lexington and Watertown. Dr. Bent was the Superintendent of Schools in Shrewsbury, MA for 15 years and was elected president of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents during that time. He served on the Wellesley School Committee from 2015-2018. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Human Resources Board in Wellesley. He also facilitates leadership seminars for administrative groups and school boards.
The sessions will be highly interactive and focused on the unique challenges that department heads/coordinators/directors face as “middle managers.”
Registration Deadline: September 30, 2025
Cost: $295 per person for NESDEC affiliates and $395 per person for non-affiliates
Payment: Registration form and either payment or purchase order are required to register. An email will be sent to the attendee to confirm registration.
Be Sure to Register Early – Enrollment limited to 25 - Space has filled quickly each year!
To register, fill out the registration form online.
New England School Development Council (NESDEC)
28 Lord Road, Marlborough, MA 01752 * 508-481-9444 * www.nesdec.org