The School of Education’s Educational Leadership Program hosted its annual symposium earlier this month in the Woody Tanger Auditorium, bringing together students, faculty, and New York City public school leaders to explore reflective leadership in practice.
Centered on the theme “The Reflective Educational Leader: Executive Coaching and Mindfulness in Practice,” the symposium featured guest speakers Matthew Pearson and Talana Bradley from the New York City Public Schools’ Educational Leadership Executive Coaching Program. Their presentation, “Coaching Unlocked: Introduction to Leadership Coaching,” introduced participants to leadership coaching practices and competencies, while outlining opportunities for Brooklyn College students and alumni to partner with them. The session underscored the college’s commitment to career preparation and professional growth for aspiring educational leaders.
The evening also included a moderated panel of NYCPS leaders, led by Assistant Professor Gerald Maraia. Panelists Crystal Davis, Lauren Keville, Robert Quinlan, and Hoa Tu reflected on how executive coaching supported their development as school leaders and continued to guide them as they advanced into district-level roles.
The symposium concluded with a workshop led by Assistant Professor Pedro De La Cruz titled “The Inner Work of the School Leader.” The session examined how mindfulness practices can strengthen clarity, judgment, and emotional steadiness under pressure. Participants engaged in guided exercises and reflected on how mindfulness could inform their future leadership practice.
