The Path to Manhood 2022 IBSC Annual Conference

INTERNATIONAL BOYS SCHOOL COALITION

The Path to Manhood 2022 IBSC Annual Conference

Pooja Mathur Teacher Librarian

I was extremely fortunate to be selected as a candidate for IBSC Action Research cohort 2022-23. Consequently, I was invited to attend the IBSC Annual Conference at St. Mark’s School of Texas, United States from June 26th - 29th, 2022.

The theme of the conference was, The Path to Manhood. It referenced the journey we, as educators, help our students make from childhood to adulthood. This year’s conference was framed around five topics: character and leadership education, civic engagement, best teaching practices for boys, school leadership, and healthy communities. These elements of education guide us to prepare young men to undertake leadership and responsibility in this highly competitive and dynamic world. Some of the highlights and most pertinent take-aways from the various keynotes and workshops I attended were:

David Brooks: How to Treat Others with Respect

David urged us to believe that there is a piece of divine in every student that gives them infinite value and dignity. He reminded us that each child is an image of God, hence, every student should be considered mighty and treated with care and respect. The pandemic has brought about an immense rise in mental health issues. Part of being an educator is the ability to critique with care and make students feel seen, heard, understood, and respected. We should aim to be an “extra-parent” in the classroom and hold real conversations with our students.

Julie Lythcott-Haims: How Not to Mess Up Your Boys:

Julie focused on Agency, Resilience and Character (ARC), which we must assist our students to develop. She highlighted that mental health must always be, and even more importantly, now, prioritised at home and at school. Adults should empathise with and empower children, let them be creative, and let them solve their own problems. We must never undermine their agency. According to Julie, falling, failing, fumbling, and feedback are necessary to build resilience. We must refrain from fixing everything for our students; instead, we should assist them solve the issues. Julie proclaimed, “what people see in you and feel in your presence, is character.” She urged us not to be bystanders, but be upstanders, be an ally, and guide and assist with compassion. Eric Johnson (Mayor, Dallas): Leadership, Education, and Opportunity

Eric shared his family background and the integral role his primary school teacher played in his life. “Teachers are instrumental in bringing about growth opportunities to all deserving students … I never forgot the lessons I learned in my path to manhood.” Regarding leadership, Eric commented, “Sometimes being a leader means standing alone to support what you believe in!”

Alan Stern: Spaceflight Is a Team Sport

Alan highlighted the value of teams and teamwork, collaboration, clear communication, the value of exploration, and achieving lofty goals.

Chris Waugh, Christ’s College (New Zealand)

Chris presented a workshop on roleplay by students to enhance staff professional learning sessions and invited us to contemplate how “the mischief and immediacy of role-play can provide educators with a way to engage faculty in deeper reflection on the impact of our practice on the students we serve.”

Lorre Allen, St. Mark’s School of Texas

Diversity is every way we see and perceive differences. Inclusion and diversity components should connect with and cultivate an organisation’s culture. Lorre discussed “leveraging change management principles to embrace inclusion and diversity strategies for greater sustainability.”