Thirty-four WELS educators from around the country are headed to Milwaukee June 22-23 to be better equipped to train others in their districts in leadership skills.

These men, including district school coordinators, area Lutheran high school teachers, and professors from Martin Luther College and Wisconsin Lutheran College, will learn how to present Leadership Institute Modules, ten courses developed by the New Teacher Center in Santa Cruz, Calif., that are designed to help new and experienced principals and early childhood ministry directors improve their leadership skills. They cover topics such as time management, decision making, evaluation and supervision, and vision and leadership style.

"Strong leadership in our early childhood ministries and our schools is essential in this time of challenge and change," says Greg Schmill, director of the Commission on Lutheran Schools. "These convenient, half-day, affordable modules help to deliver skills that our principals and educational leaders can turn around and use the next day."

After the "train the trainer" sessions in June, these men will be encouraged to set up and run modules in their districts. The Commission on Lutheran Schools will provide administrative support.

A more formal schedule of courses is being planned for 2011. The Commission on Lutheran Schools is also working with Martin Luther College and Wisconsin Lutheran College to offer credit for completing the ten modules, possibly making the courses a stepping stone into a Master's Degree.