The programme started in 2014 when the Course Leaders helped 420 Managers and Directors of 101 schools of the Salesian Family to become more competent and to acquire a strategic vision and Salesian leadership skills. Fr Miguel Angel García, Head of the Department of Schools and Vocational Training, designed the basic elements of this plan of initial training for school leaders to search for efficiency and economic sustainability, perfectly in line with the Salesian mission.
So far, 23 provinces and 49 teachers from Latin America and Spain have participated.
The course of 200 hours, certified by 4 Universities, aims to strengthen some management skills: understanding, internalizing and developing the identity of the Salesian School as a starting point of their work; developing management strategies and skills necessary for good human management of the centre; analysing, developing and evaluating the various projects (Educational Project, Curricular Summary, Annual Plan, etc.); managing the administrative and legal aspects; identifying, analysing and implementing quality processes, innovation and research; and animating the school as an organization.
The introductory course of 120 hours for teachers aims to motivate a continued reflection on personal, pedagogical, Christian and Salesian identity for the teachers in the various educational works. In addition, it aims to make the participants familiar with Salesian tradition and pedagogy; acquiring educational leadership skills and other skills for their own different roles, helping to solve the initial difficulties of teaching specifications; develop skills for active participation in and co-responsibility in the educational teams; seeing ongoing formation as a tool for personal and professional growth so as to respond adequately to current needs.
In the first edition 1099 teachers from 15 provinces were trained and 48 tutors achieved a high learning specialization.
The courses are transmitted via the Internet and allow for maximum flexibility in use for teachers. The many available digital tools make possible a fruitful exchange of knowledge and experience from other countries and, since the users of the courses are teachers or school principals, they are able to apply immediately the knowledge learned.
