PBS & Classroom 2.0: P.O.V.'s The Principal Story

A Classroom 2.0 and PBS Teachers interactive event.

Event Link: http://www.classroom20.com/events/pbs-cr20-povs-the-principal
Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Time: 5pm Pacific / 8pm Eastern / 12am GMT (next day) (international times here)
Location: In Elluminate. http://tinyurl.com/pbscr20 If you haven't used Elluminate before, you can make sure your computer is configured correctly to enter the room by going to http://www.elluminate.com/support.

PBS Teachers and Classroom 2.0 are delighted to have PBS producers and educators join us to share P.O.V.'s The Principal Story. This film paints two dramatic portraits of the challenges facing America's public schools – and the great difference a dedicated principal can make. The film takes the viewer along for an emotional ride and examines what effective educational leadership looks like in the 21st century. Our special guests during the webinar will include: Kerry Purcell, one of the principals featured in the film; David Mrazek, one of the filmmakers; and Eliza Licht, Director of Community Engagement and Education, P.O.V./American Documentary. Speakers will discuss the making of the film, the critical work involved in transforming schools, and the wide array of high-quality educational resources available from P.O.V.

About Our Guest Speakers

David Mrazek
Producer, Director, Sound Recordist
David Mrazek is an award-winning producer/director/writer of numerous prime-time PBS history and science documentary series, as well as documentaries for The History Channel and Travel Channel. Mrazek's work includes The Great War series, The Kingdom of David, The Duel and Woodrow Wilson, among many other films.

Kerry Purcell
Principal, Harvard Park Elementary School, Springfield, IL
During her six years as principal of Harvard Park Elementary School (PreK-5), Kerry Purcell was instrumental in supporting the school's successful move off the state watch list. The school made approximately a 45% gain in reading and a 50% gain in math scores. Most notable is Kerry's work around data interpretation and analysis, building and sustaining professional learning communities, and creative use of fiscal, human and time resources to support school improvement.

Eliza Licht
Director, Community Engagement and Education, P.O.V.
Eliza oversees the development and implementation of P.O.V.'s national community engagement and education campaigns. She works with public television stations, educators and community-based organizations to present community screenings of P.O.V. films and to develop and distribute accompanying educational resources to teachers nationwide. Over the years, she has expanded P.O.V.'s community engagement activities by nearly 400% and increased P.O.V.'s educational efforts by over 80%. To further develop these areas, Eliza established a Library Board and a Teachers' Advisory Board, which provide feedback on activities and help produce P.O.V.'s companion resource materials.