Mission Statement
The purpose of the Leadership Academy is to create a forum for dialogue and exchanging ideas and experiences. Using the university as a catalyst, the academy will provide professional growth opportunities for administrators and aspiring administrators focused on dynamic leadership that promotes reflective practice and affects teacher and student learning. Additionally, it will create a network of support for colleagues and establish a collaborative relationship with the university, university faculty, and its resources.
The Academy will hold four workshops a year with topics on timely issues directly related to matters of interest to school and district leaders.
Leadership Academy Upcoming Session
Featuring Charity Comella, Assistant Superintendent in the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District
Nov. 21, 2024
Student Center (Anacon Hall)
Morning Session: 8:30–11 a.m.
Evening Session: 4:30–6 p.m.
Charity Comella is the assistant superintendent for personnel for the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District. Overseeing all hiring practices and regulatory compliance measures, Comella has a strong background in public schools and private sector organizations. A former teacher, reading specialist, staff developer, supervisor, and current central office school administrator, she has over 25 years experience in public education (over 32 years in service-related work).
Comella is also the proud president of NJSTRIDE (New Jersey Statewide Recruitment of Diverse Educators), a statewide consortium of public school districts having represented every New Jersey county, where she collaborates with school leaders across the state with the aim of increasing and retaining diversity among staff.
2024-2025 Monmouth University Leadership Academy Calendar
Please Note: Most dates include two sessions—one in the morning and one in the afternoon. These sessions will be the same. Speakers for November to April will be announced ASAP.
Meeting Dates | Time(s) | Host/Location |
October 10, 2024 | Joint Event: Monmouth University Leadership Academies & MC3 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. 9:30 a.m.–10 a.m. Joseph Nappi, 2022–23 NJ State Teacher of the Year 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Senator Vin Gopal, Keynote and Q&A | Hosted by Monmouth University (Anacon A&B) |
November 21, 2024 | Monmouth University Leadership Academies AM Session: 8:30–11 a.m. PM Session: 4:30–6 p.m. | Hosted by Monmouth University (Anacon A&B) |
February 6, 2025 | Monmouth University Leadership Academies AM Session: 8:30–11 a.m. PM Session: 4:30–6 p.m. | Hosted by Monmouth University (Anacon A&B) |
April 10, 2025 | Monmouth University Leadership Academies AM Session: 8:30–11 a.m. PM Session: 4:30–6 p.m. | Hosted by Monmouth University (Anacon A&B) |
2024-2025 MC3 Calendar
Meeting Dates | Time(s) | Host/Location |
July 25, 2024 | 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m. | ESC Collaboration (MOESC) |
September 12, 2024 | MC3 Only 9 a.m.–2 p.m. | Hosted by Monmouth University Varsity Rooms (3) |
October 10, 2024 | Joint Event: Monmouth University Leadership Academies & MC3 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. 9:30 a.m.–10 a.m. Joseph Nappi, 2022–23 NJ State Teacher of the Year 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Senator Vin Gopal, Keynote and Q&A | Hosted by Monmouth University (Anacon A&B) |
November 21, 2024 | MC3 12:30–3:30 p.m. (lunch) | Hosted by Monmouth University (Anacon A&B) |
February 6, 2025 | MC3 12:30–3:30 p.m. (lunch) | Hosted by Monmouth University (Anacon A&B) |
March 13, 2025 | MC3 Only 9 a.m.–12 p.m. | Hosted by Monmouth University (Anacon A&B) |
April 10, 2025 | MC3 12:30–3:30 pm (lunch) | Hosted by Monmouth University (Anacon A&B) |
Previous Sessions
- Leadership Academy Fall Kickoff Session (Featuring New Jersey State Senator Vin Gopal and NJ Teacher of the Year 2023-2024 Joseph Nappi)
- Instilling Hope Amidst a Crisis
- Please Mute Yourself: A Virtual Equity/SEL Themed Play
- An Integrated Approach to Systemic Health
- Empathy Wisdom in Leadership with Monmouth County Partnership for Wellness
- Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: A Look at Transformative Mentoring Practices that Elevate Teacher Efficacy and Leadership
- Leading and Supporting in the Teacher Evaluation Process
- Please Mute Yourself: A Virtual Equity/SEL Themed Play
- An Integrated Approach to Systemic Health
- Improving Student Performance Utilizing Data-Driven Formative Assessment
- Moving Beyond Tolerance and Empathy to Equity and Equality