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The ConnectED Cohort Program

Designed for independent schools, the ConnectED Cohort Program empowers school communities to effectively navigate complex topics — including the Israeli-Palestinian story and antisemitism — and equip students with essential skills in media literacy and dialogue across difference.

Through curricular resources, professional development, guest speakers, and a vibrant community of educators, we collaborate closely with schools to design tailored programs that reflect their distinct missions and goals.

2026/2027 Registration Now Open — Limited Spots Available

What the ConnectED Cohort Program includes

Educational resources

Full access to ConnectED’s resource library through a dedicated online platform.

Professional development

Access to five professional development tracks, open to faculty members and administrators from each participating school.

Role-specific gatherings

Role-specific gatherings for Heads of School, Assistant/Associate Heads, DEIB Heads, and Key Leaders, providing space for candid conversation around ConnectED topics and shared challenges.

Speaking event

One included speaking event per year (for students, faculty, and/or parents) with a member of the ConnectED Speaker Bureau.

In-person conference

Five complimentary passes to an annual in-person conference for faculty and school leaders from each participating school.

Additional opportunities

Optional customized offerings available at an additional cost, including student workshops, professional development, curriculum planning, 1:1 coaching, additional speaking events (ConnectED Speaker Bureau), and parent programming.

2026-2027 program

$7,500 annually

$5,000 annually

Registration is now open for the 2026-2027 program.
Spaces are limited.

Not ready to reserve a spot?

Get in touch

Reserve your spot

Registration for the 2025/26 program is now closed. Please check back in February 2026 for registration for the 2026/27 program.

Questions? Contact Sara Himeles, Program Director

2025-2026 program

Registration will be opening soon for the 2025-2026 program. If you’re interested in exploring this opportunity for your school, please complete this form, and we’ll let you know when spots become available for new schools.

Professional development tracks

The Complex History of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

with Avi Posen

An in-depth exploration of the historical roots, multiple narratives, and enduring complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, designed to equip educators with the knowledge, nuance, and confidence to teach this history responsibly amid the often polarized conversations surrounding it.

Navigating Complexities in Current Events”

with Avi Posen

Practical frameworks and guiding principles for turning polarizing moments into educational opportunities — helping students engage thoughtfully with breaking news and sensitive national and global events while grounding discussion in historical context and multiple perspectives.

Making History Matter: Fresh Approaches to Teaching the Holocaust and Antisemitism

with Kelly Fives

Innovative and pedagogically grounded strategies for teaching the Holocaust and antisemitism in ways that foster historical understanding, moral reflection, and meaningful student engagement.

Dialogue Across Difference: Essential Skills for Students

with Yoni Buckman

A skills-based approach to cultivating respectful dialogue, intellectual humility, and constructive disagreement in classrooms and school communities. To participate in this track, your school must sign up for the Dialogue Across Difference Certificate Course.

Media Literacy Matters: Teaching Critical Thinking in a Digital Age

with Michelle Ciulla Lipkin

Tools and strategies to help students analyze and evaluate information, ascertain the credibility of sources, and become empowered, responsible media consumers.

Role-specific tracks for school leaders

Role-specific tracks are available for Heads of School, Assistant/Associate Heads, DEIB Leaders, and other key institutional leaders

These small-group gatherings provide space for candid conversation, shared problem-solving, and community-building around ConnectED’s core topics and the leadership challenges they present. Each track includes three sessions throughout the year: two virtual gatherings and one in-person session at the annual ConnectED Conference. Topics are coordinated in advance with the cohort.

What ConnectED educators have to say

“I am very grateful that Marlborough belongs to such an informative and intelligent group of thought leaders. I have valued guest speakers and webinars that have advanced my own personal understanding of complex issues as well as those that have provided the language and tools to better instruct our students.”
Jonathon Allen
Director of Studies, History and Social Sciences Instructor, Marlborough School
“I found the ConnectED team to be extremely supportive and flexible to be able to meet our school's needs. They were knowledgeable and always sought to expand students' abilities to engage in difficult conversations about the various material they covered.”
Jonathan Lowenstein
Dean of Curriculum and Academic Freedom, The Birch Wathen Lenox School
“I have learned so much about all the topics you focus on, namely courageous conversations. I appreciate your willingness to pivot and adapt to meet our needs.”
Oscar Gonzalez
Director of Equity and Inclusivity, Graland Country Day School
“It has been a fantastic resource to be a part of ConnectED. Thank you for all you do to support our work in our schools. We look forward to another great year as partners.”
John Gentile
Assistant Head, Oakwood School
“I've learned so much both professionally and personally, especially about the Jewish experience. I feel ConnectED has been an unbiased and reliable resource on all related topics. I have really enjoyed and appreciated everything about our work with ConnectED; appreciate being one of the founding partner schools and am eager to see how it evolves.”
Educator
Wildwood School
“The sessions were thoughtfully designed, skillfully facilitated, and provided our team with a safe and structured space to engage in complex and often sensitive discussions… The feedback from our educators has been overwhelmingly positive. ConnectED has proven to be a highly professional, responsive, and mission-driven partner.”
Valerie Khaytina
Chief External Officer, Hebrew Public
“I so appreciate having a space to validate the experiences and challenges we are facing.”
Jaime Dominguez
Head of School, Oakwood School
“I've gained access to many useful resources (people and materials). The resources are excellent and inspiring. They are a testament to what's possible.”
Jaimi Boehm
Associate Head of School, Wildwood School
“The webinars were superbly thought-out, striking a balance between introductory framing without sacrificing nuance, and without making anyone present feel that one viewpoint was being advanced at the cost of other valid perspectives. These provided both the expertise of ConnectED’s staff as well as a chance to share best practices and common struggles.”
Owen Boynton
Director of Professional Development and Student Support, Collegiate School

Content overview

Israel palestine

Israeli-Palestinian story

Exploring the complex history and narratives

antisemitism & holocaust

Antisemitism & the Holocaust

Understanding the roots and impact

jewish history

Jewish history

Celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month, exploring the history of Black-Jewish relations in America, and more

social media literacy

Media literacy

Becoming critical consumers of the digital landscape

corageous conversations

Dialogue across difference

Facilitating respectful dialogue across differences

Learn more about the ConnectED Program

Interested in exploring this opportunity for your school?

Fill out the form to learn more about our program, and a member of our team will be in touch with you soon.