Experienced Leaders Program

Faculty

Nicole Furlonge, Faculty Director

Nicole L.B. Furlonge, Professor of Practice and Director of the Klingenstein Center, earned her Ph.D. in English from the University of Pennsylvania. She earned her M.A. from the University of Michigan and B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining Teachers College, Dr. Furlonge served as Director of Teaching and Learning at the Holderness School, where she facilitated professional learning for faculty and developed LEARNS (Listening, Engaging, Asking, Reflecting, Networking, Sharing), a framework for formative professional learning and inquiry. She has taught English and served as English Department Chair and Director of Diversity at several independent schools, including St. Andrew's School (Delaware), The Lawrenceville School, and Princeton Day School. Dr. Furlonge is the author of Race Sounds: The Art of Listening in African American Literature, published by University of Iowa Press. Her book demonstrates listening as an interpretive, creative, and civic act that leads to deeper engagement with identity and racial difference. Currently, Dr. Furlonge’s research examines the intersections between listening, cognitive neuroscience, cultural competency, school leadership and adult learning. Ultimately, she is interested in investigating ways to cultivate the habits of a listening mind.

What to Expect

• A dynamic and transformative learning experience that strikes a balance between the flexibility of online learning and the richness of an on-campus experience: We’ll begin your six-month learning experience with an online orientation followed by a three-day immersion on campus and in the city. After your time on campus, you’ll continue your experience by engaging in self-directed learning, asynchronous engagement, and live online sessions with faculty and facilitators from the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College, Columbia University.
• Membership of an enduring cohort of exceptional people like you: Whether in person or virtual, we know how to build a strong and enduring cohort! Your network will support you during and after the program. Through co-generative peer collaborations, digital spaces to support idea exchanges, opportunities for discussion on-campus and online, and 1:1 time with faculty, you’ll gain valuable feedback that leads to discovery and deeper learning.
• Intergenerational Connections: ELP Fellows learn how to share their experience and expertise in a way that foster positive engagement, impactful dialogue, and collaboration with aspiring and emerging leaders enrolled in Klingenstein Center graduate programs. This intergenerational engagement adds a unique element to the work of learning and planning through next-era transitions. It also provides a chance for fellows to briefly coach, mentor, and otherwise make an impact on future leaders.
• Emerging ready for your next chapter: You will deeply question and reflect. You will deepen your understanding of your purpose, motivations, and long-term goals. You will get inspired by aspiring and emerging leaders, and by incredible people who are thriving in their next-era transition. You’ll emerge with an actionable next-era plan.
• Listening with awe to develop a rich relationship with New York City – and yourself: What better place to be inspired than in one of the most diverse, electric, and creative cities in the world! New York City is an important text and context in this unique learning experience. You’ll discover the city (again or for the first time) in ways that will lead you to rediscover yourself in this life moment.

Who Should Attend

Register to join us if you are:

• Transitioning out of your primary career and committed to discovering your purpose and motivation anew.
• Have spent your career in education, education-adjacent, or other non-profit organizations.
• Seeking a thoughtful exploration of this new moment in your life.
• Yearning for a community of like-minded, curious peers as you make this transition.
• Seeking a transformative experience grounded in vibrant New York City and designed by a forward-thinking institution of learning.

Upon Completion

Participants who successfully complete this program will receive a Certificate of Participation.