Middle Leaders in Bratislava: 16 & 17 October 2026
Middle Leaders in Bratislava: 16 & 17 October 2026
16 & 17 October
Host School: Cambridge International School, Bratislava
09:00-15:00 on both days
Facilitated by Nancy Lhoest-Squicciarini
Course: Building and Leading Teams
Middle and Teacher Leaders play a key role in shaping the quality of teamwork within a school. They are often responsible for leading teams, guiding collaboration, supporting colleagues, and helping translate whole-school priorities into consistent practice. This course explores how Middle and Teacher leaders can build cohesive, collaborative teams that stay focused on student learning.
Drawing on a strong body of literature and research, the course focuses on what is most practical, relevant, and productive in leading teams within schools. Central to this work is the understanding that the foundation of an effective team is psychological safety, strengthened through leaders intentionally building trust over time. Participants will examine the characteristics of highly functioning teams, consider how protocols and structures can create an environment in which team members feel valued.
Participants will also take a deeper dive into the different types of collaboration, exploring what makes collaboration effective and where it can become challenging. The course will examine the types of conversations that are critical to effective teamwork and what processes, behaviours, and approaches can help leaders navigate them well and promote more productive dialogue.
By the end of the course, participants will leave with practical strategies to strengthen collaboration, build trust, and elevate the effectiveness of their teams.
Guiding Questions:
- What are the key characteristics of a highly functioning team?
- How do protocols and structures create an environment where team members feel valued & collaboration is effective?
- How does intentionally building trust impact team performance?
- What types of conversations are critical, and when are they likely to occur?
- What processes and behaviours can be prepared in advance to enable challenging conversations to be well managed?
Specialised Certificates:Earn a Middle Leader Certificate in Building and Leading Teams
Participants are expected to attend the sessions on both days to earn the certificate.
Networking Opportunities:Connect with international school Middle Leaders to exchange ideas and build a valuable network of professional contacts. Middle Leaders in Munich provides a platform for collaboration and peer learning, fostering a sense of community among participants.
Hands-on Workshops:Participate in hands-on workshops that bridge theory and practice. Gain practical insights into leadership and curriculum methodologies that Middle Leaders can implement in your school context.
Facilitator
Nancy Lhoest-Squicciarini is Head of Middle Leadership for ECIS, hosts the #ISLECISLoft, and facilitates the Middle Leader Cafés. With close to four decades of experience in education, Nancy has held a range of leadership positions and remains committed to fostering inclusive learning environments. Known for her motivated and personable approach, she designs, implements, and facilitates diverse learning opportunities and experiences.
Nancy has worked as a facilitator and trainer with leading organisations that provide professional learning for international schools worldwide. She is endorsed by the International Association of Facilitators (IAF), a global community dedicated to promoting excellence in professional group facilitation to create engagement and impact. Before joining ECIS, she served for twelve years as a trainer with the Principals Training Center (PTC) and was also a trainer for the Council of International Schools’ (CIS) online evaluator course.
Nancy is committed to supporting “Women in Education” by building communities that cultivate alliances and allyship. She is a Trustee and Global Strategic Leader for @WomenEd and one of the country network leaders for @WomenEdLux.
In 2022, 2024, and 2025, ISC Research recognised Nancy as an #Edruptor, a highly rated influencer within international education.