Associate Partner & Author, International Center for Leadership in Education
Meet Venola
Venola is driven by the belief that every student deserves a high-quality education that can afford them many opportunities to lead and contribute to the world as they transition to adulthood. She is passionate about partnering with school districts across the country to create and implement practical solutions to increase student achievement and wellness.
- Kalihi Kai Elementary School
- Norwalk Public Schools
The Connecticut State Department of Education named 4 of the schools Venola supported as 2017-18 Schools of Distinction (Kendall, Jefferson, Rowayton, and Tracey). This honor is based on “high academic growth and/or improvement in overall performance,” as reported by Patch.
Books
"Teach UP! shows the power of positive teacher-student relationships and high academic expectations to help all students reach their full potential" - Venola L. Mason
“Teaching up” is about adopting a growth-based mindset and iterative practice to cultivate meaningful learning opportunities—the ones that set kids up for success beyond school, as talented and confident human beings. Building on the ICLE Relationships, Rigor, and Relevance model, author Venola L. Mason, an ICLE associate partner, provides educators with strategies proven to help ALL students excel at rigorous tasks while staying engaged in the classroom.
Featured events
Hive Summit
The #HiveSummit brings some of the best and the brightest minds together to do what bees do best… work hard for something sweet! The Hive Summit is a free digital educational summit. Day 2 featured Venola Mason who spoke on relationships, rigor and relevance. Register to watch the replay at EMC2 Learning
Model Schools Conference 2022: Making Waves in a New Era of Learning
Tune In and Teach Up!
Great teachers are committed to preparing their kids for success beyond school, but as we know, how they get there is NOT in a straight line. Fortunately, by adopting a Teach Up approach to your instructional practice, you can realize the professional growth and high-level student learning that every teacher aspires to during this winding journey of education. “Teaching Up” is all about continuous improvement: adopting a growth-based mindset and iterative practice to cultivate meaningful learning opportunities. In this lively session, author and ICLE Associate Partner Venola Mason shows us how positive teacher-student relationships and high academic expectations intersect to help students become more socially adept, better able to solve complex problems, and strong and joyful lifelong learners—all crucial components of life success.
Starkville Oktibbeha SD Excellence Summit
Addressing the Social and Emotional Needs of Students Post COVID-19
As we all adjust to our new normal one thing has become clear, our highest priority needs to focus on the social and emotional needs of students. Students are experiencing a wide range of emotions and will continue to do so as they adjust to being “back in school”. During this session, Venola will share powerful strategies to help students build their social and emotional skills during this challenging time.
e-Courses
Developing Social & Emotional Skills Through Positive Relationships
Research shows that teachers have the biggest impact on student achievement. Relationships are the foundation for the development of the cognitive, social, and emotional skills and competencies that students need to be successful within the classroom and beyond. This learning path is designed to help educators understand the critical nature of these relationships and the impact they have on student learning. Download the accompanying participant's guide.
DEVELOPED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) & International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE)
What is the impact?
Testimonials
“I have worked closely with Venola in two different districts (Norwalk and Middletown). Her expertise with unwrapping the Rigor/Relevance Framework with leaders and teachers has led to an acceleration of student achievement in my district. A district's success is contingent upon how the education leader establishes trust with stakeholders. Venola is an expert in fostering relationships and the true definition of an education coach. I have seen many educators grow under her structured guidance and mentoring. She is a special talent in our field.”
Dr. Michael Conner
Superintendent, Middletown Public Schools
“Venola Mason has been a tremendous thought partner for the district in our SEL work. Her experience and knowledge have been invaluable as we develop our short, medium, and long-term goals for SEL. Venola is accessible and willing to engage in the details with our leadership team. The district is appreciative of our partnership with ICLE and Venola and we look forward to the impact this partnership will have on the staff and students in JP Schools.”
Ajit Pethe
Chief of Schools, Jefferson Parish Schools
“It was a pleasure partnering with Venola over the past three years! She supported our instructional coaching team by creating a strategic process to roll out new initiatives and provided structure and feedback on our coaching process with teachers. She also supported the design and implementation of our Response to Intervention turnaround initiative. We valued her knowledge and interpersonal skills. She was our cheerleader and our coach - rooting for us always, and challenging us to grow.”
Michelle Iwasaki
Academic Coach, Hawaii Department of Education
Let's get social