CEEL is a multi-layered professional development program that is a blend of the Center for Character and Citizenship (CCC) flagship program, the Leadership Academy in Character Education program, LACE®, and a servant leadership framework. Over 12 months, a cohort of school administrators are engaged in an array of interactive, skill-building workshops that focus on ways to cultivate servant leadership virtues, including courage, forgiveness and gratitude. Additionally, program participants complete assignments that provide the building blocks for a character education implementation plan.
CEEL℠ stands for the servant leadership-oriented Character Education focused Emerging L eaders Academy. The program grew out of a desire to nurture and empower assistant principals in Greater Saint Louis and develop a pipeline of school administrators who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to implement a comprehensive character education program in their schools.
CEEL is made possible through a grant from The Kern Family Foundation (KFF) awarded to the Center for Character and Citizenship. “This grant will extend our long-time goal of ensuring the next generation of school leaders prioritizes student character as they step into administrative roles,” said Marvin W. Berkowitz, the Center for Character and Citizenship co-director and grant co-investigator. “Together, we have the opportunity to create schools that foster a holistic approach and offer children a comprehensive education that values their character as much as their academics,” added Melinda Bier, the associate director of the center and grant co-investigator.
CEEL Academy workshops are led by CCC staff and an invited expert in character education with a different expert for each session.
CEEL incorporates a mix of reflections on the servant leadership virtues of the CCC’s CViL program with aspects of the CCC’s longstanding leadership for character education program.
The workshops are participatory and include a variety of individual and team activities.