As one of only 19 educators selected globally, Dr. Jennifer Maan participated in an intensive two-week program at Teachers College, Columbia University, exploring innovative leadership strategies to enrich student experiences and success.
Dr. Jennifer Maan, Head of School at Fairmont North Tustin, recently completed a fully funded fellowship at the Klingenstein Center for Independent School Leadershipat Teachers College, Columbia University. As one of just 19 educators chosen worldwide for this prestigious honor, she spent two weeks immersed in an intensive learning experience alongside peers from across the United States, as well as Argentina, Ecuador, Pakistan, Singapore, and Vietnam.
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Over the course of the program, the cohort participated in a wide range of exercises designed to foster fresh perspectives and help shape their approach to leadership. Many of these were centered around “leadership listening,” the practice of intentionally tuning in to the perspectives, experiences, and needs of others before making decisions.
“As school leaders, we sometimes feel the pressure to have immediate answers, but this experience reinforced that some of the most impactful leadership comes from simply listening,” said Maan. “When we take the time to truly hear our students, teachers, and families, we create a culture of trust and belonging. And when people feel valued, that's when real learning-both academic and personal-happens.” This belief has driven much of Maan's work as a school leader and has led her to pursue a more profound understanding through ongoing professional development, including studying it at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
A fellowship wouldn't be a fellowship without guest lectures, case studies, and site visits, and there was plenty of that during the two-week program. But a Klingenstein fellowship wouldn't be a Klingenstein fellowship without adding some “out-of-the-box” exercises to the mix.
One of the most unexpected experiences for Maan was when an executive from Agile, a Fortune 14 company, arrived with two suitcases full of LEGO® bricks. He divided the group into teams and challenged them to build different parts of a simulated island resort, requiring them to collaborate, adapt, and problem-solve in real-time. “It was a reminder that great leadership is the antithesis of working in isolation-it's about bringing people together, listening to different ideas, and building something stronger as a team. The same holds true in schools. A thriving school culture is one where everyone feels like a valued contributor and is working toward a shared goal.”
A key takeaway for Maan was the impact of Mind, Brain, and Education (MBE) Science-the study of how neuroscience, psychology, and education research can transform teaching and learning. Understanding how the brain processes and retains information helps educators create strategies that align with how students learn best. While components of MBE are already being implemented at Fairmont, Maan sees excellent potential for expanding its influence. “When we apply what we know about how the brain learns, we're not only improving instruction, we're making learning more meaningful, engaging, and effective for every student,” she said.
At the end of the day, it's all about the students. Maan explains, “There are two things a student brings to school with them each and every day-their brain and who they are as a person. Our job as educators is to nurture both. When we understand how the brain learns best and create a culture where every student feels valued, we set the stage for deeper engagement and a more meaningful learning experience. That's what I want to continue building at Fairmont.”
About Fairmont SchoolsFounded in 1953, Fairmont Schools is Orange County's leading independent school group. It serves preschool through high school students across five campuses. With a commitment to academic excellence, character development, and innovation, Fairmont equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive at every stage of their educational journey and beyond.
For more information, visit www.fairmontschools.com.
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