We welcome Eric Hudson, who will examine the rapid advancement of AI, the complex questions it raises, and its impact on teaching and learning. As schools navigate which opportunities to embrace and which risks to avoid, the symposium will highlight four essential skills for educators and students in an AI-driven world: extending the mind, information literacy, playfulness, and ethical decision-making. Participants will leave with practical, human-centered strategies for thoughtfully engaging with AI in education.

Eric Hudson is an educational consultant, facilitator, and strategic advisor who partners with schools and learning organizations to help them navigate change, rethink how and where learning happens, and integrate meaningful uses of technology, like AI, into teaching and leadership.

Register.

Informational flyer.

The local community is invited to register for this free, in-person event here. A livestream will be available for those who cannot attend in person. Tickets for the VIP reception to meet Dr. Glaude are also available for purchase.

WHEN:  Thursday, January 30 at 5:00pm

• Keynote speech to begin at 5:15pm
• Moderated Q&A to follow at 6:00pm
• VIP Reception at 6:30pm

WHERE:  Gesu School, 1700 W. Thompson Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121

Dr. Eddie Glaude, Jr. is the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor of African American Studies at Princeton University and formerly served as Chair of the Department of African American Studies. As an accomplished scholar, Dr. Glaude has authored numerous books that span topics on religion, philosophy and race in America, including his recent New York Times bestseller, “Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for our Own.” Additionally, Dr. Glaude is a political commentator in the media, writing as a columnist for TIME Magazine and appearing on several MSNBC programs like “Morning Joe” and “Deadline Whitehouse with Nicolle Wallace.”

Dr. Howard Stevenson serves as the Constance Clayton Professor of Urban Education, Professor of Africana Studies, in the Human Development & Quantitative Methods Division of the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania. He is also the Executive Director of the Racial Empowerment Collaborative and formerly served as co-director of Forward Promise. Dr. Stevenson received Brandeis University’s 2020 Gittler Prize for outstanding and lasting scholarly contributions to racial, ethnic, and/or religious relations and was elected to membership in the National Academy of Education in 2021.

This free event is the perfect opportunity to hear the latest strategies in using artificial intelligence in the classroom and establish relationships with other local school leaders. Administrators, teachers, and students are welcome.

Click here for more information about the event, registration, and sponsorship options.

Location: Gesu School, 1700 West Thompson Street, Philadelphia, PA

Questions? Contact Kristen Barber at Kristen.Barber@gesuschool.org.

The symposium is free and takes place on November 2, 2022, 5:00-6:30 PM. The format is virtual with question & answer.

Learn more and register.

More Information:

Contact Kimberly Brennan, Director of Annual Giving and Special Events, at 215-763-9077 or Kimberly.Brennan@gesuschool.org.

Event Sponsorships:

Sponsorships enable Gesu School to serve as a thought leader and to host this event free of charge to the public. View sponsorship opportunities here. For more information, contact Bartley Jeannoute, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, at 215-763-9077 or Bartley.Jeannoute@gesuschool.org.

Gesu School looks forward to having you as part of the conversation! Learn about past symposia.

The Gesu Symposium brings together top thought leaders to stimulate productive conversation and empower educators and the community for our work in the field.

Speakers include Marsha Richardson, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania, and Jabari Whitehead, Ed.D., Principal of Chatham Park Elementary School and Adjunct Professor at Saint Joseph’s University, who will dialogue on this critical, timely topic. Participant Q&A will follow.

When and Where: Thursday, November 18, 2021, 5:00– 6:00 PM

Free of Charge.

For details and to register.

More Information and Sponsorships: Contact Kimberly Brennan, Director of Annual Giving and Special Events, at 215-543-6176 x 226 or Kimberly.Brennan@gesuschool.org.

When and Where:

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

5:00pm – 6:00pm Virtual Format with Question & Answer

Free of Charge

Registration Required

For details and to register: https://www.gesuschool.org/2020symposium

More Information and Sponsorships:

Contact Kimberly Brennan, Director of Annual Giving and Special Events, at 310-463-9590 or Kimberly.Brennan@gesuschool.org.

Always seeking to improve education for all of America’s inner-city children, Gesu School launched our Annual Symposium on Transforming Inner-City Education in 1997 to bring together educators, policymakers, and other stakeholders to tackle the tough issues in urban education. From our first moderator, the late Tim Russert, to outstanding panelists like Stedman Graham, Joe Klein, and Paul Tough, the annual gathering brings together top thought leaders to stimulate productive conversation and empower educators and the community for our work in the field.

This year’s Keynote is Pedro Noguera, author, media commentator, and Distinguished Professor of Education at UCLA. He will speak on the role educators play in building a school’s capacity to meet student needs. Noguera’s presentation will describe how such strategies are being implemented successfully at a small number of schools, even in the most disadvantaged communities, where the needs are great. Noguera will also provide concrete strategies for educators that will further the efforts to raise achievement and transform the culture and performance of schools.

More details on his presentation are on our website.

Tickets are free. Registration is required. RSVP by October 25, 2019.

When: Friday, November 1, 2019,

• 12pm – 1pm    Networking & Light Refreshments
• 1pm – 3pm      Symposium

Where: Gesu School Sherrerd Gymnasium, 1700 West Thompson Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121 (Directions)

More Information: Contact Sarah Stirzel Cuzzolina, Director of Annual Giving, at 215-763-9077 or Sarah.Cuzzolina@gesuschool.org.

Topic:
Gesu School’s 2018 Symposium, Everyday Heroes: Unveiling the Power of Educators, will energize, inspire, and move you. Join us to hear the heartfelt story of how Steve Pemberton, an orphan boy, defied seemingly impossible odds, navigating a foster care system and trying to solve the mystery of his own identity and destiny. Learn how Steve overcame his circumstances, harnessed the impact of education and literacy, and found the invaluable everyday heroes in his life. For Pemberton, “everyday heroes” demonstrate humility, strength, courage, and perseverance in the face of adversity. They teach us life lessons. Inspiring educators are everyday heroes who impact children’s lives and futures. Steve Pemberton will encourage all of us to continue to be the best leaders, mentors, and people that we can be.

Join us for this inspiring afternoon about the power of educators with Steve Pemberton, acclaimed speaker and author of A Chance in the World, now a major motion picture.

Tickets are free. Registration is required. For details: https://www.gesuschool.org/2018symposium
RSVP by October 26, 2018.

Speakers:
Steve Pemberton

Keynote
Best-Selling Author, Philanthropist, Acclaimed Speaker, and Senior-Level Executive for Monster.com, Walgreens Boots Alliance, and Globoforce

Steve Pemberton’s book, A Chance in the World, will be available for purchase at the event.

Rev. Stephen D. Thorne
Moderator
Pastor of Saint Martin de Porres Catholic Church, Chaplain and Adjunct Faculty Member at Neumann University, Board Member at Gesu School

When and Where:
Friday, November 2, 2018
12pm – 1pm Networking & Light Refreshments
1pm – 3pm Symposium

Gesu School Sherrerd Gymnasium
1700 West Thompson Street
Philadelphia, PA 19121

More Information:
Contact Sarah Stirzel Cuzzolina, Director of Annual Giving, at 215-763-9077 or Sarah.Cuzzolina@gesuschool.org

Always seeking to improve education for America’s inner-city children, Gesu School launched our Annual Symposium on Transforming Inner-City Education in 1997 to bring together funders, stakeholders, policymakers, and educators to tackle the tough issues in inner-city education today. From our first moderator, the late Tim Russert, to outstanding panelists like Stedman Graham, Joe Klein, and Paul Tough, the annual gathering brings together leading thinkers to stimulate productive conversation and energize us for our work in the field.

The Director of Major Gifts will work closely with Gesu’s President, Vice President of Development, and Board Development Committee to plan and implement fundraising strategies. A successful candidate will have a record of accomplishment in securing major gifts and meeting fundraising goals; exemplary interpersonal and communication skills; a proven ability to work both independently and as part of a team; and a passion for youth and education

Primary Responsibilities

Major Gift Fundraising

• Manage a portfolio of 100-150 Major Gift prospects. Work with President and Vice President of Development to appropriately assign cultivation and solicitation of individual Major Gift prospects. The Director of Development will primarily be responsible for securing a variety of individual major gifts under $10,000 with a particular focus on SAC.
• Develop and execute a plan for identifying, cultivating and soliciting new SAC prospects. The plan should include specific objectives with timelines and an evaluation process.
• Plan and coordinate Regional Open Houses and other prospect cultivation events.
• Ensure accurate gift entry and timely acknowledgement for major gifts donations.
• Work with Development team to help develop and implement additional campaigns to help expand Gesu’s Major Gifts program.
• In coordination with Development team, identify and solicit major individual donor support for Gesu’s annual special events, including Symposium, One Day Challenge, and Gala.

Sponsor a Child Program Management

• Promote awareness and support for the SAC program.
• Partner with Gesu’s President and Vice President of Development to secure annual sponsorship renewals (ex. renewal request letters, follow-up phone calls, etc.).
• Partner with Vice President of Development to execute an annual stewardship plan for current SAC donors: luncheons, letters from children, school photos, student updates, as appropriate, etc. Create and adhere to a timeline for the year.
• Cultivate and nurture relationships with current SAC donors by scheduling visits and phone calls.
• Track all SAC student scholarship assignments and communicate with President and Principal regarding sponsor/child relationships.

Other Duties

• Collaborate with Vice President of Development to develop annual goals, plans, and budgets for a comprehensive, strategy-driven fundraising program
• Develop strategies for existing donors to effectively “move” them through a meaningful cycle of giving
• Advise the President and Vice President of Development on matters relating to fundraising activities
• Works with Vice President of Development, Finance and Office of the President to produce quarterly fundraising projections as part of the institutional forecasting process
• Serve as staff partner to the Development Committee of Board
• Assist Development Team with preparation and day-of execution of annual special events, including Symposium, Christmas Concert, and Gala.
• Manage general office tasks including inventory maintenance and ordering of office supplies, stationary, etc.

Education and Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree required and Master’s degree preferred.
• Candidate must exhibit a genuine commitment to the mission and philosophy of Gesu School.
• 5+ years of fundraising experience required with a successful record of accomplishment soliciting and stewarding major gifts.
• Proven ability to network across diverse groups of constituents.
• Expertise utilizing Raiser’s Edge or Raiser’s Edge NXT preferred.

General

The Director of Major Gifts is a key part of the Development team which consists of the Vice President of Development, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, Director of Annual Giving and Director of Communications. He/she will be expected to collaborate with Development team, President’s Office, Finance Office, Graduate Support, and provide assistance as determined by the Vice President of Development. Additionally, he/she will be expected to respond to Gesu faculty and administrative requests as deemed appropriate by the President of Gesu School and the Vice President of Development. This position requires occasional participation in Gesu events that take place in the evenings, on weekends, and off-site. Regional travel required.

Please send cover letter, resume and references to Rob Weinstein, Vice President of Development at rob.weinstein@gesuschool.org.

About Gesu School

Gesu School, located in North Philadelphia, is an independent Catholic School, pre-K to 8th grade, in the Jesuit and IHM traditions serving 450 students. Inspired by the Jesuit and IHM traditions of social justice, faith, hope and love, Gesu School strives, without selective admissions, to provide a quality, innovative education for its neighbor children to empower them to break the cycle of poverty and violence.

https://www.gesuschool.org/

Topic:
Gesu School’s 2017 Symposium, Our Kids Are Not Broken: Empowering Traumatized Youth, will examine best practices surrounding the impact of trauma on our students, in and out of the classroom. This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, a nationally recognized expert in the field of child development, will speak about his extensive research and practice in utilizing strength and resilience to confront the underlying effects of stress and trauma on youth. Our expert panel will continue the conversation, providing practical expertise on how trauma-informed pedagogy can be employed to foster a more productive learning environment.

Tickets are free. To register and for details: https://www.gesuschool.org/2017symposium
Please RSVP by October 27, 2017.

Speakers:
Kenneth Ginsburg, M.D., M.S.Ed., Keynote
Adolescent Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Professor, Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania
Director of Health Services, Covenant House Pennsylvania

Rebecca Hilgen Bryan, MSN, APN, NPC, Panelist
Wellness Center Director, Urban Promise

Dan Rhoton, M.Ed., Panelist
Executive Director, Hopeworks ‘N Camden

Jeff Sparagana, Ed.D., Panelist
Retired Superintendent, Pottstown School District

Ronald W. Whitaker II, Ed.D., Panelist
Assistant Professor, Education, Cabrini University

Reverend Stephen D. Thorne, Moderator
Pastor, Saint Martin de Porres Catholic Church
Chaplain & Adjunct Faculty Member, Neumann University
Board Member, Gesu School

When and Where:
Friday, November 3, 2017
1pm-3:30pm (Refreshments to follow)
Gesu School Sherrerd Gymnasium
1700 West Thompson Street
Philadelphia, PA 19121

Directions

More Information:
Contact Sarah Stirzel Cuzzolina, Director of Annual Giving, at 215-763-9077 or Sarah.Cuzzolina@gesuschool.org.

Always seeking to improve education for America’s inner-city children, Gesu School launched our Annual Symposium on Transforming Inner-City Education in 1997 to bring together funders, stakeholders, policymakers, and educators to tackle the tough issues in inner-city education today. From our first moderator, the late Tim Russert, to outstanding panelists like Stedman Graham, Joe Klein, and Paul Tough, the annual gathering brings together leading thinkers to stimulate productive conversation and energize us for our work in the field.

Topic: Cultural Responsiveness in the Urban Classroom, with Keynote Speaker Christopher Emdin, Ph.D.

The 2016 Symposium will examine how the teacher-student relationship should be framed in cultural awareness. At a time when many urban educators are teaching students with cultural backgrounds and experiences that vary from their own, dialogue on educating to the student’s life narrative is key. This symposium will discuss ways to challenge the current pedagogy of engaging students in an urban area, redefining what an urban education can look like.

Keynote speaker, Christopher Emdin, Ph.D., whose work has been featured on ABC, CNN, and PBS, is rocking the pedagogical rhetoric around this topic. Our vibrant, diverse panel will complement and challenge these emerging, controversial ideas of how to culturally engage students in the classroom.

Speakers:

Christopher Emdin, Ph.D., Keynote Speaker
Associate Professor, Teachers College, Columbia University
Author of For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood…And the Rest of Y’all Too: Reality Pedagogy and Urban Education

Pamela Barnett, Ph.D., Panelist
Dean, The College of Arts & Sciences, Trinity Washington University

Tamika Evans, Panelist
CEO/Principal, Global Leadership Academy Southwest

David P. Hardy, Panelist
Chief Executive Officer, Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia Charter School

Steven S. Piltch, Ed.D., Moderator
Head of School, The Shipley School

Tickets are free. To register and for more details: https://www.gesuschool.org/2016symposium

When and Where:

November 4, 2016, 1pm-3pm (Networking reception to follow)

Gesu School, Sherrerd Gymnasium
1700 West Thompson Street
Philadelphia, PA 19121

Directions

More Information: Contact Sarah Stirzel Cuzzolina, Director of Annual Giving, 215.763.9077 or Sarah.Cuzzolina@gesuschool.org.

Always seeking to improve education for America’s inner-city children, Gesu School launched our Annual Symposium on Transforming Inner-City Education in 1997 to bring together funders, stakeholders, policymakers, and educators to tackle the tough issues in inner-city education today. From our first moderator, the late Tim Russert, to outstanding panelists like Stedman Graham, Joe Klein, and Paul Tough, the annual gathering brings together leading thinkers to stimulate productive conversation and energize us for our work in the field.

This position is geared to an individual who is a strong writer and also has an outgoing personality. To be clear, the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations is not intended to be a traditional “grant writer.” While grant proposals will be a large part of this role, Gesu seeks an individual who is equally capable of making introductions, networking, and developing meaningful relationships with corporate and foundation executives, as well as political representatives. The Director of Corporate and Foundation relations will be charged with creating relationships to build sustainable, holistic partnerships with both corporate and foundation donors. The position requires organizational skills, follow through, attentiveness to deadlines, and most importantly, a strong grasp and appreciation for Gesu School’s mission.

Position Responsibilities:

Foundations and Corporate Relations
• Develop and manage a portfolio of 30-40 private and corporate foundation donors and prospects.
• Secure meetings and develop strategic relationships with key executives at area corporations and foundations.
• Coordinate with faculty and staff, in consultation with the Principal, to determine potentially grant fundable projects and programs.
• Develop and execute a plan for submitting proposals and reports to current and prospective funding sources. Create and adhere to a timeline for the year and ensure that proposal guidelines are followed.
• Secure corporate sponsorships for annual events, including Symposium and Gala.
• Plan and execute all cultivation and stewardship events related to corporate and foundation relations.
• Coordinate corporate volunteer days and other opportunities to build more holistic partnerships with corporations.
• Partner with the Vice President and Development team to ensure coordination with all fundraising efforts.
• Meet annual goals (ex. Number of visits secured, number of proposals delivered, dollars raised, etc.)

Legislative Advocacy
• Schedule meetings on and off-site with our local representatives in the House and Senate as well as our City Council representatives to keep them aware of Gesu School’s impact in their district.
• Keep abreast of local, state and national legislation that could impact Gesu’s fundraising and curriculum development.
• Attend legislative briefings as appropriate.

General

The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations is part of the Development team. He/she will be expected to collaborate with Development staff and provide assistance as determined by the Vice President of Development. Additionally, he/she will be expected to respond to Gesu faculty and administrative requests as deemed appropriate by the President of Gesu School and the Vice President of Development. Experience with Raiser’s Edge is a strong plus.

The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations will be expected to participate in Gesu events occasionally taking place in the evenings, on weekends and off-site. Candidate must have a car and valid driver’s license.

About Gesu School
Gesu School, located in North Philadelphia, is an independent Catholic School, pre-K to 8th grade, in the Jesuit and IHM traditions serving 450 students. Inspired by the Jesuit and IHM traditions of social justice, faith, hope and love, Gesu School strives, without selective admissions, to provide a quality, innovative education for its neighbor children to empower them to break the cycle of poverty and violence.

Please submit cover letter and resume to Rob Weinstein, Vice President of Development at rob.weinstein@gesuschool.org.

Reporting to the President, the Vice President of Development is responsible for all fundraising activities including, but not limited to: Major Gifts, EITC/OSTC programs, Sponsor A Child program, Planned Giving, Annual Fund, Special Events and Corporate and Foundation Relations. Additionally, the Vice President will oversee communications and marketing and ensure that Gesu’s message and branding are clear and consistent with the mission.

This position will manage a talented team of development professionals (4) and will ensure strong communication and collaboration. The Vice President is ultimately responsible for the execution of all development related tasks and programming.

Position Responsibilities:
 Understand, appreciate and value the mission of Gesu School and the critical role the Jesuits and Sister Servants of Immaculate Heart of Mary play.
 Manage a pool of 150-175+ major gift prospects. Further cultivate and steward this cohort with an aim to secure deeper engagement as well as continued and increased giving.
 In collaboration with the President and Board of Trustees, identify new and prospective supporters and develop a plan to engage these individuals in a way that moves them along the development continuum (identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.)
 Work closely with the President to create a comprehensive development strategy that will engage Gesu’s constituents and encourage continued and greater support. Report out to the Board of Trustees progress on the strategy and how each Trustee can be of assistance in helping to ensure its success.
 Work closely with the Director of Finance to ensure that the donor’s intent is relayed with each gift. Note when special restrictions are made by the donor. Ensure open and ongoing conversation with the Director of Finance.
 Lead Gesu’s Development Committee to further advance the mission and maximize potential donor support by way of individual, corporate and foundation giving. Identify and invite key friends and supporters of Gesu to join this committee
 Oversee all fundraising and cultivation related events on behalf of Gesu School. In particular, work closely with the President and Principal to identify Gesu’s Spirit Medal recipients for the annual Gala. Additionally, identify and solicit Co-Chairs for the Gala.
 Lead weekly prospect meetings and report out monthly statistics on meetings secured, phone calls made, emails sent, etc. Participants for this meeting include the Director of Development, Director of Annual Fund and Special Events, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations. The President may also attend these meetings.
 Exercise due diligence when researching prospects. Utilize Raisers Edge as a prospect management tool and fully explore results from Donor Search. Brief the President with key information regarding any prospect prior to a visit, phone call, email or letter.
 Identify opportunities to partner with companies in various industries in an effort to increase awareness of Gesu School, serve as a volunteer site and secure a spot on a company’s list of philanthropic priorities.
 Work with the President, Director of Finance and the Finance Committee of the Board to set fundraising goals. Prepare fundraising projections based on a full analysis of all development activity.
 Plan and organize a bi-annual Development retreat off –site to discuss fundraising strategy and assess what has worked and/or needs improvement. Two days in the summer and one day in the winter.
 Hire, manage and develop the development staff. Exercise bi-annual reviews that revolve around performance and overall job satisfaction.

Education and Experience Required
 Bachelor’s degree required and Master’s degree and fundraising certification (CFRE) preferred.
 Candidate must exhibit a genuine commitment to the mission and philosophy of Gesu School.
 3-5 years of management experience required with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
 5-7 years of fundraising experience required with a successful track record soliciting and securing six and seven figure major gifts.
 Proven ability to network across diverse groups of constituents
 Expertise utilizing Raisers Edge

General
The Vice President of Development is an executive level position that reports directly to the President. He/she will work very closely with the Board of Trustees and various sub committees of the Board. This role will also work closely with the Principal and the Director of Finance and must recognize the impact that the development effort has on these parties in particular. This role requires a good deal of regional travel (Tri-State area) with some additional travel to Florida every other year for prospect purposes. Additionally, this position will be expected to participate in Gesu events taking place in the evenings, on weekends and off-site. Candidate must have car and valid driver’s license.

Please address cover letter and resume to Bryan Carter, President & CEO.

Application should be submitted to Andrea Kellner at Andrea.Kellner@GesuSchool.org

Topic:
Tragedies and Current Events: Helping Students to Cope with What They See, Read, and Hear in the News

Technological and social advances made during the twentieth century have resulted in increases in the immediacy and graphic nature of mass media coverage of current events. Experts from psychology, news literacy, and education will provide topical, cutting-edge perspectives in TED-style talks:
• Mary McNaughton-Cassill, Ph.D., University of Texas at San Antonio: Psychology of Media Impact
• Michael A. Spikes, Center for News Literacy at Stony Brook University: Teaching News Literacy
• Dana Weeks, Head of School, Germantown Friends School: School Protocols to Address Tragic Events

Taunya English, Senior Health Writer for WHYY’s “The Pulse” radio show, will moderate a Q&A.

Tickets are free. Registration is required. To register and for more details: http://www.gesuschool.org/2015symposium

When and Where:
November 6, 2015 1pm-3pm (Networking reception to follow)
Gesu School, Sherrerd Gymnasium
1700 West Thompson Street
Philadelphia, PA 19121

More Information: Contact Julianne Mesaric, Director of Annual Fund & Special Events, at 215-763-9077 or julianne.mesaric@gesuschool.org.

Always seeking to improve education for America’s inner-city children, Gesu School launched our Annual Symposium on Transforming Inner-City Education in 1997 to bring together funders, stakeholders, policymakers, and educators to tackle the tough issues in inner-city education today. From our first moderator, the late Tim Russert, to outstanding panelists like Stedman Graham, Joe Klein, and Paul Tough, the annual gathering brings together leading thinkers to stimulate productive conversation and energize us for our work in the field.