Course Description:
Difficult conversations are an inherent and unavoidable component of professional practice in educational settings. Educators routinely navigate high-stakes dialogue involving student behavior, family communication, collegial conflict, equity concerns, and institutional decision-making. Despite the frequency and impact of these interactions, many professionals receive limited formal preparation in the psychological, relational, and systemic skills required to engage in them effectively.
This course is designed to build both the mindset and skillset necessary for navigating difficult conversations with clarity, confidence, and emotional regulation. Participants will examine how personal values, emotional regulation, and institutional context shape communication in high stakes situations. Participants will develop practical language strategies for de-escalation and boundary setting, and will explore how to manage conflict effectively when they lack formal authority but still hold responsibility or influence. Throughout the course, structured introspection will serve as a core practice, helping educators clarify their values, recognize their default conflict patterns, and build a confident internal framework before engaging externally.
This 4-week course requires weekly assignments. Graduate credit seekers must also submit a final project by the end of week 4 or no later than August 23.
Audience
All PreK-12 educators, administrators, and staff
About the Instructor
Lisa MacDonald is the founder of a professional training and development company dedicated to helping educators and organizational leaders build confidence and skill in difficult conversations. With more than two decades of experience in education, she brings both practical insight and a nuanced understanding of the human dynamics that influence decision making within schools and organizations. the past five years, she has partnered with more than forty school districts, delivering professional development trainings as well as cohort based learning experiences designed specifically for K-12 educators. In addition, Lisa serves as the Associate Dean for Equity Assurance and Title IX Coordinator at MassBay Community College where she provides education on harassment and discrimination prevention, conducts investigations, and collaborates on policy development. Her previous leadership roles include Director of Residence Life at Babson College and Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of Student Conduct at Curry College. Lisa believes that honest, thoughtful communication strengthens both relationships and institutions.