Each year, Dr. Thurber leads a select number of professional development workshops and faculty trainings at independent and public schools throughout North America.  Favorite workshop topics include: Cracking Kids' Secret Code, Collaborative Problem Solving, Working with Difficult Parents, Managing Stress, and Preserving Professional Student-Teacher Boundaries.
 

"Thank you so very much for the time you spent with us. You struck just the right balance of humor, enthusiasm and seriousness about the topic. The case studies were quite relevant and you approached the topic in a way that was uplifting and insightful while not being insulting to the experience and expertise of our faculty.

It is particularly valuable and meaningful to have a consultant who brings both the professional training of a clinical psychologist and personal experience as a teacher and youth leader to his work.  There is increased credibility and passion that comes from the fact that you too have been a teacher and a coach and are a member of a school community.  From the perspective of your audience, "you get it!"  We are already looking forward to your return!"

- Dr. Katherine G. Windsor, Head of School, Miss Porter's School

- Ms. Carol Santos, Dean of Faculty, Miss Porter's School

"Dr. Thurber’s presentation was dynamic, thought provoking, and highly relevant to anyone working with students. The session provided opportunities for deep reflection and interesting discussion around the topic of professional boundaries. Chris is a master at delivering a balance of humor and seriousness in a package from which even the most seasoned veteran can draw significant benefits. The pace was perfect and the presentation was lively; before we knew it four hours had passed and we were wiser and better prepared than ever to work with our students in a positive way."

- Tim Richards, Pomfret School

"Dr. Chris Thurber's presentation was far and away our most well-received professional development program.  He interspersed research with personal stories, making each moment of the program relevant to all in the audience. Participants walked away with clear guidelines to consider in their daily interactions with students.  Both faculty and staff members remarked how Chris was one of the best presenters we have had in a long time."

- Scott Smith, Assistant Head, Fessenden School

"Dr. Chris Thurber made his presentation relevant to all members of our community and participants complimented him both for both content and style. The way in which Chris used a variety of approaches including case studies, video, and humor created engagement and encouraged participation in the discussions.

Said one faculty member, ‘I was impressed by his broad approach to a layered subject and the space to ask our own questions and formulate answers. I left actually feeling empowered and comfortable.’ Another said ‘I feel that I gained a lot of valuable knowledge and insight that will contribute to my immediate growth as a coach, residential faculty member, and teacher. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise and making it fun and exciting but also real and relevant.’"

- Thomas Mueller, Dean of Academics and Faculty, Saint Mary's School  

"Without a doubt, Chris's workshop was well-received by all faculty, ranging from lower school core teachers to 9th grade dorm heads.  Frankly, it was the most positive feedback we received about an in-service day in many years.  Drawing on his personal and professional experiences, Chris's easy going style encouraged our faculty to open up and reveal their worries and challenges in a way that benefitted our entire group. His stimulating sessions helped to energize and empower faculty as the headed back into the trenches.  I highly recommend Chris Thurber! 

- Mark A. Devey, Head of School, Indian Mountain School

"Chris, I've heard nothing but positive comments from faculty members following your workshop on Monday.  Thank you so much for taking the time to come all this way.  Your presentation was perfect (and that's saying something--as you know, boarding school teachers, especially teachers who've been in the profession for many years, can be a skeptical audience!). 

A couple of things stand out to me as making the workshop particularly successful.  One is the fact that you are a boarding school teacher yourself, and able to "speak the language."  Another is the fact that while you included examples of times when teachers violated sexual boundaries with students, you didn't focus on those.  Instead you provided a number of examples of more nuanced boundary violations, then invited the audience to discern those violations for themselves.  You also have a wonderful and very engaging way of connecting with your audience.  The workshop was informative, authentic, and thought-provoking. I know our faculty will continue to discuss the cases you presented and the ones you left with us."

- Nancy Starmer, Head of School, George School

"Chris Thurber is energetic, upbeat, honest, humorous, and relates well to the teacher experience.  As a educator currently working in schools, Chris quickly gained credibility from our faculty. Their response to his presentation on maintaining professional boundaries was overwhelmingly positive; it was immediately evident that he truly understands the psychology of parents and students in today’s society.  Chris’s presentation was particularly successful since he took the time to learn about our school and our teachers and tailored the presentation accordingly." 

- Jennifer Gargano, Assistant Head, The Harker School

"Chris, thank you for a fabulous keynote at ASSCSI.  What a treat for everyone involved!  There was quite a wonderful buzz after the workshop.  You gave us such good information and you were entertaining as well.  Your shared wisdom will make a difference in the lives of the students counseled by our participants.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

- Debra Shaver, Director of Admissions, Smith College 

"I gave this session more fives than all prior sessions combined. Dynamic presentation, variety of methods (case studies, speaker, video), highly interactive. I honestly just wish the session had been longer."

- Conference Participant, The Association of Boarding Schools, TABS

"Exemplary articulation of thoughts; wonderful use of examples; great interaction with audience!"

- Conference Participant, The Association of Boarding Schools, TABS

"Typically wary of an in-servce at the opening of the school year, the faculty at St. George's were quickly won over by Dr. Thurber's high energy, apt examples, and creative use of video clips.  Thank you so much!"

- Dr. Cheryl Jenkins, Director of Counseling & Health Education, St. George's School

"Dr. Thurber presented at our third Advanced Topics Seminar and received rave reviews for the information and strategies he shared with the group. He worked with the participants to identify how their programs differed from each other and drew out essential common issues. The participants left the two-day workshop with tools and strategies they can use right now. One participant commented on the post-seminar survey, “I can't think of any way to improve it. Dr. Thurber) was excellent and should be a regular guest."

- Elizabeth D. Johnson, Senior Consultant, Dare Mighty Things

Read more testimonials from school heads and professional educators.

Contact Dr. Thurber today to arrange a customized faculty workshop at your school.