What Are Simulations?

SchoolSims Simulations are a powerful tool for school leadership pipeline development and teacher development. Educators can use them synchronously or asynchronously (both in-person and virtual). Simulations are proven to be engaging, authentic, realistic, and interactive and can assist in the discussion of these critical topics:

  • The high cost of principal churn
  • Situational awareness in school leadership
  • How school leadership influences student achievement
  • Steps to reduce bias in the hiring process

Our simulations are a series of linked scenarios, in a choose-your-own-adventure format, that capture the challenges of school-based leadership problems of practice that sitting and aspiring leaders can experience safely so they can fail forward.

If you are interested in learning more about our simulations, please fill out the form below to request a live demonstration.

SchoolSims Live Demo: Disruptive Teacher

The video you see is an example of a live demonstration of our Disruptive Teacher Simulation. In this simulation, you are a school leader, and you are receiving complaints regarding a teacher’s behavior. You decide to attend a meeting with the subject’s collaborative teaching team. You discover there is one teacher on the team who is “not a team player.” Simulations such as this one offer a collaborative opportunity for leaders to exercise judgment and improve decision making, experience consequences and build resilience, get feedback for reflection and learning, and engage in peer-to-peer discussion.
How Can Simulations Benefit Your Organization?

Simulations aid in the development of leadership skills, the reduction of isolation, and the improvement of student achievement in their buildings. More information about how simulations can benefit your school can be found below:

Manufacture Experience

Simulations provide an opportunity to practice critical thinking in a safe space.  Participants face high-stakes situations and cope with the consequences of their decisions without real-life implications.  This experience builds confidence and improves judgment. 

Accelerate Time

Simulations enable participants to gain experience dealing with authentic challenges before actual situations occur. By playing simulations multiple times, learners can try different routes and realize the consequences of each choice so they can draw on that knowledge when faced with similar issues in real-life.

Improve Retention and Build Principal Pipelines

Learning by doing has proven to be the most effective form of training. Participants practice decision-making and are given real-time feedback to understand what went wrong and how they can improve. Having the opportunity to safely learn from mistakes improves engagement and knowledge retention.

Promote Peer-to-Peer Learning

Simulations provide opportunities for discourse among participants – during and after each simulation.   These conversations compel learners to understand not just the “how” but also the “why” and often reveal biases and uncover areas of improvement.  

Additional Resources
Alignment with Professional Standards

Did you know that SchoolSims aligns with PSEL, NELP, CAEP and InTASC, and also CPSEL?

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Monthly Webinar Series

SchoolSims hosts monthly webinars with leaders in the education space.

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Read Our Blog

Did you know SchoolSims has a blog featuring pieces written by experts in education?

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