Heather Guas, Patricia D'Alessio, Lisa Dato, Anthony DiPalo, Julie Jirout, Heather Reusch, Reena Pawar, and Gail Pawlikowski

The team’s innovative teaching idea, “Future 10 Leadership Project,” focuses on developing student leadership skills, while enhancing the John P. Stevens High School’s culture and climate. “Future 10” aims to support and develop "average" students who have been identified as having leadership potential, but may otherwise be relegated by feelings of disconnect from the school community, socio-economic disadvantages, or a lack of motivation. Through this exercise and the activities that follow, students involved in the project will learn to collaborate with people who do not approach challenges in the same way, as well as identify the strengths in all people. Each week the group will participate in one-hour sessions focused on leadership skills including active listening, collaboration, mindfulness and stress reduction, and public speaking. These sessions will also include time for feedback and reflection in an effort to strengthen group cohesiveness and culture.