In addition to the primary topic addressed, each leadership course will have coursework in goal setting skills, public speaking, anti-substance abuse, and community service..
Leadership I: Leadership and Human Behavior - Grade 9 (Required)
Students will study the fundamental tenets of human behavior and the psychology of leadership in the context the theories and principles of individual and group behavior. Topics covered will be human behavior, traits, relationships, followership, courage, and moral leadership.
Leadership II: Applied Ethics - Grade 10 (Required)
Using writings on moral philosophy from classics to modern times this course is a study of moral and ethical decision making and their application to the student’s daily lives. The readings will serve as a back drop for exploring the everyday lives of students and current events and how right or wrong is determined. Case studies, current issues in the news, and the predicted challenges of adulthood will be used to apply theory to everyday life. This course will also continue the development of goal setting skills, public speaking, anti-substance abuse, and community service.
Leadership III: Organizational Behavior - Grade 11 (Required)
This course will build on the two previous courses with focus on the individual in the context of an organization. How do individuals act in an organizational setting, how do they influence, roles and responsibilities of individuals in organizations, and lead how to lead in an organization. This course will also continue the development of goal setting skills, public speaking, anti-substance abuse, and community service.
Leadership IV: Leadership Seminar and Transition to Adulthood
Grade 12 (Required)
Seminar class choosing a different topic each year that brings together the five academic areas of the Gerstell Academy Leadership Model; traditional leadership, Recent History of the United States, Environmental Leadership, Psychology, and Comparative Religions. Picking a current topic, students will explore leadership through the lens of the five academic areas and choose a community service project. Goal setting, public speaking, and well as preparation for transition to college as a young adult are integrated into the coursework.
Personal Finance (Elective)
In an ever changing economy, individuals are more and more responsible for their financial future. Parents and students alike need to be well educated in financial principles and money management. Topics covered in this class will range from economics, banking, investments, insurance, and retirement planning. Leadership opportunities abound in this class, with students becoming involved in real world simulations involving handling their own checking and savings accounts, applying for loans, making investments, and purchasing a home. The students will explore the current economic climate, as well as how history has influenced changes in the economy. By the conclusion of this course the student will be more confident in their ability to make sound financial decisions, and to develop a money management plan for the future. The coursework is based on the Voluntary National Content Standards for Economics, written by the National Council on Economic Education, and aligns with the National Guidelines for Personal Finance. Prerequisite: Algebra I
