2023 Institute for Administrative Assistants | Schedule

Speaker: Jessy Molina, Facilitator, Molina Consulting

Room: Crescendo 7

This workshop is designed to give participants an understanding of implicit bias and how our brains are wired to create mental shortcuts. Participants will learn about biases that are reinforced unconsciously through literature, popular media, and other messages we receive. Participants will learn the language and tools needed to examine their own biases, consider how bias shows up in personal and professional relationships, and learn proven strategies to reduce the impact of bias on our decision-making.

Participants will:

• Understand what implicit bias is
• Learn how bias shows up in schools
• Learn how to interrupt bias

Speaker: Debra Wilson, President, SAIS

Room: Crescendo 7

Join this informative session on important aspects of common legal issues in the admin assistant’s office, including custody issues and family legal matters. As the first line of defense, you often find yourself interacting with scared or upset parents seeking specific information. We will discuss the boundaries of information disclosure, what to do when questioned about sensitive matters, and provide best practices for handling these situations.

Participants will:

• Get updated on legal trends that specifically pertain to independent school and parent issues, ensuring you remain knowledgeable and informed
• Gain valuable insights and practical knowledge to confidently navigate legal issues and fulfill your responsibilities as an administrative assistant in an independent school

Speaker: Julie Russell, Executive Assistant to the Head & Board, Ensworth School

Room: Crescendo 4

This session will cover several best practices for working with the board of trustees at your school. We’ll discuss:

• How to set up and conduct meetings
• Ways to communicate with board members
• What to avoid when working with the board

Speaker: Lisa Edenfield, Executive Assistant to the Head of School and Board of Trustees, Cape Henry Collegiate

Room: Crescendo 7

Professional assistants: They are the first impression of their office that people will see; therefore, they must be professional and cordial at all times. Assistants set the tone for the office and its reputation. There are six basic soft skills that assistants should master to ensure they are representing their office well. In this presentation, we will take a detailed look at how to navigate specific issues that can chip away at your reputation and the office atmosphere. We will also learn easy ways to enhance your relationship with your boss and make you an invaluable support. This presentation is designed to polish your emotional intelligence and offer specific approaches to presenting your best professional self.

This session will:

• Enhance your emotional intelligence to better serve those around you
• Improve your relationship with your boss
• Provide specific takeaways for improving the atmosphere of your office

Room: Crescendo 7

Topics will include:

• Recording board minutes
• Working with the board
• Records retention and policies
• Calendar solutions
• Faculty absences and schedules
• Accreditation

Speaker: Amber Stockham, Director, Human Resources Programs, NBOA

Room: Crescendo 7

Self-care has always been important for administrative staff, but at this moment it is critical not just to your individual well-being but also your school’s. As mission-driven institutions, schools often have lean operations and ask more of administrative assistants than other organizations. You must wear many hats, work flexibly and diligently, and always be a supportive presence for the entire school community. The challenge of filling multiple roles well is now being compounded by external stressors and three years of ongoing change and disruption.

The mission is a powerful motivator, and it can be instrumental to sustaining resilience in times of stress, but it must be coupled with intentional self-care. Self-care is more than meditation, eating well, and exercising. Self-care focuses on holistic well-being: psychological, emotional, physical, and social. When purposefully designed and followed, self-care practices can provide us with fulfillment and resilience.

We will explore ways to integrate self-care into daily routines, even while on the clock. We will learn why self-care is essential to your success and to your school community’s health. We will ensure resilience in the face of adversity and become more confident in our ability to navigate change and thrive in our roles.

Participants will:

• Learn why self-care is essential to success
• Explore self-care practices to integrate into daily routines
• Learn techniques to become more resilient

Speaker: Anne Wiles, Director of Finance & Business Operations, Berkeley Preparatory School

Room: Crescendo 7

The financial success of independent schools is closely tied to demonstrating successful outcomes with the resources that have been generously committed by investors in the school’s mission and vision. In this session, we will cover the independent school business cycle, the framework of cash inflows and outflows, and the unique not-for-profit financial environment.

Participants will understand the:

• Independent school business environment
• Independent school budget process and tuition setting
• Unique not-for-profit environment

Room: Crescendo 7

Topics for this discussion will be gathered during Thursday’s small group discussions and posted on Friday morning.