2024 Institute for Administrative Assistants | Schedule

Speaker: Elizabeth Maglio, Director of Professional Learning, SAIS

The purpose of this welcome session is to set the tone for the learning journey ahead, designed to equip administrative assistants with the tools, strategies, and mindset necessary to navigate the challenges and opportunities in independent school settings. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with fellow administrative assistants, fostering a supportive network essential for growth and development.

Speaker: Elizabeth Maglio, Director of Professional Learning, SAIS

In this interactive session, participants will explore strategies for fostering positive relationships using insights from Michael Bungay Stanier’s book, How to Work With Almost Anyone. Through examining Bungay Stanier’s five questions, interactive discussions, scenario analysis, role-playing exercises, and feedback sessions, participants will learn to ask powerful questions and practice active listening. By the end of the session, participants will have practical tools and strategies to enhance their communication and collaboration with their bosses, leading to more productive and satisfying work relationships.

Speaker: Jeremy Burrows, Founder, Go Burrows

On the surface, our lack of confidence in our ability to lead ourselves, lead our executives, and lead others holds us back from being game-changing leaders. But what’s the root behind why we lack confidence? Why do we take things so personally at work? Why don’t we have the courage to speak up and push back? Why don’t we see ourselves as leaders? In this session, we’ll take an honest look at what holds you back from leading well, so you can be free to lead like you’ve never led before.

Speaker: Clay Gibney, Director of Technology, SAIS

*Bring your laptop*

In this interactive session, we’ll dive into essential technology tools for administrative assistants. Participants will learn practical tips and techniques to leverage Excel and Google spreadsheets effectively for data organization, analysis, and collaboration. We will briefly discuss the benefits of using Microsoft OneNote and the new SAIS website for faculty and staff rosters.

Bring your laptop and burning questions and follow along with live demonstrations to gain practical skills and troubleshoot common challenges.

Speaker: Mary Leslie Hardy, Executive Assistant to the President, Woodward Academy

In this session, head of school assistants will delve into best practices essential for optimizing their roles within independent school environments. Through interactive discussions and practical insights, participants will explore strategies for efficient calendar management, effective communication with stakeholders, maintaining confidentiality and discretion, supporting leadership initiatives, and fostering a positive school culture. This session aims to equip assistants with actionable tools and techniques to enhance their contributions, streamline workflows, and promote overall excellence within their roles.

Attendees will gather tools to help with the ups and downs of their role and the ways they bring their whole selves to their school. As support staff who are often the glue and the heart of the school that holds our community together, it can be challenging to find a community to authentically hear ways to care for your mind, body, and spirit as you care for others in the community. Often, the face of the school, support staff experience the weight of holding the anxiety and daily walk of others while still pressing to get to a space of resolve for themselves.

Small group discussion topics:

• Leading an admin team
• Challenges for the upcoming year
• Efficiency tools
• Legalities – HIPPA & FERPA
• Mentorship, coaching, sponsorship

Small group discussion topics:

• Efficiency tools
• DEI policies
• Well-being
• Substitute scheduling

Speaker: Evan Harris, President, Pathos Consulting Group

*Bring your laptop*

This session will explain how artificial intelligence (AI) can benefit the executive and administrative assistant role. Demonstrations will show how AI can:

• Write and print handwritten correspondences
• Answer common questions in the form of a custom FAQ bot
• Schedule multiple parties with busy schedules
• Draft emails in emotionally charged situations

Speaker: Flekeda Gilliam, Academic Affairs Assistant, Charlotte Latin School

In this dynamic and interactive workshop, we’ll dive into the essential skills and strategies needed by administrative assistants to navigate critical conversations effectively. As a vital link between faculty, parents, students, and administrators, administrative assistants often find themselves in challenging situations requiring diplomacy, tact, and clear communication. This session will share research and data gathered from heads of schools, directors, and division heads on the skills and strategies they see as most important as well as offer an opportunity for assistants to share what they want their bosses to know and understand about the role.