2024 New & Aspiring Leaders Institute | Schedule

Facilitator: Elizabeth Maglio, Director of Professional Learning, SAIS

This welcome and introduction session sets the tone for the learning experience designed to equip emerging leaders with the tools, strategies, and mindset necessary to navigate the complexities of educational leadership in independent school settings. This session begins with a warm welcome, setting the stage for a collaborative and enriching experience. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with fellow aspiring leaders, fostering a supportive network essential for growth and development in their leadership journey.

Speakers: Shannan Schuster, Consultant, and Scott Wilson, Senior Consultant, ISM

To lead any group of people effectively, leaders must first know themselves. Understanding our passions, strengths, apathies, and weaknesses allow for us to bring our “authentic” selves to our work. Further, knowing our behavioral preferences (and those of our colleagues) enables us to work effectively with others and to build highly effective leadership teams. Finally, truly acknowledging those facets of life and work that “fill us up” and those that “drain our reserves” assists us in building sustainable careers and, more importantly, lives of purpose and fulfillment. This session offers key insights and guidance to honest explorations of our work and our aspirations as school leaders.

Speaker: Imana Sherrill, Head of School, Trinity Episcopal School

Understanding the nuances of this relationship is paramount for driving institutional growth, fostering a positive school culture, and achieving strategic objectives. Aligning board priorities and strategic initiatives with the school’s mission and vision helps to foster a shared commitment to educational excellence and long-term sustainability of your school.

Attendees will walk away with:

• A clear understanding of distinct roles, responsibilities, and boundaries of the head of school and the board, ensuring alignment and effective collaboration.
• Strategies for fostering a culture of transparency, trust, and mutual respect between school leadership and the board, laying the foundation for productive partnerships.
• Approaches to build and nurture relationships with individual board members, leveraging diverse perspectives, and harnessing collective expertise to advance the school’s mission.

Speaker: Cecil Stodghill, Head of School, The Altamont School

This workshop will offer a comprehensive exploration of key principles, strategies, and practical tools essential for building and sustaining equitable and inclusive environments within independent school settings. Participants will engage in dynamic discussions, case studies, and hands-on activities aimed at deepening their understanding and honing their skills in addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Key topics include:

1. Understanding Equity and Inclusion: Explore foundational concepts and frameworks that underpin equity and inclusion efforts in educational settings.
2. Leading With Intentionality: Examine the role of school leadership in championing equity and inclusion initiatives, fostering a culture of belonging, and promoting institutional change.
3. Cultivating Cultural Competence: Enhance awareness of one’s own cultural biases, privileges, and blind spots, and develop strategies for fostering cultural competence among faculty, staff, and students.
4. Creating Inclusive Spaces: Learn practical strategies for creating inclusive classrooms, curriculum, policies, and practices that honor diverse identities and experiences.
5. Building Collaborative Partnerships: Explore the importance of building partnerships with families, communities, and external organizations to advance equity and inclusion goals and foster authentic engagement.
6. Navigating Challenges and Resistance: Develop strategies for addressing resistance, navigating difficult conversations, and effectively managing conflicts that may arise in the process of promoting equity and inclusion.

Speaker: Toni Boyd, VP for Finance and Operations, The Westminster Schools

In the dynamic landscape of independent schools, achieving financial success while staying true to your mission is a multifaceted challenge. Are independent schools businesses? The answer is both yes and no. In this session, we will explore the intersection of financial success and mission fulfillment. This session is designed with new leaders in mind, focusing on the crucial distinction between capital and operational aspects of school budgets. We’ll delve into how your budget can be a powerful tool for expressing what truly matters to your school. More than just numbers; the budget reflects your priorities, values, and vision.

Additionally, one of the most critical skills for heads of school is effectively presenting your budget to your CEO. This session will share strategies and techniques to effectively communicate the financial story of your school in a compelling and strategic manner. You will leave this session with insights and strategies to navigate the intricate balance between financial health and mission fulfillment, ensuring that your school thrives in both aspects.

Speakers: Derrick Willard, Head of School, Augusta Preparatory Day School, and Jack Hall, Partner, CarterBaldwin Executive Search

With the lens of both an interviewer and interviewee, this session will dive deeper into how to create a robust dialogue that provides a truly transparent understanding of the current state of the school and helps all parties find a great match.

Moderators: Shannan Schuster, Consultant, and Scott Wilson, Senior Consultant, ISM

Panelists:

• David Padilla, Head of School, Christ Church Episcopal School
• Dave Skeen, Head of School, Spartanburg Day School

In this discussion, panelists will delve into the multifaceted landscape of educational leadership within independent schools. Through candid dialogue and thought-provoking discourse, they will illuminate the challenges, triumphs, and evolving trends shaping the realm of independent education today. Drawing from their diverse backgrounds, our panelists will offer invaluable perspectives on a range of pertinent topics, including strategic visioning, fostering a culture of excellence, promoting inclusion and belonging, navigating fiscal responsibilities, and fostering robust community partnerships. Come with questions and ready to engage.

Speaker: Grace Lee, Partner, Venable

In this session, we will discuss navigating the independent school legal landscape as the school leader. Participants will gain an understanding of the legal frameworks and regulations unique to independent schools, empowering leaders to make informed decisions and mitigate potential risks effectively. We will explore key strategies and best practices for safeguarding your school’s integrity and reputation amidst a complex legal environment, from student privacy rights to employment law considerations. Exchange insights with fellow leaders through engaging discussions, case studies, and practical scenarios designed to deepen your understanding and refine your leadership skills around independent school legalities.

Speaker: Casey Bell, Consultant, ISM

When enrollment management, marketing communications, and development leaders are on the same page, you take your strategies to the next level. At ISM, we call this advancement—all school activities that develop, maintain, and reinforce the relationships between your school and its current and prospective families, employees, alumni, friends, and the greater community. Without a strong advancement strategy, your school misses out on opportunities to invite families to apply, re-enroll, and make philanthropic gifts. How strong is your school’s advancement strategy today and where should you focus your efforts? Join this session to learn how to self-evaluate your efforts using ISM’s propriety Advancement Assessment. Understand a framework for applying what you learn to create an actionable plan that ties back to your strategic initiatives and helps advance your institution’s unique mission.

Speaker: David Padilla, Head of School, Christ Church Episcopal School

Building and sustaining a thriving school culture rests upon the ability to unite diverse talents and perspectives towards common goals. In this session, we will explore practical strategies to foster cohesion, inspire collaboration, and nurture a culture of excellence within your leadership team. Attendees will walk away with:

• An understanding of the dynamics of team development and the role of leadership in shaping organizational culture.
• Techniques for fostering open communication, active listening, and cultivating trust among team members.
• Proactive approaches to identifying and addressing conflicts constructively, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.

Speakers: Shannan Schuster, Consultant, and Scott Wilson, Senior Consultant, ISM

“Well, this institute was great. But, now what?” How do you convert from planning to lead to being truly ready to lead? In this session, we will discuss what to prioritize in the months leading up to headship, or your new leadership role, and how to put guardrails in place to ensure success and create a sustainable and joyful headship from day one!