Professional Learning Calendar

2026 In-Person Events

DATES & LOCATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Blueprint Sprint January 26-27, 2026 | Nashville, TN February 2-3, 2026 | Birmingham, AL March 16-17, 2026 | Orlando, FL April 20-21, 2026 | Charleston, SC As an independent school leader, you juggle the urgent and the important every day. The demands of students, faculty, and families require your immediate attention. The Blueprint Sprint is designed specifically for independent school leadership teams, to help you turn strategy into measurable progress. This high-impact workshop will give your team a structured blueprint and practical tools to bring a strategic priority to life so you can return to your school ready to implement real change. Starts: 8:30 AM Local time Ends: 12:00 PM Local time $995 member team Learn More

Academic Support & Student Well-Being Conference February 8-10, 2026 | Marriott Convention Center | Chattanooga, TN Delve into the latest research on student well-being along with cutting-edge instructional strategies to empower every student in your school. This dynamic program equips all members of the student support team—academic support specialists, counselors, nurses, deans of student life, community and belonging practitioners, and athletic trainers—with best practices tailored to the unique environment of independent schools, ensuring you can inspire and support all students to reach their full potential. Starts: Feb. 8 at 4:00 PM Ends: Feb. 10 at 12:30 PM $595 member earlybird

TransformEd: Teaching & Learning Conference February 10-11, 2026 | Marriott Convention Center | Chattanooga, TN Formerly known as Curriculum Symposium, through TransformEd, you’ll gain the tools and insights to create transformative learning experiences that inspire student success and a passion for lifelong learning. Explore cutting-edge pedagogical ideas, innovative instructional strategies, and game-changing educational tools designed to drive meaningful impact in the classroom. Starts: Feb. 10 at 2:30 PM Ends: Feb. 11 at 3:00 PM $595 member earlybird

Independent School Brand Summit: Where Communications, Marketing, Enrollment, and Advancement Converge February 11-12, 2026 | Marriott Convention Center | Chattanooga, TN The Independent School Brand Summit is a premier gathering designed for brand strategists, marketing and communication professionals, fundraisers, and enrollment management leaders in independent schools. This event brings together experts and practitioners to explore the evolving landscape of school branding, storytelling, and strategic positioning in an increasingly competitive market. Starts: Feb. 11 at 2:30 PM Ends: Feb. 12 at 2:30 PM $595 member earlybird

Designing Inclusion: A Mission-Centered Institute February 11-12, 2026 | Marriott Convention Center | Chattanooga, TN Designing Inclusion: A Mission-Centered Institute balances strategic vision with practical implementation to advance meaningful mission-aligned innovation through an inclusive lens, providing participants with research-based tools and strategies through collaborative learning, while fostering a supportive professional network. Starts: Feb. 11 at 3:00 PM Ends: Feb. 12 at 3:00 PM $595 member earlybird

Institute for Early Career Heads June 15-17, 2026 | Atlanta, GA Embark on a transformative three-day workshop tailored for early-career heads of independent schools. Through engaging sessions, practical resources, and peer connections, gain the confidence and clarity to lead effectively from day one. Starts: June 15 at 9:00 AM Ends: June 17 at 12:00 PM $995 member earlybird

Institute for Administrative Assistants June 17-19, 2026 | Atlanta, GA Discover practical strategies and resources to effectively support an independent school administrator, division, or department. Gain actionable insights for tackling challenges with confidence, and connect with a network of peers to exchange time-saving tips and proven solutions. Starts: June 17 at 2:00 PM Ends: June 19 at 12:00 PM $695 member earlybird

Independent School Leadership Forum: Building Capacity & Expanding Influence for Mid-Level Leaders June 22-24, 2026 | Atlanta, GA Formerly known as the Summer Conference, The Independent School Leadership Forum is a dynamic conference designed specifically for mid-level leaders in independent schools—division leaders, deans, associate heads, department chairs, admissions and advancement professionals, DEI practitioners, and other key administrators. This event provides a strategic space for professional growth, equipping attendees with the skills, knowledge, and network needed to lead with confidence and impact in their respective roles. Starts: June 22 at 2:00 PM Ends: June 24 at 12:00 PM $695 member earlybird Special pre-con available for new & aspiring leaders from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM (lunch included).

Small Schools Summit June 24-26, 2026 | Atlanta, GA The Small Schools Summit is a dedicated conference designed for leaders, educators, and administrators from small independent schools, where close-knit communities and personalized learning thrive. This event provides a tailored experience that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities of small school leadership, from financial sustainability and enrollment strategies to faculty development, mission-driven governance, and multi-role leadership. Starts: June 24 at 2:00 PM Ends: June 26 at 12:00 PM $695 member earlybird

Institute for Heads June 28-July 1, 2026 | The Edwin | Chattanooga, TN Join fellow heads of school and their spouses for an invigorating and restorative retreat that fosters thoughtful, nuanced conversations around the complex challenges of school leadership. Guided by psychologists Rob Evans and Michael Thompson, this experience offers fresh perspectives, meaningful connections, and the support you need to navigate your leadership journey with confidence and resilience. Starts: June 28 at 3:00 PM Ends: July 1 at 12:00 PM $2,395 member earlybird – HOS $995 member earlybird – spouse Learn More

Institute for New Teachers July 14-16, 2026 | Charlotte, NC July 21-23, 2026 | Atlanta, GA Receive personalized guidance and expert support as you refine your planning and instructional skills in a collaborative and inspiring setting. Work alongside a small, dedicated peer group under the mentorship of a seasoned independent school educator, fostering a dynamic environment for growth. Tailored specifically for teachers in their first three years at an independent school, this institute equips you with the essential tools, insights, and confidence to you need to thrive in your teaching career. Starts: July 14/21 at 1:00 PM Ends: July 16/23 at 5:00 PM $925 member earlybird

Annual Conference October 4-6, 2026 | Marriott Convention Center | Chattanooga, TN Discover innovative strategies for success and gain insights into emerging trends from top-tier speakers. Connect with leaders from schools of similar size and budget, and rekindle valuable relationships within the independent school community. This is your opportunity to expand your network, exchange ideas, and stay at the forefront of educational excellence. Starts: Oct. 4 at 2:00 PM Ends: Oct. 6 at 12:00 PM $575 member earlybird PLAN AHEAD FOR 2027: The 2027 SAIS Annual Conference will take place October 24-26, 2027, at the Renaissance Waverly in Atlanta.

DATES & LOCATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE