The legal framework governing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts continues to evolve, leaving many independent schools uncertain about what is permitted and what is prohibited. This webinar will provide a candid overview of the current legal realities shaping DEI for schools nationwide and examine how administrators and other decision-makers can understand and respond to these constraints.

In this session, we'll use a few elements of strategic foresight to imagine multiple, plausible AI futures. Then, we'll review four skills that are essential for all of us — educators and students — to develop in an AI world: extending the mind, information literacy, playfulness, and ethical decision-making.

Independent school success hinges on an engaged, aligned board. This session explores how to clarify expectations, recruit strategically, and build a culture of ownership and enthusiasm around development goals.

Philanthropy can do more than fund programs — it can shape culture and drive inclusion. In this workshop, we will share practical strategies to align fundraising with your school’s inclusion goals, engage donors authentically, and foster a true sense of belonging.

Discover how collaboration can drive equity in admissions. This workshop explores strategies for fostering partnerships that promote transparency, inclusivity, and fairness, ensuring that every applicant has an equitable opportunity to thrive.

At a time when DEI work is facing increased scrutiny and legal and political threats, how can independent schools communicate transparently about their work to foster welcoming communities? In this session, we’ll talk about what schools are doing now to bring their communities together.

In today’s polarized climate, DEI efforts in K–12 independent schools face intense scrutiny, misunderstanding, and in some cases, open hostility. This session explores how shifting our frameworks and language—from "DEI" to "dignity and belonging"—can help schools reinvest in the deeper human work at the heart of equity and inclusion.

In today’s independent schools, leaders need more than anecdotes to understand the health of student life—they need metrics that matter. This interactive session introduces a Student Life Assessment Tool designed to capture a complete, human-centered picture of your school’s culture.

The people you hire—and how you support them—shape the heart and future of your school. But effective people management isn’t just about making a great hire; it’s about intentionally guiding employees through every stage of their journey. In this workshop, we’ll explore the full employment cycle in independent schools, offering practical strategies for each stage.

In this workshop, learn how one school overhauled its faculty and staff compensation models to increase equity, transparency, and retention. This session will share the process, best practices, and potential pitfalls for schools navigating turnover and new pay transparency laws.

Start the school year off with an invigorating and engaging interactive workshop on the state of DEI in independent schools today.

This workshop makes the case that a cohesive, scaffolded, and strategic approach to our school's storytelling practice is a cornerstone of institutional advancement for independent schools.

This session welcomes all school senior leaders—regardless of role—to discover how AI can save you time and boost efficiency across specific tasks as an institutional enrollment ambassador.

In this workshop, we'll explore Listening Leadership – a repertoire of artful strategies, tactics, and ways of sensing and adapting useful for school leaders. We will focus on ways to grow your listening repertoire, especially as you lead amid conflict. You will have opportunities to practice and reflect on listening strategies and tools during the session.

WEDNESDAY, 10/25/23
12:00 PM PT/3:00 PM ET

FACILITATED BY STEPH NG
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS | TED-ED

Every school has a story being told. Parents, students, and the community have a living, evolving narrative about the school– what are its strengths and what are its areas of growth. How are you telling your school’s story? How is it being amplified and adapted across your staff, faculty, leadership, and community? And as you tell this story, whose voice is missing?

In this interactive virtual workshop, we will explore different ways to capture a comprehensive narrative about your school’s unique offering. We will discuss how your school’s story evolves as you go through significant changes. In addition, we will identify opportunities to showcase this story to prospective families, communities, and the larger independent school network.

Special note: this workshop is being presented independent of TED and TED-Ed

MONDAY, 11/13/23
12-1:30 PM PT/3:00-4:30 PM ET

FACILITATED BY STEPH NG

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS | TED-ED

*For Senior Administration Only*

According to NAIS reporting, a top stressor for Heads in the 2022-2023 school year is staff and faculty management. When we look at NAIS’ research about finding and retaining qualified staff and faculty, three core problem statements are listed: teachers are not feeling fulfilled, teachers feel a loss of trust, and teachers are feeling overwhelmed. Given that, how do you nurture your staff and faculty culture?

In this interactive virtual workshop, we will explore meaningful strategies that can build a strong educator culture. A few sample questions we will explore together:

→What does career pathing look like at your school?

→How do you highlight best practices to elevate great work?

→How do you currently memorialize school processes, projects, and learnings?

→How are you thinking about teacher well-being?

Special note: this workshop is being presented independent of TED and TED-Ed

MONDAY, 12/4/23
12:00 PM PT/3:00 PM ET

FACILITATED BY KAMA BRUCE
ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL | CATLIN GABEL SCHOOL

The "triple threat" teacher has long been the model within independent schools. However, is it still reasonable to expect someone to be a master teacher, advisor, and coach, and/or have additional duties like covering a dorm or serving on a standing committee? How can institutions create a situation where the multitude of school duties are covered in a way that creates buy-in without burning out the individual or breaking the budget? How would this help with retention and impact the traditional hiring cycle? In this workshop, we will explore ways we can reimagine duties to maximize faculty strengths and interests while maintaining equitable workloads and a balanced budget.

THURSDAY, 1/11/24
12:00 PM PT/3:00 PM ET

FACILITATED BY DR. JAMES GREENWOOD
DEAN OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION | WESTERN RESERVE ACADEMY

Despite expressed desires to diversify their faculty and administration, racial diversity remains elusive within many independent schools. Join Dr. James Greenwood, Dean of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Western Reserve Academy to explore responses from faculty of color on why and how they ultimately chose to leave their schools, and to explore what school leaders can do to better support and retain faculty of color in our communities.

TUESDAY, 2/13/24
12:00 PM PT/3:00 PM ET

FACILITATED BY DESIREE IVEY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, TEACHER TRAINING CENTER | SHADY HILL SCHOOL

BECKY BLUMENTHAL
DEAN OF FACULTY | BERKELEY CARROLL SCHOOL

What does it take to be both innovative and steadfast in teacher preparation during a teacher shortage? Join one of the top teacher residency directors in independent schools as she shares best practices around recruitment strategies, instructional preparation, and teacher retention outcomes that are the exemplary hallmarks of programs that teach candidates from demographically diverse backgrounds. The session will include a presentation of data and strategies from established programs as well as time for participants to authentically plan for success in their own programs with the support of the presenter. Participants will examine and discuss best practices in several unique teacher residency models and consider ways they can apply what they learn to address challenges and opportunities regarding enrollment, financial sustainability, and retention of teachers recruited and developed in these teacher residency programs.