2026-2027 Academic Leaders Virtual Series

Academic Leaders Series: Developing the Next Generation of School Leaders

Independent schools thrive when strong educators step into leadership with clarity, confidence, and purpose. The Academic Leaders Series is designed for department chairs, program directors, and aspiring administrators who are ready to expand their impact beyond the classroom.

This program series equips emerging academic leaders with the skills, strategies, and mindset needed to lead adults, strengthen teaching and learning, and help their schools navigate an increasingly complex and fast-changing educational landscape.

Through a combination of in-person and virtual expert guest speakers, real-world case studies, and collaborative peer learning, participants will deepen their capacity to lead effectively at both the interpersonal and institutional levels.

What Participants Will Gain

• A clear understanding of the transition from teacher to leader
• Practical tools for managing faculty, navigating conflict, and building strong teams
• Strategies to support and develop excellent teaching
• Confidence in leading initiatives, managing operations, and making strategic decisions
• Skills to use data thoughtfully and lead innovation in their schools
• A network of peers facing similar challenges across independent schools

Program Structure
A program is comprised of 6 virtual sessions organized around core areas of academic leadership:

1. A Leadership Orientation
2. Cultivating Team & Culture
3. Managing & Growing Others
4. Operations & Administrative Management
5. Curricular Leadership
6. Change Leadership & Decision-Making

Who Should Attend

• Department Chairs and Grade-Level Leaders
• Program Directors and Coordinators
• Teachers aspiring to move into administrative roles
• New or early-career academic administrators

Why This Program
Academic leadership in independent schools requires more than strong teaching. It demands the ability to lead people, manage complexity, and think strategically. This program is designed to bridge that gap, providing participants with both the practical tools and the big-picture perspective needed to lead with impact.