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Greensboro, NC 27455
United States
Sarah Baker is a dedicated educator and community builder with over 17 years of experience. A North Carolina Teaching Fellow, Sarah spent the formative years of her career in Wake County Public Schools before joining Ravenscroft in 2014. After a decade as a Middle School English Language Arts teacher, grade-level leader, and department chair, she transitioned to the Advancement Team in 2024 as the Director of Parent Engagement. In her current role, Sarah serves as a strategic partner to the school’s families, overseeing 'friend-raising' initiatives and supporting the Parents’ Association, Ravenscroft Athletic Club, and Fine Arts Association. As the New Family Liaison, she is the primary point of connection for newly-enrolled families joining the Ravenscroft community. Sarah holds a B.S. in Middle Grades Education and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from North Carolina State University. She is passionate about empowering educators to view family partnerships as a catalyst for student growth.
Wes Brown is a seasoned independent school educator and leader with fifteen years of experience spanning both middle and lower school divisions. He began his career at Ravenscroft in 2011 as a Middle School History and Social Studies teacher and eighth-grade advisor, going on to teach across all middle school grade levels. During his tenure, he also served as the Middle School Instructional Technology Specialist and Student Leadership and Programming Coordinator, blending academic innovation with student-centered leadership. In 2019, Wes joined The Lovett School in Atlanta, where he expanded his impact as a middle school educator and leader. He taught seventh- and eighth-grade English and Global Issues, while serving as the eighth-grade Team Leader and Middle School Community Engagement Coordinator. In 2020, he returned to Ravenscroft, where he currently teaches fifth-grade language arts and social studies, serves as Lower School Curriculum Chair, and acts as the Lower School Admissions Liaison and NCAIS School Liaison—roles that reflect his commitment to academic excellence, program development, and community connection.
Amanda Carter is the Assistant Head of School for Strategic Advancement at Greensboro Day School, where she leads programs in marketing and communications, philanthropy and alumni relations, and admission and enrollment. She has more than 15 years of experience in independent schools, with a focus on program development, school culture, and supporting students and faculty. Amanda previously served as Head of School at Noble Academy in Greensboro. During her time there, she guided the school through strategic planning, accreditation, and a global pandemic. She began her career in student life and program development, with roles centered on student experience, community building, and inclusive programming. Amanda holds a Bachelor Degree from Miami University (the original Miami in Ohio!), a Master of Public Administration from Kent State University, and a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard.
For more than 25 years, Stephanie Keaney has been involved in independent school education. She earned her BS in Elementary Education from Appalachian State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Stephanie is a highly relational leader committed to empowering those around her. She has held various positions in her career, from classroom teacher to state-level leader. Stephanie has designed and delivered custom retreats, leadership development programs, and conferences for early-career professionals, classroom educators, and established leaders. Stephanie believes that all team members can lead from where they are by fostering an inclusive, purposeful, and process-oriented organizational culture. She is committed to supporting independent school leaders and has presented at conferences nationwide. In addition, she has served in various leadership roles and board positions with nonprofit and community service organizations.
Foundations & Futures Institute for Early Career Educators 2026
Thursday, August 6, 2026
9:00 AM - 3:45 PM (EDT)
Greensboro Day School
5401 Lawndale DriveGreensboro, NC 27455
United States
The NCAIS Foundations and Futures Institute is a welcoming and energizing experience designed specifically for teachers who are new to an NCAIS school. Recently refreshed, this program supports early-career educators as they build confidence, community, and a strong foundation for success in independent schools. The Institute is comprised of one full-day in-person session and five additional live, online cohort meetings conducted via Zoom. See the full schedule below.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Gain a national, regional, and state perspective on independent schools, including governance and school culture
- Take and interpret the DiSC Assessment to better understand personal strengths, communication styles, and team dynamics
- Explore best practices for effective and meaningful parent communication
- Examine key strategies for student and family engagement
- Engage in guided reflection to support both personal and professional growth
- Develop a growth mindset that fosters resilience, adaptability, and long-term success
Additional Zoom Cohort Meetings (45 minutes):
September 15 at 4pm | Beginning of Year Debrief
October 27 at 4pm | Parent Communication
December 8 at 4pm | Advocating for Your Impact
January 26 at 4pm | Managing the Workload
April 13 at 4pm | Navigating Your Career Roadmap
This program offers practical tools, thoughtful conversation, and meaningful connections with peers across the NCAIS community.
Who Should Attend: Educators and Administrators new to Independent Schools
Pricing: NCAIS Member $195/pp (after July 29 $245/pp); Guests $245/pp (after July 29 $295/pp)
Registration Options
|
Registration Options
|
Credits | Price |
|---|---|---|
|
NCAIS Member Registration
|
7.00 (CEU) |
$195.00
Price will increase to $245.00 on
7/30/26
|
|
Guest Registration
|
7.00 (CEU) |
$245.00
Price will increase to $295.00 on
7/30/26
|
2026 Foundations and Futures Institute for Early Career Educators by Meghan Hilleboe
Sarah Baker is a dedicated educator and community builder with over 17 years of experience. A North Carolina Teaching Fellow, Sarah spent the formative years of her career in Wake County Public Schools before joining Ravenscroft in 2014. After a decade as a Middle School English Language Arts teacher, grade-level leader, and department chair, she transitioned to the Advancement Team in 2024 as the Director of Parent Engagement. In her current role, Sarah serves as a strategic partner to the school’s families, overseeing 'friend-raising' initiatives and supporting the Parents’ Association, Ravenscroft Athletic Club, and Fine Arts Association. As the New Family Liaison, she is the primary point of connection for newly-enrolled families joining the Ravenscroft community. Sarah holds a B.S. in Middle Grades Education and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from North Carolina State University. She is passionate about empowering educators to view family partnerships as a catalyst for student growth.Wes Brown is a seasoned independent school educator and leader with fifteen years of experience spanning both middle and lower school divisions. He began his career at Ravenscroft in 2011 as a Middle School History and Social Studies teacher and eighth-grade advisor, going on to teach across all middle school grade levels. During his tenure, he also served as the Middle School Instructional Technology Specialist and Student Leadership and Programming Coordinator, blending academic innovation with student-centered leadership. In 2019, Wes joined The Lovett School in Atlanta, where he expanded his impact as a middle school educator and leader. He taught seventh- and eighth-grade English and Global Issues, while serving as the eighth-grade Team Leader and Middle School Community Engagement Coordinator. In 2020, he returned to Ravenscroft, where he currently teaches fifth-grade language arts and social studies, serves as Lower School Curriculum Chair, and acts as the Lower School Admissions Liaison and NCAIS School Liaison—roles that reflect his commitment to academic excellence, program development, and community connection. Wes holds a B.S. in Middle Grades Education and an M.Ed. in Instructional Technology from NC State University, as well as a Master of School Administration from East Carolina University. He is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Organizational Learning and Leadership at UNC Chapel Hill. In 2015, he was recognized with the Ravenscroft Parents' Association Distinguished Faculty Award for his dedication to teaching and the school community.
Amanda Carter is the Assistant Head of School for Strategic Advancement at Greensboro Day School, where she leads programs in marketing and communications, philanthropy and alumni relations, and admission and enrollment. She has more than 15 years of experience in independent schools, with a focus on program development, school culture, and supporting students and faculty. Amanda previously served as Head of School at Noble Academy in Greensboro. During her time there, she guided the school through strategic planning, accreditation, and a global pandemic. She began her career in student life and program development, with roles centered on student experience, community building, and inclusive programming. Amanda holds a Bachelor Degree from Miami University (the original Miami in Ohio!), a Master of Public Administration from Kent State University, and a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard.For more than 25 years, Stephanie Keaney has been involved in independent school education. She earned her BS in Elementary Education from Appalachian State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Stephanie is a highly relational leader committed to empowering those around her. She has held various positions in her career, from classroom teacher to state-level leader. Stephanie has designed and delivered custom retreats, leadership development programs, and conferences for early-career professionals, classroom educators, and established leaders. Stephanie believes that all team members can lead from where they are by fostering an inclusive, purposeful, and process-oriented organizational culture. She is committed to supporting independent school leaders and has presented at conferences nationwide. In addition, she has served in various leadership roles and board positions with nonprofit and community service organizations.
Tim served as President of the Rotary Club of Crabtree in 2018-19 when the Club earned the 2019 Fred Fletcher Award of Excellence, the highest volunteer service award given by the City of Raleigh. He also regularly travels to independent schools around the southeastern U.S. as an active participant on the Southern Association of Independent Schools’ reaccrediting teams.
A trusted media source, Tim has contributed articles, blogs, and interviews featured by NBC’s Education Nation, Your Teen Magazine, WRAL, and Carolina Parent.
Tim earned his B.A. with High Honors from the University of Florida, where he was the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Valedictorian and one of two aspiring social studies educators, selected per state, to receive the prestigious James Madison Memorial Foundation Fellowship. He earned his M.A. from Georgetown University and served as an interviewer for the Georgetown Admissions Program. Tim and his wife, Karen, have three sons: Will, a member of the St. Timothy’s Class of 2022; Patrick, a member of the STS Class of 2023; and Sean, a member of the St. Timothy’s Class of 2026.
No official room block is reserved; however, we recommend:
Hyatt Place Greensboro / Downtown
300 N Eugene St
Greensboro, NC 27401
336-373-6269
