Online workshops from ISM
Our professional development events offer guidance, support, and insight to help you lead from a position of strength during this unprecedented time. Let's work together to ensure you're equipped to continue the 2020–21 school year with the research and strategies you need to take on any challenge.
Choose from more than 15 online workshops in every area of private school administration to develop new skills, gain confidence in your position, and lead with clarity in 2020 and beyond.
Walden School, CA
The instructors and materials are compelling and engaging. ISM clearly has a passion for research, the results, and supporting the long-range successes of its members and participating schools.
Meredith King, Director of Finance and Operations
Maumee Valley Country Day School, OH
I did not understand the value when I signed up, and it is absolutely worth the time. It is worth [...] the money. It is worth coming with a team from your school so that you can collaborate and work together. I had no idea how valuable it would be, and I'm just thrilled that I'm able to be here.
Lynn Casto, Head of School
Canterbury School, IN
I had the best experience at ISM's New Development Director! I was blown away by the information and expertise. I am leaving the conference feeling so equipped and motivated to affect change and implement development best practice at my school.
Jessica Morales, Director of Institutional Advancement

How to Move Past AP and Build a Mission- and Values-Based Curriculum
Date(s): 3/17/2021 — 3/18/2021 ● Status: Open
Online Course Timeframe: March 17–18, 2021 | Synchronous Meetings Times: 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 3–4:30 p.m. Eastern time
- Is your school considering the best mission- and values-driven curriculum for your students?
- Are you unsure if AP classes are still the best way to enhance student learning?
- Do you want to provide meaningful content that is unique to the needs of your students?
If your school continues to offer standardized courses based on external content goals, you're missing out on a student-centered approach. Courses should fit the unique interests and needs of the learners enrolled at your schools. It's time to reevaluate.
Explore why and how your school must evaluate your existing curriculum and redesign it to better benefit your learners. See how schools have achieved success in moving from Advanced Placement toward coursework that is more meaningful, authentic, and relevant to students.
$762.00
Platinum Members
$871.00 Gold $1,089.00 General & Silver

Road Map to Year One: ISM’s New Head Accelerator
Date(s): 3/17/2021 — 4/7/2021 ● Status: Open
Online Course Timeframe: Meetings on March 17, March 24, March 31 & April 7 | Synchronous Meetings Times: 90 minutes per meeting
You’re starting a new Headship this summer or began one during one of the most unprecedented school years in education—now what?
- What are achievable personal and professional goals to set in this new school environment, and how do they align with your school’s strategic plan?
- How do you, as a new Head, work with an established Board, even with the basics such as meeting presentations and building reports?
- How do you set or execute on a budget, especially one you had little or no control over creating?
- What's your role in supporting your school's development goals?
- How do you set the tone and culture for the school?
There are many questions to ask! Luckily, we have the answers. ISM Consultant Shannan Schuster, who recently finished a headship at The Swain School, Pennsylvania, will share her experiences, along with ISM tools and strategies to ensure your first year is productive and successful.
This online workshop will set you on the right course for your headship—without dedicating endless hours of meetings or coursework to professional development. Discover the invaluable framework that provides a roadmap to succeeding as a new Head.
$1,411.00
Platinum Members
$1,612.00 Gold $2,015.00 General & Silver

How to Build and Implement an Extraordinary Major Gifts Program
Date(s): 4/19/2021 — 4/20/2021 ● Status: Open ● Credits: 20 IACP
Online Course Timeframe: April 19–20, 2021 | Synchronous Meetings Times: 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., 1–2 p.m., and 3–4:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Schools are driven by the ever-increasing demand for more funding, yet are also aware of return on investment. Therefore, many focus their fundraising efforts on major gifts.
Even in these uneasy times, it is possible to collect major gifts by using foundational approaches to build and solidify relationships with your biggest donors. Some might argue this has never been more important. This workshop explores a proven methodology for creating a fundraising program that produces generous returns, now and in the future.
$986.00
Platinum Members
$1,128.00 Gold $1,409.00 General & Silver

30 Days to an Inbound Marketing Program That Fills Your Admission Funnel
Date(s): 4/20/2021 — 5/14/2021 ● Status: Open
Online Course Timeframe: April 20–May 14, 2021 | Synchronous Meetings Times: Tuesdays from 1-2:30 p.m. Eastern Time
The simple fact is this: Schools need to utilize inbound marketing strategies today more than ever.
Why? Because families are doing more online research about schools than ever before (especially during the pandemic). You need a way to “pre-sell” them on your school, distinguishing your educational program from the competition and establishing its valued position in your community.
Learn how to create an inbound marketing strategy will help you accomplish these goals. Discover how to build a complete inbound marketing plan that will drive admission inquiries and enrollment.
The Workshop Leaders Discuss the Biggest Obstacles Marketing Leaders Face Right Now
$966.00
Platinum Members
$1,032.00 Gold $1,289.00 General & Silver

How to Move Past AP and Build a Mission- and Values-Based Curriculum
Date(s): 4/28/2021 — 4/29/2021 ● Status: Open
Online Course Timeframe: April 28–29, 2021 | Synchronous Meetings Times: 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 3–4:30 p.m. Eastern time
- Is your school considering the best mission- and values-driven curriculum for your students?
- Are you unsure if AP classes are still the best way to enhance student learning?
- Do you want to provide meaningful content that is unique to the needs of your students?
If your school continues to offer standardized courses based on external content goals, you're missing out on a student-centered approach. Courses should fit the unique interests and needs of the learners enrolled at your schools. It's time to reevaluate.
Explore why and how your school must evaluate your existing curriculum and redesign it to better benefit your learners. See how schools have achieved success in moving from Advanced Placement toward coursework that is more meaningful, authentic, and relevant to students.
$762.00
Platinum Members
$871.00 Gold $1,089.00 General & Silver