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What are the latest trends impacting private-independent school enrollment? How can you be the most effective in your role as an administrator? How can you help your school meet its mission and best serve your students?
Check out Community Corner, a free blog from ISM.
We cover such topics as how to communicate with your constituencies, work with your fellow school leaders, leverage new technology trends, utilize recommended reading and resources, implement new strategies—all to better serve your school's mission.
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See articles for School Heads, Business & Operations, Advancement, Academic Leadership, and Trustees, in addition to Private School News.
Education Innovation: Where Do Schools Stand?
School Heads // September 5, 2019
Where do we stand when it comes to innovation in the classroom? Do teachers and leaders believe that we’re prioritizing innovation, in ways do they believe they’re successful, and what roadblocks stand in their way?
Read MoreRisk Management: Managing Vaccine Policies and Infectious Outbreaks on Campus
Private School News // August 30, 2019
The conversations about vaccines—benefits versus risks, conspiracies versus truths, personal rights versus public safety—are not new to private school leaders. Both sides of the debate have strong opinions and can be very vocal. Schools must make decisions reflective of their mission and culture to best protect their students, faculty, and staff.
Read MoreThanks for a Wonderful Summer Institute 2019!
Private School News // August 30, 2019
Summer Institute is one of our biggest professional development events of the year, bringing over 350 private-school leaders from all over the world to learn and grow together. We hosted 27 workshops over four weeks in Minneapolis, MN, and Philadelphia, PA. From Board members to School Heads, Business and Advancement Officers, division and academic leaders, there was a learning opportunity for everyone. Today we’re sharing our recap of Summer Institute 2019.
Read MoreHigh Risk for Educators: Secondary Traumatic Stress
Private School News // July 26, 2019
Secondary traumatic stress (STS), sometimes known as compassion fatigue, is a condition that impacts people who work with others who have experienced trauma. Education leaders should be aware of this condition and explore ways to support faculty and staff as they work with children from all backgrounds.
Read MoreSchool Spotlight: How Saint Mark’s High School Grew Its Donors by 10%
Private School News // July 25, 2019
Saint Mark's High School attended ISM's Summer Institute to transform its fundraising strategy. The school went from an approach that did not resonate with donors to meeting its goals and growing its donor pool by 10%.
Read MoreGet Back in Touch: Improving Your Mental Health
School Health and Wellness // June 30, 2019
If you’re experiencing a tough time or dealing with secondary traumatic stressors, it can be difficult to appreciate life's good moments. Bettering your mental health can make happiness easier to accept and improve your overall health. After all, the key to a healthy body is a healthy mind. There are simple ways to get back in touch with yourself and improve your mental state.
Read More2019 Recommended Summer Reading for Private School Administrators
Private School News // June 29, 2019
As we close out the final days of June, take a moment to congratulate yourself—you made it! Now as the summer months take hold, we have a few reading recommendations. Pick up these books to learn and grow so you’re ready to take on a fresh school year this fall.
Read MoreHow to Develop an Exit Interview Protocol for Departing Trustees
Board of Trustees // June 28, 2019
When Trustees leave your Board—whether they rotate off or resign—the Committee on Trustees should interview them. Gathering this data can help you support future efforts to build the Board’s performance and effectiveness.
Read MoreDesigning a Formal, Full-Board Proposal
Board of Trustees // June 27, 2019
When a Board committee or Trustee is on the agenda to present a proposal to the Board, expect him or her to come thoroughly prepared. The following template helps in organizing a proposal presentation. Send formal proposals electronically or by mail to all Trustees a week before the meeting, to allow review of the ideas.
Read MoreSupport Your Teachers With a Better System for Growth and Evaluation
Academic Leadership // June 26, 2019
Many teachers feel evaluations are less about supporting effective teaching and more about fixing what is perceived to be wrong. These evaluations erode trust between administrators and teachers, because teachers often don’t feel supported—they feel judged.
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