What Does—or Should—Contemporary Independent School Leadership Look Like?

School leadership has never been more daunting than it is today. From political divisions to teacher shortages to concerns about student well-being, School Heads face difficulties that were unimaginable just a decade ago.

Scott Wilson was a successful School Head at three schools over the course of 24 years and is now ISM Executive Leadership Department Head. Join Scott as he offers a fresh perspective, backed by ISM research, to approach these challenges proactively and positively.

Making Your Meetings Matter—How to Take Your Team to the Next Level

As an independent school leader, you facilitate and direct multiple meetings per week. Without intentional planning, however, those gathering times can easily become mundane, failing to reach their full potential.

Discover strategies for cultivating purposeful, productive meetings with achievable objectives. Explore how intentional meetings will enhance your team’s effectiveness and productivity.

Purpose and Outcome Statements: Articulating Your School’s Core Values

When developing your school’s central message framework, it is essential that you clearly identify and promote the qualities and programs that differentiate your school in your marketplace. ISM has long advocated schools use three Purpose and Outcome statements to define themselves: the mission statement to answer the “why?” question, the Portrait of the Graduate to answer the “what?” question, and Characteristics of Professional Excellence to answer the “how?” question.

Six Questions to Cultivate Strategic Thinking Within Independent School Boards

In the complex landscape of independent schools, strategic thinking often stands as a beacon of success and an indicator of sustainability. The journey toward effective strategic governance, however, is riddled with challenges unique to each school Board.

Join this webinar to discuss six questions to ask that will help you overcome obstacles that inhibit strategic thinking within independent school Boards.

The Newest ISM Recommendations for Head Support and Evaluation

School Heads require sound, comprehensive support to ensure they can fulfill their responsibilities.

ISM has long recommended that the Board create a Head Support and Evaluation Committee (HSEC) to do just that—provide strategic support so the Head can focus on tactical school issues.

Unfortunately, many schools get the Head Support and Evaluation Committee wrong—from the individuals involved to the plan they follow to who sits as the Committee Chair.

Summer Program Risk Management 101

A quality summer program has many benefits: a valued service to current parents, new recruitment opportunities, a chance to consider innovative academic programs, and more. But summer programs are often led by faculty members who may not be familiar with the potential risks involved. Without awareness and knowledge, your school community could face legal challenges and liability claims.

The End of the State of Emergency for COVID-19: What does it mean for schools?

The U.S. national emergency declaration to the COVID-19 pandemic is set to expire on May 11, 2023. The emergency declaration, along with separate public health and state declarations, has been in place since early 2020.

Schools take various actions every day to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, including the virus that causes COVID-19. But now that the public health emergency is ending, should your school remain cognizant of infectious disease prevention? And, if so, how do you do this? Join this webinar to learn strategies that should be in place at every school.

Evaluate Your School’s Ability to Support Student Well-Being

Nationally, the percentage of students experiencing significant mental health issues—including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation and attempts, is concerningly high—and increasing. ISM’s recently published research revealed that, during the disruptive phases of the pandemic, student distress increased and student life satisfaction decreased. We also found an alarming lack of student engagement and belonging among students in grades 7–12.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing a Community Wellness Program at Your School

Wellness programs have been shown to improve employee retention, productivity, and health for your entire school community—including students, faculty, and staff. However, starting such an important initiative can be a daunting task.

In this webinar, you’ll receive a step-by-step guide to building, implementing, and maintaining a community wellness program in your school to improve everyone’s health and morale. And if your school already has a wellness program, discover strategies for expanding its offerings.