SAIS - Serving and Accrediting Independent Schools

Knowing you're not alone is key to facing the daily demands of your role.

SAIS is excited to announce a call for proposals for the 2025 Academic Support Conference, the Curriculum Symposium, and the DEI Institute, to be held in Charlotte, NC.

We are seeking dynamic and engaging presenters to lead breakout sessions and invite proposals that share innovative practices, research, and insights.

If interested, submit your proposal by September 6.
https://sais.org/submit-a-session-proposal/

It's the start of another school year for our member schools. Likewise, it's the beginning of another great year of SAIS programming to build capacity for you and your team. Mark your calendar for these upcoming PD opportunities! https://account.sais.org/events/

Sharing some SAIS member news, the Tennessee Arts Academy named The Bright School as its 2024 Arts Rich Elementary School of the Year. This recognition distinguishes The Bright School as the top elementary school in the state of Tennessee for supporting arts education.

Beginning in September, SAIS and partners introduce programming for parents, non-head administrators, and early career teachers. Check out the offerings and then register for these virtual programs at https://account.sais.org/events/.

Effective leadership requires the nuanced skill of managing polarities. These resources will equip and empower leaders with the necessary framework to address unsolvable dilemmas effectively. Resources are offered for schools as they face potentially polarizing events. Read more in the August issue of Signals.
https://sais.org/resource/leading-through-polarity-toolkit/

A great reminder for all leaders!

SAIS members, do you have staff changes for the 2024-2025 academic year? Be sure to update your school profile on the SAIS website.

Faculty and staff members at SAIS-member schools can sign up for their own account to access hundreds of great resources!

https://account.sais.org/member-compass

We love celebrating with our member schools, including the excitement of opening a new school building. Last school year, Lee-Scott Academy opened its new middle school facility.

Join us at the SAIS Annual Conference, where education leaders and innovators gather to tackle today’s most pressing challenges. Don’t miss this chance to gain actionable insights, connect with peers, and prepare your school for the future. Price increases August 10, so register now for early-bird pricing!
https://account.sais.org/events/24ac

In the heart of Winston-Salem, NC, the Summit School embraces a spirit of innovation that is integral to who the school is and how they approach learning. Their Idea Shop initiative is a program born of the willingness to embrace change. Read more for insights from the Summit School on what's possible for implementing innovation and entrepreneurship within your school’s curriculum.
https://sais.org/resource/preparing-students-for-an-ever-changing-future/

It's "feel good Friday", where we hear from our members about what SAIS means to them!

Today, we’re excited to launch our redesigned monthly e-newsletter, Signals. Our aim is to empower and equip you to calibrate the daily demands of school life with the strategic stewardship required for your community.

Each month, SAIS President Dr. Brett Jacobsen will share What’s Trending?, providing a fresh perspective on the drivers, signals, and trends impacting the education sector. You’ll be able to incorporate the research and resources provided into a workshop, meeting, or presentation to build capacity with your leadership team and trustees, navigate timely challenges, and future-proof your school.

Check out the August issue: https://sais.org/resource/august-2024-signals/.

Not receiving Signals but want to learn more? Sign up here: https://sais.org/enlsignup/.

As you plan your professional development for this fall, SAIS is here to help you build capacity, both for yourself and your team. Join us for an upcoming virtual learning opportunity to explore how to navigate timely challenges, while expanding your network and future-proofing your school.
https://account.sais.org/events/webinar

The first few years of teaching in an independent school can be challenging. That's where the SAIS Institute for New Teachers comes in! Attendees in Atlanta gained guidance, support, and the opportunity to practice planning and instructional skills before the start of the upcoming school year. Immediate, constructive feedback on demonstration lessons allowed attendees to practice their craft in a supportive setting. New teachers left this workshop empowered to create and facilitate inspired learning experiences, partner with parents, and find their place in the school community.

Welcome to our new member school, Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael of Atlanta!

New teachers gathered in Charlotte last week for the SAIS Institute for New Teachers. Attendees had the opportunity to practice their instructional skills with an interactive small group led by an experienced independent school educator. This hands-on workshop was great professional development for those in their first three years of teaching.

Join your peer independent school leaders at the 2024 SAIS Annual Conference. Over three days, you’ll gain new insights on timely topics such as retention & recruitment, AI, and community & connection. Register today for early-bird pricing!
https://account.sais.org/events/24ac

The start of the 2024-25 academic year is quickly approaching for many schools. Consider these resources for additional summer reading to prepare yourself for the year ahead.

Why Appreciating Teachers is More Important Than You Think, Gallup, https://news.gallup.com/opinion/gallup/210041/why-appreciating-teachers-important-think.aspx

Considerations for Next Year's Annual Fund, CCS Fundraising, https://www.ccsfundraising.com/insights/considerations-for-next-years-annual-fund/

How Clearer Learning Intentions Lead to Deeper Learning, Novak Education, https://www.novakeducation.com/blog/how-clearer-learning-intentions-lead-to-deeper-learning

SAIS May 2024 Resources, https://myemail-api.constantcontact.com/SAIS-QuickLinks--May-2024.html?soid=1101580742386&aid=mRT_NSmR0Bs

Have you considered a career in independent schools? The SAIS Career Center is a great resource to find employment opportunities in education, including classroom teaching positions, administrative staff opportunities, and leadership positions. Learn more at https://careers.sais.org/.

The SAIS Advancement Summit, presented by The Winkler Group, brought together senior development professionals, heads of schools, and board members for an intensive 3-day workshop. Attendees honed their fundraising skills, learned to strategically assess development program operations, and learned the ins and outs of cultivating and stewarding major donors. They can then put these best practices into their daily routine to build a major gifts program to fuel their school’s vision.

Congratulations to these school leaders on their appointments for the 2024-25 school year!
https://account.sais.org/24-25-new-heads

During a recent SAIS two-day Vision, Values & Feedback workshop, school leaders focused on ways to improve school culture and teamwork, with real-world applications of feedback and conflict resolution. The result? These schools will be able to create a supportive, high-performing environment after leaving this workshop with actionable implementation plans.

The first day of school has arrived for Dr. Brett Jacobsen. Join us in welcoming Brett as the new president of SAIS! During his 25+ year career, he has demonstrated the vision, strategy, growth, and advancement required for this new era of leadership. In the coming year, look out as he will be traveling to a city near you. Welcome, Brett!

Thank you to the Winkler Group for their support of the 2024 Advancement Summit. We appreciate your time and expertise!

We had the best time at the SAIS Summer Conference! Over three days, attendees connected with their peers and learned from experts like keynote speakers Jennifer Bryan, Bradley James Davies, and Pascal Losambe. With breakout sessions focused on topics like fostering resilience, well-being at school, navigating the 2024 election, and AI leadership for school transformation, there were lots of takeaways for attendees. If you missed this year's Summer Conference, don't worry! The 2024 Annual Conference is just around the corner this October 20-22 in Charlotte, NC.

Are you joining a new team this fall? During her recent presentation, Elizabeth Maglio shared the work of Michael Bungay Stanier, www.mbs.works, on how to build better relationships at work. These five questions make up Stanier's Keystone Conversation to help build strong, effective teams.

Thank you to our Summer Conference Exhibitors!
DENNIS Uniform
Jochi
Flint
Lands' End School Uniforms
Soundcheck Prevention Network
The Budd Group
The Goalden System

Make plans to join us in Charlotte this fall. www.sais.org/ac

Heads gathered in Asheville this week for the Institute for Heads, an energizing and nurturing retreat facilitated by Rob Evans and Michael Thompson.