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2025 Early Career Heads Institute

Wednesday, June 18, 2025 to Friday, June 20, 2025
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Stepping into the role of head of school is a pivotal and exciting moment in your leadership journey. Join us for a transformative three-day workshop designed for early career heads of independent schools, inspired by Michael Watkins’ The First 90 Days.

Grounded in the four pillars of effective onboarding—accelerating your learning, securing early wins, building your team, and creating coalitions—this immersive experience will equip you with actionable strategies and tools to establish credibility, foster collaboration, and set a clear vision for success.

Through engaging sessions, practical resources, and peer connections, you’ll gain the confidence and clarity to lead effectively from day one. Don’t miss this opportunity to lay the foundation for a thriving leadership tenure.

Facilitators

Dr. Brett Jacobsen
President
SAIS

Derrick Willard
Head of School
Ravenscroft

Registration

Member

Non-Member

Until Apr 11 

$995

$1,089

Apr 12-May 23 

$1,095

$1,189

After May 23 

$1,195

$1,289

Registration Options

Credits Price
Member Head of School (through April 11)
Registration Ends 4/13/25 at 11:59 PM EDT
$995.00
Non-Member Head of School (through April 11)
Registration Ends 4/13/25 at 11:59 PM EDT
$1,089.00

Product Add-ons

Price
Institute for Heads (June 24-27 in Sarasota) View Product $2,250.00
Institute for Heads - Spouse (June 24-27 in Sarasota) View Product $1,050.00
Westin Sarasota
  • Group rate: $169
  • Cut-off date: May 26 or when the block is full
  • Reservation link
  • Additional fees:
    • Destination fee: $11/day
    • Valet parking: $30/day

NOTE: SAIS does not utilize the services of a housing vendor for any events. Neither SAIS nor the hotel will call you to make reservations over the phone. Occasionally unauthorized third parties may attempt to coordinate your reservations. Please use only the above hotel links to secure your reservation directly with the hotel.

If you receive an error message or if the block is full, please contact learn@sais.org
    Wednesday, June 18

    1:00-2:00 PM     Registration

    The Opening Session sets the foundation for effective onboarding by helping early career independent school leaders understand their leadership styles and common pitfalls in transitions. Using the Predictive Index, participants will analyze their behavioral strengths, decision-making tendencies, and areas for growth. This self-awareness exercise will provide insights into how they lead, communicate, and respond to challenges. Additionally, the session will explore key transition traps such as misreading school culture, failing to build strategic relationships, or focusing on the wrong priorities early on. Through reflection and discussion, leaders will identify their personal risks and develop strategies to avoid common missteps, ensuring a smoother and more intentional start in their schools.

    4:30-5:30 PM     Break

    5:30-6:30 PM     Reception

    Thursday, June 19

    8:00-9:00 AM     Breakfast

    This session focuses on how early career heads can build meaningful relationships within their school communities. Participants will explore strategies for engaging with faculty, staff, students, and parents to establish trust and credibility. The discussion will highlight the importance of active listening, visibility, and fostering an inclusive school culture. Through case studies and peer discussions, attendees will identify key stakeholders and develop a plan for deepening connections in their first months on the job.

    10:30-10:45 AM     Break

    Understanding and integrating into a school’s existing culture is critical for effective leadership. This session will guide participants in assessing their school’s values, traditions, and informal power structures. Attendees will discuss the balance between respecting established norms and introducing necessary changes. Practical frameworks for diagnosing cultural strengths and potential friction points will be introduced, helping leaders navigate the transition while building credibility.

    12:15-1:15 PM     Lunch

    Independent school leaders must have a strong grasp of financial sustainability, operational systems, and strategic resource allocation. This session provides an overview of essential business functions, including budgeting, fundraising, and enrollment management. Participants will examine case studies to understand key financial levers and decision-making frameworks that align resources with mission-driven priorities. The goal is to enhance confidence in managing the business side of school leadership.

    2:45-3:00 PM     Break

    Clarity around expectations from the board, faculty, parents, and the broader school community is essential for a successful transition. This session will help leaders identify and align priorities, establish clear communication channels, and set realistic goals for their first year. Participants will explore techniques for managing competing demands, handling board relationships effectively, and setting the stage for long-term success. Through scenario-based exercises, attendees will craft an expectations management plan tailored to their school context.

    Friday, June 20

    8:00-9:00 AM     Breakfast

    On the final day, participants will align strategy with their school’s unique context, ensuring their leadership approach is responsive to current challenges and opportunities. They will explore how to secure early wins by identifying high-impact priorities that build credibility and momentum. The session will also guide leaders in developing a personalized learning plan, equipping them with the knowledge, relationships, and resources needed for long-term success.

    10:30-10:45 AM     Break

    Through reflection and peer feedback, attendees will leave with a clear roadmap for their first 90 days, balancing quick successes with sustainable strategic growth.

    12:00 PM     Adjourn

    Event Policies & Acknowledgments

    Review Event FAQs at this link.
    • For questions about event registration or special accommodations, contact learn@sais.org.