2025 Early Career Heads Institute
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.
The content is appropriate for heads in their first three years.
Facilitators
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Dr. Brett Jacobsen |
Derrick Willard |
Registration
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Member |
Non-Member |
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Through May 23 |
$1,095 |
$1,189 |
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After May 23 |
$1,195 |
$1,289 |
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Member HOS [through May 23]
Registration Ends 5/25/25 at 11:59 PM EDT
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$1,095.00 |
| Price | |
|---|---|
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Non-Member HOS [through May 23]
Registration Ends 5/25/25 at 11:59 PM EDT
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$1,189.00 |
Product Add-ons
| 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 |
Wednesday, June 18
1:00-2:00 PM Registration
3:15-3:30 PM Break
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
12:00 PM Adjourn
Westin Sarasota
- Group rate: $169
- Cut-off date: May 26 or when the block is full
- Reserve your hotel room here.
- 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
Transportation
From a variety of airports, free shuttles, and city-operated ride shares, Sarasota makes it easy to explore. Check out local transportation options here. Don't miss the $2 airport shuttle!
Restaurants
From casual to elegant and pub grub to high end, enjoy the diverse culinary landscape and the talented local chefs who bring it to life. In the foodie department, there’s something for every palate, from French to Vietnamese to burgers to seafood.
Discover delicious local dining options here. Most are within easy walking distance of the Westin Sarasota.
Attractions
Downtown Sarasota is a vibrant cultural and civic center offering theaters, boutiques, art galleries, trendy restaurants, and quaint cafes.
Visitors and residents alike enjoy Sarasota’s walkable city lifestyle capped off by stunning sunsets and easy access to botanical gardens, a circus museum, an aquarium, and a variety of water adventures. Explore local attractions here.
With the casual elegance of downtown, beautiful public parks, and the #1 beach in the country, Sarasota offers the best of both worlds.
Event Policies & Acknowledgments
- For questions about event registration or special accommodations, contact learn@sais.org.