2025 Institute for Administrative Assistants
This program provides practical resources, helpful tips, and networking opportunities for administrative assistants in an independent school, whether serving in a department, division, or the head’s office.
Learn practical strategies for handling the types of issues related to supporting an independent school administrator. Network with other assistants to share time-saving tricks and proven solutions.
While this program is open to non-members, please note that registration is limited to those from schools that meet the SAIS membership criteria.
Registration
|
Member |
Non-Member |
|
|
Through April 11 |
$675 |
$799 |
|
April 12-May 23 |
$775 |
$899 |
|
After May 23 |
$875 |
$999 |
HOTEL RESERVATIONS:
Please make your reservation BY MAY 19 in the SAIS block at the Aloft Hotel at the discounted rate of $259.
The host hotel (Westin Sarasota) is full and the hotel is sold out during the event. It is located 0.5 miles from the Aloft Hotel.
- Aloft Hotel Reservation Link
- Cut-off date: May 19
Please contact learn@sais.org with any questions.
Wednesday, June 11
1:00-2:00 PM Registration
3:30-4:00 PM Break
5:00-6:00 PM Reception
Thursday, June 12
8:00-9:00 AM Breakfast
• How to structure agendas that prioritize discussions while respecting time constraints.
• Techniques for gathering input from key stakeholders before meetings.
• Strategies for setting realistic timeframes for agenda items.
• Methods to document action items and follow-up responsibilities.
session explores pathways to leadership, highlighting roles such as chief of staff, strategic
initiative manager, and chief operating officer—roles that extend beyond traditional
support functions. We’ll discuss how EAs can position themselves for leadership by
building key skills, increasing visibility, and embracing operational and strategic
responsibilities. Whether you're looking to enhance your influence or transition into a
senior administrative role, this discussion will provide insights and actionable steps to
support your professional growth.
10:00-10:30 AM Break
10:30 AM-11:30 AM - Legal Considerations for Administrative Assistants: Avoiding Legal Claims and Protecting Your Professional Reputation
of educational institutions. Participants will gain practical knowledge in three critical areas:
- Communication protocols with parents, students, faculty, and external stakeholders that minimize legal exposure while maintaining positive relationships.
- Proper procedures for handling and responding to subpoenas, marital/child custody orders, guardianship documents, and other legal documents that may come across your desk.
- Understanding confidentiality obligations and documentation best practices to avoid common legal pitfalls.
This interactive session will provide administrative professionals with the foundational
knowledge needed to confidently handle sensitive situations while protecting both themselves and their institutions from potential liability.
11:30-11:45 AM Break
12:45-1:45 PM Lunch
Speakers: Elizabeth Maglio, SAIS, and Flekeda Gilliam, Charlotte Latin School
This interactive workshop immerses administrative assistants in scenarios they commonly face in independent school settings. Through guided role-play exercises, participants will
• Practice responding to challenging interactions with parents, faculty, and students;
• Receive constructive feedback from peers and facilitators in a supportive environment;
• Build a toolkit of practical communication strategies applicable to various situations.
This interactive session provides a safe space to practice and refine essential professional competencies that administrative assistants use daily.
3:15-3:45 PM Break
Friday, June 13
8:00-9:00 AM Breakfast
face two kinds of expectations—outer expectations (meet work deadlines, answer a
request from a friend) and inner expectations (keep a New Year’s resolution, start
meditating).” Your unique response to expectations determines your Tendency, which
we’ll explore in this breakout session designed to harness your strengths and foster a
better understanding of your colleagues. Discover how knowing your Tendency can help
you make better decisions, meet deadlines, fulfill promises to yourself, and engage
positively with others at your school.
Speaker: Betsy Knight, Ensworth School
A teacher has called in sick AND… a sub is needed; a door is broken; five children haven’t been accounted for in advisory; a parent is waiting for you on the phone; a child is in the bathroom throwing up; security has a car with their lights on; your principal needs you to schedule a few meetings; two rooms need to be reserved for meetings after school; you need to order lunches for an event; the copier is jammed; a teacher needs to meet with your head; and athletics just notified you the early dismissal for the baseball team has been moved up an hour.
Is it possible to be everything to everyone every minute of every day? Probably not! But, there are ways to ensure that you successfully prioritize tasks, complete those tasks, and still make time to work on your “to do” list. Join us as we explore tools that can streamline your workload, help you stay on schedule, and perhaps even help you stay sane throughout the day.
10:00-10:30 Break
11:30 AM Adjourn
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.
Speakers
Vallie Collins, Motivational Speaker
Claudia Cruz, Executive Assistant to the Head of School & CFO, Providence Day School
Flekeda Gilliam, Assistant to the Associate Head of School, Charlotte Latin School
Flekeda Gilliam is a focused and results-driven professional with extensive experience in administrative support and organizational management. She currently serves as the academic affairs assistant at Charlotte Latin School in Charlotte, NC, where she connects families, faculty, and staff with key resources and provides direct support to the associate head of school. Known for her exceptional organizational and planning skills, Flekeda plays a vital role in maintaining school accreditation and managing national educational memberships.
Before transitioning to education, Flekeda retired from a distinguished 22-year career at Bank of America. As a business support lead II in the Global Compliance and Operational Risk division, she delivered high-level administrative support to C-suite leaders.
Sarah Hanawald, Executive Director, Association for Academic Leaders
Betsy Knight, Administration Assistant to High School Leadership, Ensworth
Elizabeth Maglio, Director of Professional Learning, SAIS
Jenna Pirani, Executive Assistant to the Head of School, Randolph School
Lori Smith, Education Lawyer, Zimmerman, Kiser & Sutcliffe, P.A.
Exhibitor
Event Policies & Acknowledgments
- For questions about event registration or special accommodations, contact learn@sais.org