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Leading the Future of Independent Schools – Insights for Aspiring Leaders

Leading the Future of Independent Schools – Insights for Aspiring Leaders

Thursday, January 16, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (EST)

Zoom

Event Details

Join us for an inspiring and informative webinar designed to empower the next generation of independent school leaders. This webinar will feature a distinguished panel of both new and seasoned heads of independent schools, offering a wealth of perspectives and experiences. Hear from a diverse group of school leaders who will share their journeys, challenges, and successes in the world of independent school leadership. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Brett Jacobsen, ensuring a dynamic and engaging conversation.

Panelists:

Roslyn Benjamin
Head of School, The Children's School

For three decades, Roslyn Benjamin has served as an educator, administrator, and leader. In July 2020, Roz started her tenure at TCS after serving nine years as assistant head of school at Live Oak School in San Francisco where she was a trusted thought partner and collaborative leader who made a lifelong impact on the students and the school. She is known for her leadership, her effectiveness in connecting with the entire school’s constituency, her inclusive management style, her approachable and visible presence on campus, her focus on goals, and her ability to move things forward in a collaborative way while also being able to make hard decisions.

As a firm believer in the importance of professional development for her individual growth and the learning of others, Roz frequently attends conferences and speaks about women in leadership, creating inclusive learning environments by using multicultural and equity standards and best practices for student engagement, for organizations including National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS). 

Roz received her B.A. in international relations from the University of Pennsylvania and her masters in secondary education from San Francisco State University. 

David Padilla
Head of School, Christ Church Episcopal School

David Padilla became the ninth head of school for Christ Church Episcopal School in the summer of 2020. David came to CCES from the Baylor School, where he served as head of the upper school for seven years. David began his career in education as a teaching fellow at Phillips-Exeter Academy and served on the English faculty at St. Alban’s School in Washington, DC. David spent one year on the McCallie School faculty before joining the Baylor English department in 2001, serving as English department chair from 2008-2010, and subsequently dean of students from 2010-2014. In his early years at Baylor, David ventured back to Exeter over several summers teaching English and writing courses. David has a B.A. in English from Sewanee: The University of the South (1995), an M.A. in English from the University of Virginia (2000) and an Ed.M in private school leadership from the Klingenstein Center, at Columbia University, in New York City (2013).

Amani Reed
Head of School, University School of Nashville

Amani Reed joined University School of Nashville in July 2022, as its 11th director and the first person of color to lead the K-12 educational institution founded as Peabody Demonstration School in 1915.

In his career as an educator, Amani taught history to middle and high school students, led in several administrative capacities including as head of school, drove equity and justice initiatives, served on accreditation teams, worked as a facilitator at national conferences, and managed an academic enrichment program for middle school students facing limited opportunities.

A former Division I athlete, Amani has coached high school varsity soccer. He has served on the boards of two independent schools and several organizations supporting professionals in education.

Hallie Rojeski
Head of School, The John Crosland School

Hallie earned a bachelor’s degree in special education and a master’s degree in low incidence disorders – both earned with honors from East Carolina University. She also holds a post-master’s certificate in school administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She is North Carolina certified in elementary education (K-6), and special education (K-12), and a Wilson Practitioner. Hallie enjoys being connected to other local non-profits as a member of Share Charlotte. She brings over 20 years of teaching and leadership experience to Crosland.