SAIS - Southern Association of Independent Schools

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SAIS - Southern Association of Independent Schools

SAIS is a membership organization that serves and accredits independent schools. www.sais.org

06/17/2026

The SAIS Institute for Early Career Heads concludes today, with participants leaving Charlotte equipped with a personalized leadership roadmap grounded in the 6 Dimensions of Leadership.

Guided by Dr. Brett Jacobsen, Dave Monaco, and Elizabeth Maglio, these new heads of school explored their leadership strengths, strengthened their approach to leading teams and boards, and deepened their understanding of how to align decisions with mission and strategy.

Just as valuable, they built a network of peers who understand the opportunities and challenges of school leadership.

We're grateful to the heads who joined us and look forward to seeing the impact of their leadership in the years ahead.

06/16/2026

Independent schools have the opportunity to strengthen communities, inspire learning, and prepare students for an ever-changing world. The SAIS Annual Conference helps you make the most of those opportunities by bringing together innovative ideas, practical strategies, and inspiring leaders.

Learn from three dynamic keynote speakers, Rebecca Winthrop, Muriel Wilkins, and Tessa Forshaw, along with more than 30 breakout sessions.

Deepen learning and connection through The Exchange on day 1 of the conference, which offers an interactive, discussion-based experience focused on the most pressing issues facing independent schools. Specifically, the new Heads Forum provides heads of school with dedicated space for candid conversations and peer learning.

Join us in Chattanooga, TN, this October 4-6, for an experience that will leave you with actionable ideas, fresh perspectives, and meaningful connections with peers who understand the realities of independent school leadership.

Register by June 19 to secure the best rate. ac.sais.org

06/15/2026

We love celebrating with our member schools, like Christ Methodist Day School, who launched the DC Family Athletics Center and Cy’s Field. It's exciting to see vision and planning turn into reality. Congratulations!

06/12/2026

Independent schools are educating students in a moment defined by uncertainty, complexity, and accelerating change. These realities invite schools to reconsider not only what students learn, but how, where, and why they learn.

The SAIS Teaching & Learning Framework was created to support academic leaders in navigating the complexities of the future of learning and today. It's an invitation for academic leaders to invest with intention by designing teaching and learning experiences that prepare students to thrive and enable schools to remain resilient, relevant, and grounded in their unique missions in a changing world.

The SAIS Teaching & Learning Framework gives you a research-based foundation to work from while remaining grounded in your school’s mission and vision, all while providing the shared language structure, and vision that leaders need to move from reactive to intentional.

Download the SAIS Teaching & Learning Framework today:
https://sais.org/resource/sais-teaching-learning-framework/

06/10/2026

Reminder: The call for proposals is now open for SAIS's February 2027 conferences in Atlanta. Share your ideas, strategies, and innovations with independent school colleagues.

Presenters are invited to submit proposals for these upcoming events:

• Academic Support & Student Well-Being Conference | February 7-9, 2027
• TransformEd: Teaching & Learning Conference | February 9-10, 2027
• The Independent School Brand Summit | February 10-11, 2027

Whether your expertise is in leadership, teaching and learning, student support, wellness, communications, marketing, enrollment, advancement, or another area of independent school practice, we encourage you to contribute to the conversation.

Submit your proposal by July 15 and help shape these impactful professional learning experiences.
https://sais.org/submit-a-session-proposal/

06/09/2026

We are pleased to welcome Follow the Child Montessori School in Raleigh, NC, as the newest member of the SAIS community!

Follow The Child Montessori School

06/08/2026

Congratulations to Tipton-Rosemark Academy Director of Fine Arts Lalania Vaughn, who was honored as the recipient of the Orpheum’s 2026 Inspiring Teacher Award.

This award is presented during the annual Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards in Memphis, TN. Nominated by students, the award recognizes educators who go above and beyond to foster a love of the arts and theater.

06/04/2026

Independent school leaders are navigating challenges that cannot be solved by inspiration alone. Governance requires sharper alignment. Teaching and learning demand future-focused thinking. Faculty engagement influences long-term sustainability. Parent experiences shape school perception and growth.

Join peer leaders from across the region at the 2026 SAIS Annual Conference, October 4-6, in Chattanooga, TN, for three days of practical strategies, meaningful conversations, and actionable insights.

Hear from keynote speakers Tessa Forshaw, Rebecca Winthrop, and Muriel Wilkins. Then, explore 32 breakout sessions across four learning journeys and participate in The Exchange, a high-engagement experience grounded in research, sector data, and real-world practice. Together, we'll tackle some of the most pressing opportunities and challenges facing independent schools today.

Just as valuable as the content is the opportunity to connect with peers who understand the demands and challenges of this work. Expand your network, exchange ideas, learn from colleagues, and return to your community with fresh perspectives and new possibilities.

Register before June 19 to take advantage of early bird pricing.
ac.sais.org

06/03/2026

Summer creates the conditions for reflective engagement with ideas, the kind that produce a more curious and adaptive educator.

With suggestions from member schools, we've curated this reading and listening list around topics that speak to the challenges teachers and school leaders are navigating, with a companion toolkit that gives school leaders everything they need to turn individual reading into shared professional learning.

https://sais.org/resource/summer-reading-faculty-and-leaders/

06/02/2026

Summer offers the opportunity to pause, reflect, and prepare for the year ahead. We've curated resources specifically for independent school professionals, including webinar recordings, articles, research, and leadership insights. Explore these recent resources to discover practical ideas to support your work.

WEBINARS
Leading Through Changehttps://sais.org/resource/webinar-recording-leading-through-change-strategies-for-moving-people-and-culture-forward/

Essential Leadership Skills for Mid-Level Leaders
https://sais.org/resource/webinar-recording-middle-matters-essential-leadership-skills-for-mid-level-leaders/

AI & Assistive Technology in the Classroom
https://sais.org/resource/webinar-recording-ai-assistive-technology-in-the-classroom/

ARTICLES
Summer Reading Opportunities for Faculty Members and School Leaders
https://sais.org/resource/summer-reading-faculty-and-leaders/

The First Years Matter: Research Insights on Early Career Educators
https://sais.org/resource/early-career-educators/

AI Sandbox: A Summer Learning Playground
https://sais.org/resource/ai-sandbox/

Building Trust in a School Community: What New School Leaders Need to Get Right Early
https://sais.org/resource/building-trust-in-a-school-community-what-new-school-leaders-need-to-get-right-early/

From SMART Goals to SMART Habits: A Neuroscience-Informed Framework for Teacher Growth
https://sais.org/resource/from-smart-goals-to-smart-habits-a-neuroscience-informed-framework-for-teacher-growth/

Mission in Motion: Strategic Branding and Messaging That Spark Action
https://sais.org/resource/mission-in-motion-strategic-branding-and-messaging-that-spark-action/

View All Resources
https://sais.org/all-resources/

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6050 Peachtree Pkwy, Suite 240/199
Norcross, GA
30092

Website

http://www.sais.org/

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