In an increasingly complex and diverse world, leaders in Episcopal schools are called to guide their communities with a deep sense of purpose, compassion, and inclusivity. "The Three C’s Framework" offers a comprehensive leadership model that is deeply rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus and designed to foster a sense of belonging and communal well-being within Episcopal Schools. The framework is anchored by the Baptismal Covenant, a central tenet of the Episcopal School tradition that emphasizes the love of God revealed to us in Jesus Christ and the image of God inherent in every person. This framework positions Christ as the ultimate model of leadership—one that establishes a community marked by sacrificial love, service to others, and a commitment to justice and peace.
This research delves into the experiences of heads of color in independent schools, uncovering the factors that support and hinder their success. By examining the unique challenges and triumphs at NAES member institutions, the study reveals how shared values can positively impact their leadership journeys. Key findings emphasize the critical need for holistic board training, robust support networks for educators of color, and targeted strategies for recruitment, transition, and integration of new leaders. These insights offer valuable guidance for schools and organizations seeking to create more inclusive and supportive environments that empower heads to thrive and lead with impact.
As the past months have clearly shown us, Episcopal schools need support in their efforts to grow as communities committed to the work of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice, and to be able to draw upon their very foundation as Episcopal schools in order to find inspiration, understanding, and courage for this work. The following statement hopefully serves as a reaffirmation, reminder, and recalling of our schools to the vital link between DEIJ work and our Episcopal identity. In essence, this is our playing field, what we are called to do and be, and we hope this statement from the staff and Governing Board of NAES will serve as a springboard for further initiatives and a deeper understanding of our very nature as Episcopal schools.
Read More » Episcopal Identity and DEI work should go hand in hand, together 24/7 and every day of the school year. Taking time to develop a relationship between the person(s) responsible for maintaining our Episcopal identity AND the person(s) responsible for ensuring we are equitable and inclusive is the only way towards justice.
For ages 3-11. Working with the same overall themes of his first book, Building a Children's Chapel: One Story at a Time, Bill Gordh presents a wide range of folktales from around the world, stories from different faith traditions, and some updates of the original volume. The stories are presented to be told aloud, complete with storytelling tips and musical suggestions for each. Thirty-five curated folktales and stories from Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, African, Asian, Scandinavian, and Native American traditions support the values that many desire to instill in children. As an award-winning storyteller, banjoist, author, and educator, Bill Gordh offers a storytelling approach that honors both the source material and the children who listen.
Read More » A new litany written by The Rev. Nathan L. Bostian, chaplain at TMI Episcopal in San Antonio, TX.
The Weekly Meditation is a regular, Monday-morning email message from the Rev. Daniel R. Heischman, our executive director, to NAES member heads, rectors, and chaplains. It’s intended to inspire and encourage you in your leadership of your Episcopal school.
By weaving the principles of equity and justice into the very fabric of the school’s overall life, Episcopal schools ensure that their missions are built on the sure foundation of a Christian love that guides and challenges all who attend our schools to build lives of genuine meaning, purpose and service. Adopted by the NAES Governing Board in 2013, this document outlines ideals to which Episcopal schools aspire. It is intended to assist Episcopal schools of all sizes and constellations in their efforts to develop meaningful programs, policies, and curricula, and serves as a useful tool for the ongoing assessment of this work.
Read More » In the spring of 2014, the Faculty of Education of Cambridge University (UK) in collaboration with the Woolf Institute gathered religion teachers from religious and secular schools in the United States and the United Kingdom to explore the teaching of religion. The result is a new theoretical and practical framework that can be used by teachers in grades 2-12.
This article offers a theological construct for defining and reviewing a school's community service and service-learning program; examines the concepts of charity and justice as they relate to servce; and reminds schools leaders about the inportance of developmental appropriateness when constituting service programs.
