Teachers often teach how they were taught, yet the past three decades of research on how people learn requires rethinking our pedagogical foundations. At Breck, we had the question, “How should teachers teach?” and that seemingly simple question resulted in the design of our Instructional Framework, an artifact that is now intended to guide schoolwide instruction, professional learning, and teacher evaluation.
As Episcopal schools, we are committed to creating communities that welcome, affirm, and sustain students and families from diverse backgrounds. As schools discern their paths forward, this resource offers guidance to heads of school, trustees, and other leaders in making thoughtful, mission-driven decisions. The article also includes a sample board agenda and a simple breakdown of key opportunities and challenges.
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.
The purpose of this survey is to provide a demographic profile of chaplains and characteristics of the chaplaincy across the country for analytical, comparative, and reporting purposes as well as to assist heads of school, rectors, bishops, governing boards, and vestries in important program-level decision-making.
The NAES Culture and Climate Survey for Administrators, Faculty, and Staff is one of the resources developed by NAES in response to member schools requesting tools to support their efforts to strengthen and sustain their Episcopal identity and commitment to inclusion. This survey is designed to be one element of your school's ongoing reflective process by providing data from administrators, faculty, and staff about how Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice exist in the school's programs and practices and the respondents’ experiences.
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 » A compilation of chaplains' job descriptions from a variety of Episcopal school settings and grade ranges.
In an Episcopal school, articulating the school's particular Episcopal identity, ethos, and traditions, as well as its relationship to any Episcopal Church entity such as a parish or diocese, are critical to a successful search for a new head of school. Here are some key questions that boards, search committees, and candidates can ask and answer as they embark upon the search process.
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.
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