NAES is pleased to announce an exciting new professional development opportunity for new heads of school. The Leading Episcopal Schools Fellowship (LESF) is a program that brings together new heads of Episcopal schools for leadership development, support, and spiritual grounding, often including mentorship, cohort-based learning, and guided experiences rooted in Episcopal identity.
LESF is for first-time heads of school and experienced heads of school from member schools who are new to leading Episcopal schools. There is no participation fee for this member-benefit program.
Registration: To become a fellow, please complete this registration form.
About the Program
This new program is offered in partnership with Alan Sparrow, a former head of school and recipient of a grant from the E.E. Ford Foundation to help first-time heads of school become more successful. Alan has successfully worked with more than 125 first-time heads of school from independent schools across the country.
There are three key components to the program:
Coaching (highly encouraged but not required)
The goal of the program is to encourage new heads of school to hire a coach by making the process more affordable and accessible. Alan works with a network of certified, experienced coaches, all former heads of school, who have agreed to work with first-time heads for a reduced fee of $5,000 for the year. This fee is significantly lower than the typical $10,000 or more charged by coaches from consulting firms. Many of the coaches are also willing to work with one or two heads from schools with limited budgets at a cost the school can afford. Alan works individually with each head of school to match them with a coach who is a good fit for their needs. There are no fees for his services or the coach-matching process.
Cohort Groups for Peer Learning (required)
LESF fellows will meet monthly from August to April for facilitated sessions led by Alan Sparrow and David Madison. During these sessions, fellows will engage in discussions, exchange ideas, seek advice, and learn from both peers and experts, including those in Episcopal school leadership. The goal of the cohort group experience is for fellows to build meaningful relationships, support each other through shared knowledge, and create a network that will serve as a valuable resource throughout their headships.
New Heads of School Gathering (optional)
NAES hosts a gathering of new heads of school with current heads of school for a day of professional learning, followed by a reception with NAES governing board members, local NAES members, former board members, and friends of the association.
Save the date (more details coming soon):
New Heads of School Gathering
January 21, 2026
Gathering: 9am – 3pm
Reception: 6pm
New York, NY