Pathways: Heads of School

To be an Episcopal school head is to lead a particular kind of educational community, one that attends to the intellectual, physical, emotional, and spiritual development of children of many faiths and backgrounds within the traditions and values of The Episcopal Church.

Here are some resources to support your headship.

MEMBERS ONLY CONTENT

Recent Webinars for Heads of School

AI in Service of Powerful Learning (Webinar)

Artificial intelligence has disrupted education, but technology alone does not improve learning. The schools making the greatest progress are first defining what powerful learning looks like and then asking how AI can help bring that vision to life. Drawing on lessons from schools in the Responsible AI in Learning (RAIL) community, come explore how schools are designing more powerful learning experiences and using action research to determine what actually improves student outcomes. Attendees…

Episcopal Identity 101 for Administrators & Faculty Leaders 2026 (Webinar)

What makes a school "Episcopal?" How can teachers, administrators, and school leaders new to an Episcopal school better understand, articulate, and live out their school's Episcopal mission, culture, and program? This webinar will explore the distinguishing features of Episcopal schools with a specific focus on the roles of administrators and faculty leaders.

Worst Practices in Head of School Evaluations (Webinar)

Sometimes the most valuable lessons come from seeing what not to do. A strong evaluation process is essential for a successful headship and a healthy governance culture, yet many boards unintentionally fall into patterns that undermine trust, clarity, and performance. In this interactive webinar, participants will examine common pitfalls that derail effective head of school evaluations, including misaligned expectations, unclear criteria, poor communication, and board–chair missteps. Join us…

Worst Practices in the Head of School and Board Chair Partnership (Webinar)

Sometimes, important lessons can be learned in what not to do! The partnership between head of school and board chair is critical for the success of the school. Effective partnerships depend on good communication, trust, and collaboration. In this interactive webinar, participants will explore common pitfalls that can prevent a thriving partnership between these two key school leaders.

AI in Our Schools: Research, Ethics, and Strategy for the Road Ahead (Webinar)

As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes how students learn and live, school leaders face both opportunity and urgency. This session will share the latest research on how middle and high school students use AI, outline key principles for ethical and responsible use, and highlight best practices for AI policy-making in independent schools. We’ll also explore what’s next, including emerging tools such as agentic AI and their implications for teaching, learning, and school planning. Participa…

Leading with Dignity: Foster Inclusive Classrooms (Webinar)

We have long known that effective instruction is not one-size-fits-all, however classrooms today include more diverse learners than ever. Join us as we examine approaches that school leaders can take to support staff and further the mission of inclusion, and learn ways to honor student voice, provide meaningful scaffolds, and support diverse learning profiles. Attendees will walk away with simple tools to differentiate instruction, promote independence, and create learning environments rooted…

Respect the Human: Preventing Burnout & Strengthening Staff Retention (Webinar)

Spring is contract season, which makes burnout, intent to stay/leave, and faculty morale especially urgent. This session translates current work-psychology into practical strategies leaders can use immediately: spotting early warning signals of disengagement, introducing restoration practices, and modeling communication that honors dignity while holding boundaries. We’ll connect each practice to Episcopal identity—care of persons, community, and justice—so that retention efforts reinforce mis…

Reimagining Episcopal School Boards for Equity and Inclusion (Webinar)

Board governance is a powerful opportunity to align institutional leadership with the Gospel’s call to equity and justice. Yet for many trustees of color, board service can feel like tokenism or come with a silent burden. This webinar introduces Culturally Affirming Independent School Board Governance (CAISBG), a framework developed through a national study of trustees of color. Participants will explore insights from trustees, reflect on the theological dimensions of leadership, and apply th…

Hot Legal Topics for Episcopal Schools (Webinar)

Episcopal schools are navigating an increasingly complex legal landscape with rapidly evolving issues impacting admissions, employment, governance, and daily operations. Join independent school attorney Kristin Smith of Fisher Phillips for an essential update on current legal topics affecting Episcopal schools. This session will demystify key legal developments, provide practical guidance for compliance, and equip heads of school, CFOs, and other school leaders and trustees with the knowledge…

MORE WEBINAR RECORDINGS

Latest Articles for Heads of School

When Anxiety Starts Making the Decisions

In this insightful piece, Dr. Valaida L. Wise explores how ambient anxiety and societal division subtly creep into school decision-making, threatening to replace purpose with immediate relief. Expanding on the themes of her recent webinar on the same topic, Dr. Wise offers school leaders a grounded framework for leaning into mission and human dignity when navigating complex community dynamics. Readers will gain actionable perspective on maintaining trust, supporting faculty and families, and…

Respect the Human: Preventing Burnout & Strengthening Retention in Episcopal Schools

Spring in schools often carries a particular kind of tension. Contracts are issued. Conversations begin. Quiet discernment happens in hallways and at kitchen tables. Leaders wonder who will stay. Teachers wonder whether they can. In Episcopal schools, where the mission calls us to honor the dignity of every human being, burnout is not simply an HR problem; it is a community concern. If we believe in the inherent worth of each person, then we must ask: Are we structuring our schools in ways th…

Designing a Research-Informed Framework for Instruction

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.

NAES Guidance on Accepting Public Funding for Private School Tuition

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.

The Three C’s Framework: A Leadership Model for Episcopal Schools Anchored in Faith and Community

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…

The State of the Chaplaincy

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.

NAES Culture and Climate Survey for Administrators, Faculty, and Staff

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 pro…

An Investigation of Support Resources for Heads of Color to Promote Well-Being, Persistence, and Retention

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…

Principles of Good Practice for Admissions in Episcopal Schools

Approved by the NAES Governing Board in 2024, this document offers best practices and guidelines for the Episcopal school admissions office.

MORE RESOURCES

Upcoming Events for Heads of School

Join the Online Community

The NAES Online Community is the best way for members to connect and collaborate. Get started with the Online Community today by creating a profile or signing in to your NAES account.

VISIT THE COMMUNITY

Top Products for Heads of School

About Episcopal Schools, 2nd Ed.

This full color poster and pamphlet, newly updated and revised in 2022, examines the key characteristics common to all Episcopal schools, including aspects of Episcopal identity, faith-life, chapel, moral development, academic excellence, and social justice.

This publication is pamphlet-sized, but can be unfolded and used as a poster. Perfect for use in admission and development information kits, as a faculty/staff training resource or as a general information tool. Available only to members and affiliate members.

This product is exclusively for NAES members. Log in to place an order for this item.

VIEW IN STORE
Reasons for Being: The Culture and Character of Episcopal Schools, 2nd Ed.

Reasons for Being: The Culture and Character of Episcopal Schools, first published in 1997, is a collection of essays on foundational, mission-related topics central to Episcopal school identity, governance, and leadership. Newly updated in 2010 and written by Episcopal school leaders and NAES staff members, the fifteen essays examine: the mission and Anglican ethos of Episcopal schools; the history of Episcopal schools and their relationship to the Episcopal Church; the head of school’s role; the school as a spiritual community; chapel and worship; religious studies; religious pluralism; early childhood education; community service; and Episcopal schools as just communities. Each essay includes suggested questions for discussion and reflection.

VIEW IN STORE
Principles of Good Practice for Leadership Transitions in Episcopal Schools

Adopted by the NAES Governing Board in September 2009, this document is intended to affirm the importance of the Episcopal ethos of the school and its centrality in the search for the new spiritual and academic leader; support the professionals and volunteers of both the church and the school as they seek to create smooth, effective transitions in leadership; assist boards, vestries, dioceses, and search committees in understanding their roles and responsibilities as they embark upon the process to find the new leader who is being called to serve; and ensure an impartial, thorough search process that upholds the values and integrity of the institution.

It also includes a brief set of principles for rector/dean searches at parishes and cathedrals that sponsor a school.

VIEW IN STORE
Principles of Good Practice for Governance in Episcopal Parish Day Schools

Adopted by the NAES Governing Board in 2008, this document is intended to support the professionals and volunteers of both the church and school as they seek to be responsible, caring leaders and partners in the governance of the parish day school; assist vestries, rectors, school board members, and heads in understanding their roles and responsibilities, and the boundaries that define each particular role in the governance process of a parish day school; and guide discussion and processes as leaders strive to create trusting, collegial, and mutually fulfilling relationships in the parish day school setting.

This title is perfect for use in staff, vestry, and board handbooks and training sessions; and as an aid at times of transition in a school’s life.

VIEW IN STORE

View More Products in the NAES Store.

Connect with NAES

We’re here for you! To learn more about how NAES supports your school, contact Claire Leheny, NAES Director of Engagement, by calling (212) 716-6135 or by emailing claire@episcopalschools.org.

EMAIL CLAIRE

More Resources for Heads

Episcopal School Leadership Certificate

Leading Episcopal Schools Fellowship for New Heads

Culture and Climate Dashboarding Tool