January 21-23, 2024 ♦ Boars Head Resort, Charlottesville

Join us for collaboration and growth as we support your leadership journey. Anticipate engaging Professional Learning where we will shape our thinking with national experts, plus Explore Activities for enjoyment and relaxation with your VAIS colleagues! This year’s program also includes activities for Spouses/Significant Others, Regional Dinners, and many opportunities for formal and informal development.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: 
 
Managing the Right Tension: Cultivating an Environment of Belonging, Dr. Pascal Losambe, Co-Founder, Chief Content Officer, and Senior Consultant, Synergy Consulting Company 
The dynamic between teachers and administrators in many educational institutions can sometimes devolve into an unproductive "us versus them" mindset. This division can create a silent barrier that may affect the collective mission of educating and nurturing young minds. While a significant portion of faculty and staff are committed to their roles despite imperfections in the system, there tends to be a small yet impactful group—approximately 5%—that disproportionately consumes the time and energy of administrators. In our keynote session, we will delve into understanding the archetypes within this 5%, unraveling the complexities of their interactions with school leadership. Our exploration will not stop at identification; we will pivot to solution-focused strategies.
Key Takeaways:
Learning Outcome #1: Learn to recognize the common characteristics of the 5% that present unique challenges within the school environment.
Learning Outcome #2: Gain insights into what drives the behaviors and attitudes of this critical minority.
Learning Outcome #3: Discuss research-based approaches designed to engage and align these individuals with the school's broader goals.
Learning Outcome #4: Learn or enhance skills for dialoguing with difficult personalities through practical communication methods.
Learning Outcome #5: Learn from other participants and the techniques they have found effective. 

Leadership Trends & Takeaways Strategic Workshop, Megan Mann, General Counsel and Vice President of Legal Education & Support, NAIS
In this interactive session, participants will work together through case studies that highlight nationally trending topics in the areas of leadership, law, risk management, and governance. The workshop will cover a broad range of topics and include practical takeaways for heads of schools to consider in the areas of parent partnership, employee relations, board development, and enterprise risk management, among others. Participants will be given ample time to explore topics and share strategies with peers, as well as pose questions to the presenter.

Governance: Strengthening the Partnership with Your Board, Dr. Valaida Wise, President and Principal Consultant, Valaida Wise Consulting & VAIS Board Member 
Research suggests that effective collaboration between leadership and the board of trustees has a strong and positive impact on a school community, fostering the kind of strategic alignment. Delving into the intricacies of organizational governance, this workshop will highlight strategies for fostering a robust partnership that enhances decision-making, transparency, and overall efficiency.

Opening Remarks, Larry Moores, Leadership and Operations Management Consultant

Megan Mann is the General Counsel and Vice President of legal Education and support at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), a nonprofit membership association that provides services to more than 1,900 schools and associations of schools in the United States and abroad, including more than 1,600 independent private K-12 schools in the U.S. Megan, a VAIS alumnus, trustee, and parent,  is also a voice-over artist, and her work includes: radio, t.v., and international airlines in-flight commercial work; event pre-recordings and live work; and industry videos and website work. 

Dr. Valaida Wise received her Doctorate of Education in Education Leadership from George Washington University. Dr. Wise also holds a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from Trinity College. Her vast experience equips her to address all aspects of organizational management and leadership, parent/teacher relationships, fundraising, staff development, and fiscal management. Val served as the Head of School at the National Child Research Center, Washington DC, The Harbor School, Bethesda, MD, and Henson Valley Montessori School, Prince Georges County MD. She is currently on the faculty at John Hopkins University, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Creative Minds International Public Charter School, and sits on the board of the McLean School, Potomac, MD, the Nora School in Silver Spring, MD, and VAIS.

Larry Moores is a retired US Army Ranger. He led US Forces on numerous deployments to include Grenada, Somalia, and Afghanistan. Moores retired from Army in 2003 and was inducted as Distinguished Member of 75th Ranger Regiment in 2005 and the US Army Ranger Hall of Fame in 2017. He currently serves as a Senior Analyst in the TRADOC G2. While working at the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, Larry served as a leadership education consultant at the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic. He has spoken about leadership at numerous colleges and professional forums both in the US and International. Moores is a proud parent at Nansemond Suffolk Academy where he also coached the JV Golf team.

TENTATIVE CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:

WHEN
Sunday, January 21 (starts 4:00 PM) - Tuesday, June 23, 2024 (ends 12:15 PM)

LOCATION:
Boar's Head Resort                      
200 Ednam Drive Drive
Charlottesville, VA 22903
434-296-2181

Overnight Rooms:  The Boar's Head Resort has a room block for VAIS set up to check in on January 21, 2024 with a check out on January 23, 2024 with a rate of $165 plus taxes. To secure an overnight room, please call the Reservations Department at (866) 996-7504 and reference Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS). Or you may use the link here to make an online reservations from the Boar's Head Resort.
Room block is available until FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2023.

REGISTRATION:
Registration is for VAIS Member School Heads and their spouse/significant other only.

 
A Special Note to Spouses/Significant Others of School Heads:
Spouses/Significant Others are welcome to attend all sessions and meals as listed in the program as part of their conference registration package for $375. 

Registration deadline is Friday, January 12, 2024. No refunds will be issued after that date. (See Cancellation Policy)

Registration is now closed. Please email Laura Godwin with questions.

THANKS TO OUR CONFERENCE COMMITTEE:
Garth Ainslie, Head of School, Virginia Episcopal School
Michael Barclay, Head of School, Nansemond Suffolk Academy
Jonathan Brand, Head of School, Grymes Memorial School
Nancy Foy, Head of School, The New Community School, Previous Chair 2023
Tara Garner, Head of School, Aylett Country Day School
Armistead Lemon, Head of School, North Cross School
Eric Peterson, President, Hargrave Military Academy

SPONSORS:
VAIS appreciates the support of the following Sponsors for the Heads of School Conference:

Strategic Partners
The Budd Group
ConnectOne Bank
Creative with manufacturing partners: Steelcase & Smith Systems
Educators Benefit Services
Meriwether Godsey
MISBO
One Digital
Pentegra
RCM&D
Spiral Marketing
TIAA
VIcom

Sponsors
Brown Edwards
The Education Group

Event Sponsors
Warren Whitney

Academic Partners
George Mason University, School of Education
Leadership+Design
University of Richmond
World Leadership School