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
Speaker Bios Dr. Pascal Losambe is the Co-Founder, Chief Content Officer, and Senior Consultant for Synergy Consulting Company. Dr. Losambe has a Bachelor's in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Middlebury College and a Master of Science in Biology focusing on Neurobiology from Boston College, where he received the Donald J. White Award for teaching excellence. Dr. Losambe earned his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Purdue University with a focus on cultural competence. Dr. Losambe serves as the Director of Diversity and Community Life at Columbus Academy. Dr. Losambe co-authored a book with his wife and business partner, Crystal Losambe, titled Breaking the Barriers to Belonging: United by Our Biology and Shared Humanity, published in January 2023. He has led strategic vision initiatives and has conducted multiple workshops on cultural competence, nationally and internationally. Dr. Losambe won the Mosaic Award in 2018 and serves on the Purdue University Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Advisory Board, as well as the Riverview International Center Board.
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:
Sunday, January 21, 2024 |
3:00 PM |
Conference Desk Opens (Pavilion Lobby) |
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Welcome/Overview/Stoke (Pavilion I & II) |
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM |
Opening Remarks (Pavilion I & II)
Larry Moores, US Army Ranger Hall of Fame, Veteran Advocate, Keynote Speaker, Leadership and Operations Consultant
|
6:00 PM - 6:45 PM |
Reception (Hearth, Arbor, Patio Room) |
6:45 PM - 8:30 PM |
Dinner (Hearth, Arbor, Patio Room) |
Monday, January 22, 2024 |
8:30 AM - 3:00 PM |
Sponsor Tables Open (Pavilion Lobby and Back of Pavilion I & II) |
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM |
Breakfast + Visit Sponsors (Pavilion Lobby) |
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM |
Spouses/Significant Others Coffee & Conversation (Executive Boardroom)
|
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM |
Break and Visit with Sponsors (Pavilion Lobby and Back of Pavilion I & II)
|
9:45 AM - 11:15 AM |
Welcome/Overview of Day (Pavilion I & II) Darcie TeVault, Director of Professional Learning
Keynote: Managing the Right Tension: Cultivating an Environment of Belonging (Pavilion I & II) Dr. Pascal Losambe, Co-Founder, Chief Content Officer, and Senior Consultant, Synergy Consulting Company
|
11:30 AM - 12:15 AM
|
Sponsor Speed Rounds (Pavilion I & II) |
12:15 PM - 1:00 PM
|
Affinity Group Lunches (Pavilion III) and Visit with Sponsors |
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM |
Governance: Strengthening the Partnership with Your Board Dr. Valaida Wise, President and Principal Consultant, Valaida Wise Consulting & VAIS Board Member
Spouses/Significant Others Activity (Executive Boardroom)
|
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM |
Break, Snack, and Visit with Sponsors (Pavilion Lobby and Back of Pavilion I & II)
|
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Explore Activities (Various Locations) |
6:00 PM - 6:45 PM |
Casual Happy Hour (Pavilion Fireplace) |
7:00 PM |
Dinner with Regional Groups |
Tuesday, January 23, 2024 |
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
Sponsors Tables Open (Pavilion Lobby and Back of Pavilion I & II) |
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM |
Breakfast (Pavilion I & II) |
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM |
Welcome/Overview of Day (Pavilion I & II) Darcie TeVault, Director of Professional Learning Gratitude & Door Prizes |
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
Leadership Trends & Takeaways Strategic Workshop (Pavilion I & II) Megan Mann, General Counsel and Vice President of Legal Education & Support, NAIS
|
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM |
Break and Visit with Sponsors (Pavilion Lobby and Back of Pavilion I & II) |
12:15 PM |
Conclusion of Conference |
WHEN Sunday, January 21 (starts 4:00 PM) - Tuesday, June 23, 2024 (ends 12:15 PM)
LOCATION: Boar's Head Resort ![](/assets/pd-folder/Boars%20Head%20Photo.png) 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.
WHO |
FEE |
Head of School Conference Fee
|
$895.00 |
Spouse/Significant Other Conference Fee (includes all sessions/activities & meals) |
$375.00 |
Spouse/Significant Other Sunday Reception & Dinner ONLY |
$195.00 |
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)
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
|