Communities of Practice
Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly (Wenger, 2004). This model of Professional Learning offers a deeper dive within a Communities of Practice framework, blending in-person and virtual sessions. You will engage with a small group of peers across the Virginia Association of Independent Schools to deeply explore a topic of mutual professional interest.
Faculty Onboarding: Welcome to Our World! with Meera Shah, Trey Education
AUDIENCE: A cohort of 25+ leaders in VAIS member schools, including heads of school, division heads, directors of teaching and learning, deans of faculty, department leaders, business and HR officers… anyone charged with hiring, onboarding, and supporting teachers.
OVERVIEW: This full-day workshop plus virtual follow-up sessions empowers school leaders to examine and transform their faculty onboarding and mentoring processes. Attendees will engage in a comprehensive examination of their school’s current orientation and mentorship programs; gain insights into the nuances of preparing new faculty for success; and learn and apply robust frameworks tailored to their school’s unique mission and needs. The workshop features interactive sessions where leaders learn about best practices, share ideas that work, and collaborate across schools. A portion of the workshop day will be dedicated to developing a detailed, actionable outline for enhancing each participant’s onboarding and mentorship program, ensuring that new teachers are seamlessly integrated into the school’s professional culture and mission. Complete details available HERE.
COST: $695/individual or $1500/team of three. Click HERE to register for the 2025-26 W2OW Community of Practice. [Registration closes Feb. 16]
WORKSHOP: February 19, 2026, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM, Benedictine Schools of Richmond
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: May 12, 2026, Zoom + 1 Pairing Specific Zoom
Whole-School Wellbeing
AUDIENCE: Student Support Teams (Heads of School, School Counselors, Academic Leaders, Learning Support Specialists, School Nurses, Advisors, and Teachers)
OVERVIEW: Independent schools face rising pressure around student mental health. Counselors are overloaded. Teachers are stretched. Heads of School are balancing growing family expectations. Most efforts remain reactive, not preventive.
The Whole School Wellbeing Community of Practice helps schools move from reaction to readiness. Through a curated series of expert-led conversations, participants will learn how to detect risks earlier, build resilience across campus, and strengthen student well-being with practical, evidence-based strategies. Complete details available HERE.
COST: Provided to VAIS Members by VAIS Member Services. Register by January 20, 2025.
WORKSHOP: February 12, 2026 (during VAIS Safe & Health Schools Conference) | University of Richmond
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: January 22, 2026, March 5, 2026, April 23, 2026 (all virtual sessions hosted via Zoom and recorded from 10 – 11:15 a.m.)
Instructional Leadership with Sarah Dugan, Teach Learn Thrive
AUDIENCE: Division Heads, Directors of Teaching and Learning, Deans of Faculty, Curriculum Specialists, Department Chairs, Instructional Coaches
OVERVIEW: Academic leaders in independent schools function as on-the-ground supporters of instruction, directly impacting the learning culture in their schools. They can benefit from professional development and collaboration opportunities tailored to their crucial roles. This yearlong cohort of instructional leaders from the Virginia Association of Independent Schools will develop bonds of support as they learn together to sharpen their skills and develop the mindset for a “coach approach.” Complete details available HERE.
Registration closed August 15.
