Member Voices

Melinda Bihn, head of school at the French American International School and International High School (CA), shares how she approaches selecting a board chair, orienting new trustees, and providing opportunities for leadership development among her staff.

Stacey Roshan, former teacher and former director of innovation and educational technology at Bullis School (MD), and Jenna Borrelli, director of wellness at Bullis, share classroom tools that help all kids connect to their teachers and each other, wellness techniques for teachers, and the importance of reflection and awareness to well-being.

Matt Gerber, chief innovation officer at Western Reserve Academy (OH), describes his practical approach to innovation, the types of courses his school's innovation center offers, and the impact these factors have already had for his students in the real world.

Seth Hanford, head of school at Elgin Academy (IL), discusses the importance of connection, community values, and spending time with students during challenging times.

Listen to an episode from our sister NAIS podcast, New View EDU. In last season's finale, two school heads with deep expertise in leading diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work join host Tim Fish and special guest co-host Caroline Blackwell for a conversation about equity, well-being, and the future of inclusion efforts in independent schools. The new season of New View EDU drops March 14.

Kori Rimany, an english teacher at The Frederick Gunn School (CT), shares her impressions of faculty health and well-being today, including how to continue moving forward and what it looks like to teach when you're not okay,

In this episode of Member Voices: The Conversation, we are featuring a dialogue between colleagues at NAIS member schools, published in the Winter 2023 issue of Independent School magazine.

Dot Kowal, director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Sonoma Academy (CA), and Rochelle Reodica, head of school at The Independent Day School (CT), discuss what prompted them to create a study group for Asian, Pacific Islander, and South Asian educators, why it matters, and what they've learned along the way.

Briel Schmitz, head of school, and Alexa Carver, former board chair at Spruce Street School (WA), discuss how they each ensured that they stayed in the appropriate "lane", how their partnership fostered risk taking and innovation, and how they worked together to confront crises at their school.

Mark McKee, head of school at Viewpoint School (CA), shares his experience of leading as an introvert, orienting new board members, and dealing with school crises.

Guest host Joe Corbett, NAIS senior research analyst, speaks with Taryn Upchurch, director of outreach at Trū School (CA) about using Jobs-to-be-Done in marketing, personalizing messaging for families, and finding students that resonate with your school’s mission.