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Senior Leadership Cohort: A Professional Learning Community 2026-2027
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Senior Leadership Cohort: A Professional Learning Community 2026-2027

Senior Leadership PLC is a year-long cohort-based program of 6-8 independent school leaders. The program will support participants to take the next step in their career or fulfill their current role with greater confidence through a combination of methodologies.

 Export to Your Calendar 10/20/2026
Where: Online Cohort
United States
Contact: Emily McGrath
emcgrath@nwais.org


Online registration is available until: 10/20/2026
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Senior Leadership Cohort

A Professional Learning Community

October 2026 - May 2027

 

Registration is NOW OPEN

"I so looked forward to my PLC meetings. I enjoyed the camaraderie we developed as a group—it was wonderful to be in community with others with similar jobs. The “Problems of Practice” section helped us work through challenging situations, puzzling through possible solutions with the thoughtful guidance of a facilitator. Being in the PLC was incredibly useful to me and I highly recommend it!"

Program Overview

Senior Leadership PLC is a year-long cohort-based program of 6-8 independent school leaders. The program will support participants to take the next step in their career or fulfill their current role with greater confidence through a combination of methodologies.

Participants will:

  • Work through problems of practice in community with a group of colleagues
  • Wrestle with case studies
  • Explore leadership concepts through direct instruction and skill-building activities
  • Build a lasting network of colleagues
  • Explore topics around management, supervision and leadership

Participants will meet monthly via zoom under the guidance of a skilled facilitator who has walked in their shoes at 8 NWAIS schools.

Participant Profile

Participants will typically be serving in a senior leadership role in a school such as a division or assistant head. Senior leaders who work in advancement and operations are also a good fit for this group and are encouraged to apply. Not every school has these exact positions, and participants in analogous roles should consider participation. If you are wondering if you would be a good fit for the program, please contact Emily McGrath.


Cohort Profile

Cohorts of around 8 participants will be developed with role and years of experience taken into consideration. The first two groups established will meet under the skilled guidance of experienced PLC facilitator, Marianne Picha. If there is significant interest to develop additional PLC groups, an additional experienced facilitator will be added, and their profile included here.

"Being part of the Professional Learning Community (PLC) has been a transformative journey for me as a professional support. It has provided a valuable platform for connecting with other independent school leaders and fostering a sense of collaboration. Brainstorming diverse solutions to the myriad challenges schools face has not only enriched my problem-solving skills but also broadened my perspectives. One of the highlights of my experience has been the opportunity to connect with Marianne, whose insightful advice and guidance have been invaluable. The PLC has not just been about professional development; it's been a source of inspiration, mutual support, and growth. It's where ideas flourish, bonds strengthen, and together, we strive to elevate educational standards and outcomes." - Previous participant


Program Components

  • Eight facilitated Zoom sessions held between October and May, providing structured opportunities for learning, reflection, and collaborative problem-solving.
  • Individualized support and coaching from your PLC facilitator throughout the year, including access for consultation around leadership challenges and problems of practice.
  • Discounted registration for select NWAIS professional learning opportunities, including The Leadership Institute or an NWAIS online course of the participant's choice.


Outcomes

Over the course of this one-year program participants will:

  • Build meaningful and transformational relationships with facilitators, and a small group of cohort members.
  • Support the ongoing learning for colleagues and learn from the common challenges faced within senior leadership roles.
  • Engage in reflection and personal growth to help propel participants to consider how they can optimize their performance and grow in their role.
  • Grow more confident in both skills and abilities around challenging leadership scenarios.

 

Facilitators - Independent School Leadership Experts —

Marianne Picha and Will Bladt

 

Marianne has facilitated PLCs for school leaders for the last several years and has been in a PLC herself for many more. Having been a school administrator at six different NWAIS schools including UPrep, Seattle Girls School and Lakeside, she knows the value of having a system of support, no matter if you are a "seasoned" veteran or new to the job.  Marianne started out her school career in advancement but was called to be a division head to support teachers and improve school systems. Growing up as one of five kids, she learned to be quick on her feet and have a good sense of humor, skills that still serve her today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

After more than 30 years in independent schools in New England, California, the South, and the Pacific Northwest, and serving as a science teacher, lower and middle school director, enrollment management director, athletic director, development director and associate head of school, Will has seen firsthand the impact that strong, supported leadership can have on a school community. That’s why he founded ElevatED Leadership Coaching in 2025. The work that has always fulfilled him the most has been developing other leaders, helping them grow, lead with clarity, and succeed on their own terms. That’s true whether they were emerging from within the faculty or joining leadership teams from other schools. Helping them step into their potential and thrive has been the most meaningful part of Will’s own leadership journey.

 

 

 

 

"I moved to Seattle five years ago with minimal connections outside of the school community where I worked. Fortunately, a colleague introduced me to Marianne Picha's PLC group. I've been part of this cohort for the past four years and found it incredibly beneficial. The group offered a supportive environment for sharing, listening, and professional growth. Grateful for the experience, Marianne!"


Application / Registration

Registrants are encouraged to sign up by August 1.

While this may become an application-based program in the future, in this first, pilot iteration, potential participants will be able to sign up directly register to participate. We will complete the first round of cohort creation in mid-august. After August 1, registrations will be accepted on a rolling basis until the program is full.

Participants are encouraged to gather the explicit support for the necessary release time from their supervisor and head of school. Active participation and consistent attendance are an important component of the success for the entire group. Meetings will not be recorded, and make-up sessions will not be offered.


2026-27 Meeting Dates

 

Tuesday Cohort Dates and Times

Tuesday, October 20, 2026: 9:00–10:30 PT / 10:00–11:30 MT 
Tuesday, November 17, 2026: 9:00–10:30 PT / 10:00–11:30 MT 
Tuesday, December 8, 2026: 9:00–10:30 PT / 10:00–11:30 MT 
Tuesday, January 12, 2027: 9:00–10:30 PT / 10:00–11:30 MT 
Tuesday, February 9, 2027: 9:00–10:30 PT / 10:00–11:30 MT 
Tuesday, March 9, 2027: 9:00–10:30 PT / 10:00–11:30 MT 
Tuesday, April 20, 2027: 9:00–10:30 PT / 10:00–11:30 MT 
Tuesday, May 4, 2027: 9:00–10:30 PT / 10:00–11:30 MT

 

Wednesday Cohort Dates and Times

Wednesday, October 21, 2026: 1:00–2:30 PT / 2:00–3:30 MT 
Wednesday, November 18, 2026: 1:00–2:30 PT / 2:00–3:30 MT 
Wednesday, December 9, 2026: 1:00–2:30 PT / 2:00–3:30 MT 
Wednesday, January 13, 2027: 1:00–2:30 PT / 2:00–3:30 MT 
Wednesday, February 10, 2027: 1:00–2:30 PT / 2:00–3:30 MT 
Wednesday, March 10, 2027: 1:00–2:30 PT / 2:00–3:30 MT 
Wednesday, April 21, 2027: 1:00–2:30 PT / 2:00–3:30 MT 
Wednesday, May 5, 2027: 1:00–2:30 PT / 2:00–3:30 MT
 
 

Cost and Registration

2026-27 Tuition Includes
  • Eight 90-minute PLC sessions between October 2026 and May 2027
  • Access to your PLC facilitator for up to 4 one-on-one meetings and direct support
  • Materials, surveys, and resources for continuing education and learning
  • $100 Credit Toward NWAIS Leadership Institute or 2026-27 Course Offering

NWAIS Member Rate
$1,600

Non-Member
$1,895


Eligibility

This program is open to those working in NWAIS schools. If you are not employed by a NWAIS member school and would like to participate, please contact Emily McGrath to see if you may qualify for a waiver.


Cancellation Policy

Attendees register for the full year course with their initial payment and commit to participating in the full duration of the experience. We expect that their schools will support their participation for the full duration. Occasionally outside circumstances may prevent participants from completing the program. In that case, participants who withdraw from the program by October 1, can receive a refund after a $250 cancellation fee. After October 1 of that academic year, no refunds will be given. Circumstances when this might happen include: personal illness, change in career objectives, moving out of the area, departing from their school etc.

Substitutes: Since the program is designed based on the individual profiles, participation is non-transferrable and no substitutes will be admitted for individual events or completion of future terms.

 

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