NWAIS New Heads Institute

Two Days To Prepare New Heads for NWAIS Membership and Stepping Into Your New Role

July 30-31, 2026

Location: TBA

REGISTRATION IS NOT YET OPEN FOR THIS EVENT

Please Save The Date

The NHI gave me both the tools and the confidence to start my school year off with vision and strategies. It was immensely powerful to connect with such a diverse, passionate and talented group of leaders. I left the conference feeling excited about my new role rather than nervous about all of the things I still have left to learn.

– Past Attendee

Attending this conference is a must for new heads, whether you are brand new to the position or new to the region. It's a great opportunity to learn some new things, confirm some existing ideas, and to form connections with other HOS's in the association prior to the Fall Head's Conference.

– Past Attendee

Who Should Attend?

New and newer Heads of School are invited to attend. The program will be built around those that are stepping into headship this year or last year.  This is a small event, and generally has fewer than 10 attendees, providing an opportunity to build strong relationships with new colleagues. Centered on building relationships within the Association, attendees will learn about the many benefits of membership, experience valuable sessions, and take time for planning as you embark on new phase of your leadership journey.

Planning to Attend the NAIS Institute For New Heads?

These two programs are wonderful complements to each other.  One recommendation would be to attend the NWAIS institute in the summer you take on your role and the NAIS Institute once you have completed year one, or do both in the first year.  If you would like to hear more about the right order and fit for you, please call and discuss the opportunities with Emily McGrath, Associate Director.

This was invaluable time spent with colleagues and mentors. The return on my time and money spent for this Institute is incalculable.

– Past Attendee

Institute Programming Will:

• Help you match and manage a new school culture.
• Guide your understanding of regional and cultural dynamics in the Northwest.
• Connect you with a window into  “lessons learned” from veteran heads on building trust and developing strong working relationships with all constituencies.
• Discuss how to work with your board and board chair on moving your school forward.
• Support an understanding of the variety of outside resources available to help you and your school.
• Introduce you to local experts on legal risk management and financial reporting.
• Connect you with other Heads of School and your association
• Provide 1:1 coaching to help you plan for a thoughtful transition and launch into your new headship

Coming from the public school setting, the New Heads Institute provided me with insightful knowledge and valuable activities to help me transition to my new role as Head of School.

  – Past Attendee

Program Components & Format

This is a sample agenda based on previous years, to give you a sense of the flow of the event and types of topics covered. Exact topics and timing are subject to change.

Thursday, July 30, 2026

8:00 - 8:30  Light Breakfast, Introductions and Overview
8:30 - 9:15   Welcome to NWAIS
9:15  - 9:30 Agenda & Goals
9:30  - 10:30 Challenges & Opportunities
10:30 - 11:00 Break
11:00 - 12:00 Leadership Insights
12:00 - 12:30       Lunch
12:30 - 1:30 Working With Your Board
1:30 - 2:30 Entry Planning
2:30 - 3:00 Snack & Case Studies
3:00 - 4:00  Stories from Headship

5:00-7:00 Reception with Current Heads of School

Friday, July 31, 2026

8:00 - 9:00 Breakfast & Check-In
9:00 - 9:45 Put Me In, Coach! Executive Coaching Program
10:00 - 11:00 Entry Plan / Leader's Charter Work
11:00 - 1:00 Working Lunch and Presentation of Plans
1:00 Farewell, and Good Luck!

Add-On

Participation in Year-Long Cohort Support  Additional Fees Not Included

Throughout the year, you will be invited to connect with New Heads from NWAIS and other regional Associations to share your experiences  and learn from each other.

The cohort meetings will:

·       Establish a group to support you and develop relationships so that you can call each other in the future 

·       Provide a forum in which you can discuss various issues and problems you’re facing with your peers and an experienced head of school

·       Present you with information that will be of value to you in your first year and beyond.

A Year of Executive Coaching Additional Fees Not Included

In addition to the New Heads Institute programming, Heads new to their role can also be matched with an executive coach who can meet with you as challenges arise and support you as you navigate tricky waters. Last year NWAIS piloted this program. Feedback was powerful and the program has now received a grant from the EE Ford Foundation to replicate it in other accrediting associations.

Participation in this program will include regular meetings and access to your coach whenever necessary. The program is directed by Alan Sparrow, a former head of school and certified executive coach. A number of extraordinary leaders have been retained for the program so that participants can be matched with the right coach. NWAIS can help with the matchmaking and then participants will retain the coaches directly.

Attending this workshop is a fantastic way to begin your new headship. You will emerge with more confidence, a set of colleagues that you can draw upon for support, and a well-vetted plan to implement in your school. This is time well spent!

– Past Attendee

Faculty

The program will be led by Briel Schmitz, Head of School at Spruce Street School, Matt Culberson, Experienced Head of School, and Chris Watson, Incoming Executive Director of NWAIS.  The faculty will be joined by NWAIS staff and board members, and other guest speakers including current heads of school.

Briel Schmitz, Head of School at Spruce Street School (WA)

Chris Watson, Executive Director of NWAIS and Former Head of School, Soundview School (WA)

Matt Culberson, Former Head of Several NWAIS Schools Including: McGillis School (UT), Charles Wright Academy (WA), and Wasatch Academy (UT)  

Registration

REGISTRATION IS NOT YET OPEN FOR THIS EVENT

Please save the dates and check back for pricing and location information

Travel Reimbursement

NWAIS will cover a portion of travel costs incurred by member schools to attend professional development events.

Click here for travel share reimbursement form.

Cancellation Policy
Substitutions may be made any time prior to the conference. Written cancellations received by July 18, 2025 are eligible for a refund after a $75 cancellation fee. Cancellations received after July 18, 2025 are ineligible for any refund.

Attendees Will Be Eligible For Clock Hours And / Or STARS Credits

Attendees receive clock hours and STARS free of charge. The original clock hours form or your STARS certificate will be mailed back to you for your records. If you need to petition another agency for credits or you would like a certificate for your files, NWAIS is happy to provide one upon request at no charge.