October 2026 - May 2027

 

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REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

REGISTER HERE

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"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 facilitator's thoughtful guidance.  Being in the PLC was incredibly useful to me and I highly recommend it!" 

 

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Program Overview

Senior Leadership PLC is a year-long cohort-based program of 6-8 independent school leaders. Designed for leaders navigating the complexities of senior leadership, the  program supports participants in strengthening their leadership practice, expanding their influence, and leading with greater confidence and and sustainability.

Through a combination of facilitated discussion, peer consultation, case studies, reflection, and practical skill-building, participants will develop both the mindset and tools needed to thrive in senior leadership roles.

Participants will:

• Explore leadership challenges related to supervision, communication, change management, and decision-making
• Strengthen their leadership identity and develop a leadership approach that reflects their values and strengths
• Build trust and credibility with your peer leadership team and the teams you lead.
• Learn practical strategies for leading teams, navigating conflict, and managing competing priorities
• Engage in reflection and coaching conversations that support personal and professional growth
• Develop a lasting network of colleagues who understand the unique realities of independent school leadership

Participants will meet monthly via Zoom under the guidance of an experienced facilitator who has served in senior leadership roles within independent schools and understands the opportunities and challenges of the position.

Participant Profile

Participants typically serve in senior leadership positions such as Division Head, Assistant Head, Dean, Director, Advancement Leader, Operations Leader, or other comparable roles within independent schools.

This PLC is particularly valuable for leaders who:

• Are seeking greater confidence and effectiveness in supervision and people leadership
• Want a trusted community of peers with whom to process leadership challengesAre preparing for future leadership opportunities
• Desire greater clarity, balance, and sustainability in their leadership practice
  

If you are wondering whether this program is a good fit for your role and goals, please contact Emily McGrath.

 

Outcomes

Over the course of this year-long program, participants will:

• Build meaningful relationships with facilitators and fellow cohort members that extend beyond the program year
• Develop greater confidence in navigating complex leadership situations and difficult conversations
• Strengthen skills in supervision, delegation, feedback, and accountability
  Increase their ability to influence and lead across teams, departments, and stakeholder groups
• Gain practical strategies for managing change and leading through uncertainty
• Develop greater self-awareness around leadership strengths, growth areas, and leadership style
• Create sustainable leadership practices that support effectiveness while reducing the risk of burnout
• Learn from the shared experiences and challenges of fellow independent school leaders
• Leave with a stronger professional network and an ongoing community of support

 

Cohort Profile

Cohorts of approximately eight participants will be assembled based on role, leadership responsibilities, and years of experience to foster meaningful dialogue, relevant problem-solving, and strong peer connections. Each cohort will be led by an experienced facilitator with deep knowledge of independent school leadership and the unique challenges facing senior leaders. Cohorts will be facilitated by Marianne Picha (if more than one cohort, Will Bladt as well), whose extensive leadership experience and skill in guiding professional learning communities create a supportive and engaging learning environment. The small cohort model encourages candid conversation, collaborative problem-solving, and lasting professional relationships.

 

"Being part of the Professional Learning Community (PLC) has been a transformative journey for me as a professional support. 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

 

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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.
  

Registrants are encouraged to sign up by August 14, 2026.

While this may become an application-based program in the future, in this iteration, potential participants will register to participate. We will complete the first round of cohort creation in mid-august. After August 14, 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.

A note for registration and group construction: To facilitate finding a time that works for everyone, participants will sign up for Tuesday or Wednesday meetings. If your schedule allows, please select that you could do either group. That will allow the greatest flexibility in group construction.

 

Once we have the groups set up, you will be sent meeting invites, zoom links, and a schedule of facilitation.