NAIS Member Voices Podcast Archives: Season 1
The NAIS Member Voices podcast features stories from the thoughtful, hard-working individuals who make up the independent school community. You'll hear from faculty and staff at NAIS member schools about their roles, challenges, successes, inspiration sources, and more. Whether you are currently part of the NAIS community, considering joining, or simply interested in learning more about our industry, we hope you will listen and enjoy!
Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe to hear a new episode each month.
Find Member Voices on iTunes, SoundCloud, TuneIn, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
Season 1 Episodes: 2017-18
Episode 1: Alex Brosowsky, Head of School, The Quaker School at Horsham
Alex Brosowsky, head of school at The Quaker School at Horsham (Pennsylvania), talks about running and marketing a small school, changes he’s noticed in independent schools over time, and the need to stop and take deep breaths.
Relevant Resources:
- "Mission Control: Launching Your Small School Marketing Strategy"
Alex’s 2017 NAIS Annual Conference presentation may be purchased through the NAIS Virtual Pass.
Episode 2: Ann Klotz, Headmistress, Laurel School
Ann Klotz, headmistress at Laurel School (Ohio) speaks with us about her theatrical background, women in independent schools, and daring to fail gloriously.
Relevant Resources:
- "Love the Words," from the Spring 2016 issue of Independent School magazine.
- "For the New Year, Nine Mantras and Mottoes," from Independent Ideas: The Independent School Magazine Blog.
- Learn more about Ann on her blog.
Episo
de 3: Ruth Glass, Head of School, Lake Tahoe School
Ruth Glass, head of school at Lake Tahoe School (Nevada) discusses the need for community, how she approaches meeting with parents, her proudest moments, and more.
Relevant Resource:
- NAIS Connect, an online community to share ideas and resources with peers.
Episode 4: Crissy Caceres, Assistant Head of School, Georgetown Day School
Crissy Caceres, assistant head of school at Georgetown Day School (Washington, DC), joins us to discuss best practices for creating an inclusive school community, the value of social activism, and how she spends her “free time.”
Relevant Resources:
- NAIS People of Color Conference (PoCC)
- NAIS Diversity Leadership Institute (DLI)
- The NAIS Knowledge Center provides diversity and inclusion resources, information, and best practices.
Some articles may be accessible to NAIS members only. - NAIS’s Assessment of Inclusivity and Multiculturalism provides schools with a deep understanding of the climate of inclusion on their campus.
Episode 5: Chaka Cummings, Middle School Director, Blake School
Chaka Cummings, middle school director at the Blake School (Minnesota), explains how his background in corporate finance shaped his pedagogy. He discusses his experience as a division head of color and shares some of his favorite movie quotes.
Relevant Resources:
- NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC)
- Connect with Chaka on Twitter (@chakacummings) and through his blog.
- Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram to stay in touch with the NAIS community.
Episode 6: Stacy Routhier, Director of Marketing and Communications, Renbrook School
Stacy Routhier, director of marketing and communications at Renbrook School (Connecticut), discusses marketing do’s and don’ts, staying afloat as an office of one, and the importance of getting away from your desk.
Relevant Resources:
- "The 10 Most Overused Words on Websites," from Independent Ideas: The Independent School Magazine Blog.
- "Mirrors vs. Windows: Transforming Mission into Brand Strategy," from Independent Ideas: The Independent School Magazine Blog. This is the first in a three-part series.
- Inspiration Lab allows you and your team to post stories of inspired learning at your school, then share them with your community via social media and email.
- The NAIS Handbook on Marketing Independent Schools explores tips for developing and executing a successful marketing program at your school.
- Display the NAIS logo on your website and marketing materials to show you are a part of our community.
This page is accessible to NAIS members only.
Episode 7: Marja Brandon, Head of School, Woodland School
Marja Brandon, head of school at Woodland School (California), shares stories of her Quaker upbringing, growing up with learning differences, and the importance of a strong handshake.
Relevant Resources:
- The NAIS School Heads community allows heads of school to connect with peers to share ideas, find solutions, and expand their network.
This specific group is open to heads of NAIS member schools only, but there are many other groups available for other roles. Please contact [email protected] if you have questions regarding this resource. - The Spring 2017 issue of Independent School magazine, with the theme “The Innovation-Education Continuum.”
- Learn more about Marja on her blog.
Episode 8: Matthew Pearce, Executive Principal, Princeton International School for Mathematics and Science
Matthew Pearce, executive principal at Princeton International School for Mathematics and Science (New Jersey), discusses being a founding head of school, working with non-native English speakers, and his school’s unique model and approach.
Relevant Resources:
- Our Principles of Good Practice - Education of International Students in Independent Schools provides guidelines for the recruitment, residential life, education, and support of international students in independent schools.
- Resources for International Student Programs at Independent Schools: This page highlights NAIS resources and best practices for international student and global education programs at independent schools.
- NAIS’s webinars help support heads of school. Webinars are accessible to NAIS members only.
- Leadership Through Partnership, an NAIS workshop, is designed to enable effective, successful board and head relationships.
Episode 9: Deanna Dement Myers, Director of Development, Fayerweather Street School
Deanna Dement Myers, director of development at Fayerweather Street School (MA), provides tips for development officers, talks about what it’s like to work in and have a child who attends an independent school, and describes how she, as a multiracial administrator, learns from students of color.
Relevant Resources:
- Our Principles of Good Practice for Fundraising help school advancement programs exemplify the highest standards of personal and professional conduct.
- The NAIS Bookstore offers several books to keep schools up-to-date on industry trends, including the NAIS Trendbook, and booklets to distribute to prospective donors, such as Gifts That Give Back and A Lasting Legacy.
- Data and Analysis for School Leadership (DASL) allows schools to explore their annual giving history and benchmark against peer schools. Only NAIS members can access all school data in DASL.
- The Development Community in NAIS Connect is a great way to connect and network with other development professionals. This community is accessible to NAIS members only.
- The CASE-NAIS Independent School Conference draws more than 1,000 advancement professionals from around the world to learn about strategies and opportunities to enhance donor and alumni outreach at independent schools.
Episode 10: Lisa Damour, Consulting Psychologist, Laurel School
Lisa Damour, consulting psychologist at Laurel School (OH) and author of Untangled, describes what it’s like working at an all-girls school, how to help students build resilience, and what she’s reading right now.
Relevant Resources:
- “Untangling Teen Wellness Issues: A Conversation with Psychologist Lisa Damour,” from Independent Ideas: The Independent School Magazine Blog.
- “Strength vs. Stressors,” from the Summer 2013 Independent School magazine.
- “Shielding Students from Stereotype Threat,” from the Fall 2009 Independent School magazine.
- “Metacognition and Student Learning,” from the Spring 2017 Independent Teacher magazine.
- Listen to the Member Voices episode featuring Lisa Damour’s colleague and headmistress at Laurel School, Ann Klotz, on iTunes and Stitcher.
Episode 11: Martha Perry, Principal, St. Clement's School
Martha Perry, principal at St. Clement's School (Canada), tells us about her leadership journey, how she approaches transgender issues at her school, and what surprises her most in her role.
Relevant Resources:
- NAIS resources on Supporting Transgender Students in Independent Schools
- "Legal Advisory: Transgender Students - Changes in Federal Guidance and Resources." Accessible to NAIS members only.
- Watch a video interview with 2017 NAIS Annual Conference featured workshop speaker Schuyler Bailar about supporting transgender students.
Episode 12: Amani Reed, Head of School, The School at Columbia University
Amani Reed, head of school at The School at Columbia University (NY), joins us to discuss his work in equity and justice, what he's baking right now, and the importance of laughing a lot.
Relevant Resources:
- Review the Principles of Good Practice for Equity and Justice to help your school create an inclusive and welcoming community.
- Learn more about the NAIS People of Color Conference and NAIS Annual Conference.
- Join the discussion in the Diversity Community on NAIS Connect.
- The Diversity Dashboard in Data and Analysis for School Leadership (DASL) allows schools to explore how their demographic shifts compare to national, regional, and local trends. Only NAIS members can access all school data in DASL.
- Visit the NAIS Bookstore to discover publications such as Diversity Work in Independent Schools, which will help guide your work.
Episode 13: Larry Goodman, Head of School, Andrews Osborne Academy
Larry Goodman, head of school at Andrews Osborne Academy (OH), tells us why he has the best job in the world, the vital importance of creative thinking, and his dream of becoming the play-by-play announcer for the Baltimore Orioles.
Relevant Resources:
- “Assessing Creative Thinking?! You’ve got to be CRAZY!” from Independent Ideas: The Independent School Magazine Blog.
- NAIS President Donna Orem writes Looking Ahead, a monthly email designed to help heads of school. Each edition includes a PowerPoint that heads can share with staff, faculty, and/or boards of trustees. PowerPoints are only available to NAIS member schools.
- Learn about other leaders like Larry by exploring our Profiles in Leadership, centered around the theme of our 2018 Annual Conference.
- Larry is also featured in the Spring 2018 issue of Independent School magazine in the Member Voices department.
Episode 14: Kathryn McNamee, High School Principal, St. Mary's Academy
Kathryn McNamee, high school principal at St. Mary's Academy (CO), tells us about the challenges that come with modern technology, her passion for her students, and what she's planning to do in retirement.
Relevant Resources:
- Join the discussion in the NAIS Division Heads, NAIS Dean of Students, or other groups that interest you on NAIS Connect.
- Review the Principles of Good Practice for Teachers and Supervisors of Teachers.
- Apply for the NAIS Fellowship for Aspiring School Heads program to take your career to the next level.
Episode 15: Peter Gurt, President, Milton Hershey School
Peter Gurt, president at Milton Hershey School (PA), speaks with us about servant leadership, life at a boarding school, and his acting background.
Relevant Resources:
- “Cultivating Leadership in All Students,” from the Spring 2016 issue of Independent School magazine.
- “Teachable Moments: Three Great Tips for Raising Kids Who Care,” from Independent Ideas: The Independent School Magazine Blog.
- “The Emotion Revolution,” from the Summer 2016 issue of Independent School magazine.
- “Hershey students gain global awareness in Ghana,” from the Spring 2017 issue of Independent School magazine.
- Peter is also featured in the Summer 2018 issue of Independent School magazine in the Member Voices department.
Episode 16: Doug Worthen, Director of Mindfulness, Middlesex School
Doug Worthen, director of mindfulness at Middlesex School (MA), joins us to discuss his practice, what it's like living with 30 adolescent boys, and meditating while scuba diving.
Relevant Resources:
- “The Tangible Benefits of Mindfulness in the Classroom,” from the Fall 2017 issue of Independent School magazine.
- Learn more about the mindfulness program at Middlesex.
- "Teaching Mindfulness in the Classroom Transforms," from Independent Ideas: The Independent School Magazine Blog.