NAIS Fellowship for Aspiring School Heads
Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort are now being accepted! The application deadline is January 22, 2025.
School heads are retiring in record numbers. Are you prepared to take the lead?
The NAIS Fellowship for Aspiring School Heads is a yearlong program that includes small group mentorship with an experienced head, in-person and virtual learning, including a summer institute of engaging sessions, and lifelong relationships with a cohort of supportive peers. The fellowship program is best suited for independent school administrators who are seriously considering headship in the next few years.
Take the next step in your journey to headship. Apply today to access:
- A mentorship cohort led by a current head of school.
- Career counseling, including résumé and interview preparation, to help navigate and distinguish yourself in the head search.
- Special programming during a summer institute that provides a comprehensive overview of what headship really looks like.
- A series of learning activities that support you in getting inside the work of leading a school.
- An invaluable network of colleagues and mentors who provide advice and support throughout your career.
- April 24–April 25, 2025; Washington, DC
- This two-day event will kick off the program and allow you to meet your cohort of fellows.
- July 21–July 25, 2025; Washington, DC
- This weeklong summer institute will center around small-group mentorship and learning sessions to grow your understanding of independent school leadership.
- February 25–27, 2026; Seattle, WA
- You’ll finish your fellowship experience with special programming at the NAIS Annual Conference. The cost of registration is included in your fellowship fees.
- have a master's degree or other advanced degrees or be in the process of obtaining one;
- have worked as an administrator in independent schools for three or more years;
- commit to completing all the components of the program in the fellowship year; and
- secure the backing of your school head (including financial support if applicable).
Testimonials
From learning about leadership styles to getting a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a head of school, read what recent attendees had to say about the fellowship:"I can't say enough how impressed, inspired, and grateful I am for the experience. It totally surpassed my expectations and set a high standard for future online professional learning."
"I appreciated the way that each [faculty member] poured into participants with wisdom, attention and time. I felt seen by them."
"... the program surpassed by expectations and was highly impactful in the ways that mattered: forming leadership community, providing authentic and inspiring mentorship, and giving a real glimpse into the complexities of headship."
This yearlong program includes mentorship with an experienced head who will regularly share real-life problem-solving, candid conversations, engaging assignments, and lifelong relationships with a cohort of supportive educational leaders.
Application Process
The online application includes the following questions:
- What do you hope to gain from your fellowship experience? Please list three to five goals (1,000-character limit)
- What is your educational philosophy? (2,000-character limit)
- As a leader, what outstanding contributions have you made to your current school environment? (1,000-character limit)
- What do you think are the most pressing issues facing independent school leaders today? (1,000-character limit)
- How would you describe your leadership style? (1,000-character maximum)
- Why do you want to become a head of school? (1,000-character maximum)
In addition to the online application, you must provide the following documents. These can be emailed to [email protected] or uploaded with the rest of your application.
- A current résumé
- A letter from your current head of school indicating their full support of your fellowship participation
- A letter of recommendation from a peer colleague (not a supervisor or student) in your current school.
2025-2026 Fellowship Pricing
| Registration Type | Price* |
| Member | $6,325 |
| Nonmember | $8,189 |
*Includes the cost of one 2025 NAIS Annual Conference registration, one two-day kickoff event (housing and programming included, but not travel), one weeklong summer institute (housing and programming included, but not travel), and the mentorship and cohort program.
2025-2026 Faculty
- James Calleroz White, Head of School, Galloway School (GA)
- Damian Jones, Head of School, The Center for Early Education (CA)
- Adriana Murphy, Head of School, St. Elizabeth’s School (CO)
- Lisa Sun, Incoming Head of School, Indian Mountain School (CT)
- Additional faculty members will be announced at a later date
Contact Us
For more information, please contact us at [email protected].
NAIS has an institutional commitment to the principles of diversity. In that spirit, NAIS does not discriminate in violation of the law on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, sexual orientation, age, physical challenge, nation of origin, gender, or any other characteristic.