Resources

For Schools

For Schools
Transitioning from a Boarding School to a Day School: Benefits and Challenges
Transitioning from a Boarding School to a Day School: Benefits and Challenges

In his 42 years in Independent Schools, Dave Davies has served as head of the Deerfield-Windsor School (GA); a “founding” upper school head; an interim head, and a 27-year veteran of boarding school life. Here he reflects on the move from a boarding school to a day school.

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Interim or Permanent Head? An Important Choice for Search Committees
Interim or Permanent Head? An Important Choice for Search Committees

In his 42 years in independent schools, Dave Davies has served as head of the Deerfield-Windsor School (GA); a “founding” upper school head; an interim head, and a 27-year veteran of boarding school life. Here he addresses a key leadership transition issue: Should a school appoint an interim head or move directly to search for a new, full-time head of school?

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Principles of Good Practice for Board Chair Leadership
Principles of Good Practice for Board Chair Leadership

With his retirement in 2012, David Dougherty completed 44 years of service in independent schools and now looks forward to serving the next generation of school leaders as an executive coach. David is the Director of The Education Group’s Executive Coaching program.

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Transitioning from Day School to Boarding School Leadership: Reflections
Transitioning from Day School to Boarding School Leadership: Reflections

Throughout his extensive career in independent school education Jim Byer has served not only in a full spectrum of private school positions (most notable) as headmaster of The Hun School of Princeton, NJ) but as a guidance and educational consultant, founding school member, and undergraduate professor. Here he reflects on the transition from day school to boarding school leadership.

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For Aspiring Leaders

For Aspiring Leaders
What It's Really Like to be a New Head of School
What It's Really Like to be a New Head of School

Laura Fuller brings her diverse and broad experience as a classroom teacher, department chair, division administrator, and head of school, in 4 different regions of the country, to her role as consultant for head of school searches and executive coaching.

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An Open Letter from a New Head to His Board Chair
An Open Letter from a New Head to His Board Chair

With his retirement in 2012, David Dougherty completed 44 years of service in independent schools, including 21 years at the Episcopal High School (VA) and 19 as Headmaster of The Hill School (PA). As teacher, administrator, and trustee he has served boarding, day, single-sex, and co-educational schools. Here he addresses an early “conundrum” with TEG’s Executive Coaching Program: New Heads thought the idea was terrific, and Board Chairs the same, but neither was willing to raise the idea with the other. The new Head who was brimming with confidence was anxious about asking for help; the Board Chair who had just excitedly announced the completion of the school’s search did not want to suggest that the new Head might need support.

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Former Head as Mentor: Why Pay for What We Can Get for Free?
Former Head as Mentor: Why Pay for What We Can Get for Free?

Bob Kirkpatrick is an experienced leader in independent schools who over his 42-year career served in a number of roles, most recently as head of school for St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Austin, Texas. Previous to his nine years at St. Stephen’s, he led Fox Chapel Country Day School in Pittsburgh, PA for seven years. Here he addresses an especially sensitive issue: Should a school’s retired head serve as a mentor to his successor?

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When a New Head Succeeds a Legend
When a New Head Succeeds a Legend

In his 42 years in independent schools, Dave Davies has served as head of the Deerfield-Windsor School (GA); a “founding” upper school head; an interim head; and a 27-year veteran of boarding school life. Here he addresses the challenges faced by a new Head succeeding a legendary school leader.

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This Will Only Take a Minute…

A blog for Heads of Schools by Consultant and Executive Coach, Susan B. Lair

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This will only take a minute!
Traditions: The Heartbeat of Distinguished Schools
Traditions: The Heartbeat of Distinguished Schools

Is your school like mine? If you do something three times, it's a tradition! Traditions and signature programs are a hallmark of private schools. Yet, many schools struggle with balancing academic rigor, fine arts experiences, character and religious education, athletics, and the selection and timing of traditions. In this blog, I will share ideas to consider.

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Financial Aid Part 2: Financial Aid Management - Who will Administer your School’s Program?
Financial Aid Part 2: Financial Aid Management - Who will Administer your School’s Program?
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Financial Aid Part 1: Determining Policies, Procedures, & the Boards Role
Financial Aid Part 1: Determining Policies, Procedures, & the Boards Role
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Is a Preschool Division Worth It?
Is a Preschool Division Worth It?

Do you know that seventy-five percent (75%) of a person's brain development occurs after birth, and a toddler's brain is about 2 ½ times as active as an adult's? Experiences during the early years profoundly affect brain structure and performance throughout adulthood.

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Does my School Need a Finance Manual?
Does my School Need a Finance Manual?

Whether you are a new head of School or a seasoned veteran, most leaders rose through the ranks of teacher, department chair, office manager, division director, and assistant head of School. While excellent school visionaries and managers, many heads of schools lack experience in the School’s business side, which is all the more reason to have a well-written and regularly reviewed Finance Manual.

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Do Schools Still Need Org Charts and Job Descriptions? 5 Easy Steps to Preparing The Best!
Do Schools Still Need Org Charts and Job Descriptions? 5 Easy Steps to Preparing The Best!

Organizational Charts and Job descriptions are not just for applicants. However, according to a 2021 LinkedIn survey, 63% of candidates chose not to apply for a job because they didn't know the specific skills and areas of competence needed for the position. A further 47% said they didn't apply because years of experience were not listed in the job description.

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How to Look and Act Like You Are Accustomed to Fine Dining
How to Look and Act Like You Are Accustomed to Fine Dining

You’ve rented the tuxedo or purchased an after-five dress. You’ve reviewed with the Development Director the family trees, previous donations, and connections to the school for every person sitting at your table. You’ve studied what side your bread and the drink will be on now if you can eat some of your dinner and talk simultaneously!

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Preliminary Operating & Capital Budgets
Preliminary Operating & Capital Budgets

During October and November, the Head of School and the Business Manager, CFO, begin planning the Operational and Capital Budgets for the next school year.

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Five Guiding Principles for Board Meetings
Five Guiding Principles for Board Meetings

This blog outlines principles and rules whilst engaging in board meetings.

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Know and Be Known!
Know and Be Known!

Do you want to be the Head of School that is known to know everyone? Read on…

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