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The LD Schools Leadership Retreat has long been a beacon of opportunity—a place for dedicated leaders to connect, recharge, and expand their knowledge in an inspiring environment. Imagine a gathering where passionate professionals come together not only to share insights, but to ignite a collective spark that fuels the growth of the next generation of leaders committed to serving students with learning differences.
With the establishment of the Association of LD Schools (ALDS), this cherished retreat is poised to thrive for years to come, steadfast in its mission: to cultivate leaders who champion learning differences. The core values of leadership development, community connection, and rejuvenation remain the driving force behind this extraordinary event.
Join us on this exciting journey—this is more than a retreat; it’s a transformative experience where aspirations take flight and futures are shaped.
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2025 Theme: Building a Sustainable Future
This year’s retreat will focus on the strategies and structures that support long-term success. Drawing on feedback from the 2024 post-retreat survey and insights from ALDS member schools, the following focus areas have been identified:
- Defining your school’s unique value proposition to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape
- Crafting and executing marketing plans that address the evolving needs of parents and students
- Developing targeted strategies to cultivate leadership in current and emerging leaders
- Fostering a thriving school culture that unites students, parents, faculty, staff, and administrators around a shared mission
- Building a sustainable financial future through enrollment management, alternative revenue streams, fundraising, and strategic budgeting
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Welcome Maryanne Wolf
Preconference Keynote
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Maryanne Wolf will join us this summer as our preconference keynote for both the Head's preconference and the School Leader's preconference.
Maryanne is a scholar, a teacher, and an advocate for children and literacy around the world. She is the Director of the newly created Center for Dyslexia, Diverse Learners, and Social Justice at the UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies. Previously she was the John DiBiaggio Professor of Citizenship and Public Service and Director of the Center for Reading and Language Research in the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development at Tufts University. She is the author of Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain (2007, HarperCollins), Dyslexia, Fluency, and the Brain (Edited; York, 2001), Tales of Literacy for the 21st Century (2016, Oxford University Press), and Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World (August, 2018, HarperCollins).
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Massimo Backus is on a mission to help one million people believe they are worthy and enough.
Like many ambitious leaders, Massimo Backus faced early struggles with impostor syndrome and a relentless inner critic. Dyslexia was one of the main drivers for his insecurities and later, his perfectionism. The practice of self-compassion helped him see that what was considered a disability was actually cognitive diversity.
The author of Human First, Leader Second, Massimo is a friend to our community and an inspiration for all.
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| | We’re thrilled to welcome Mark Crotty, ALDS Board Member and Executive Director of NWAIS, for a dynamic keynote exploring how LD school leaders can articulate their unique value proposition and stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape. Whether your school is flourishing or facing challenges, this engaging session will offer thought-provoking insights and practical takeaways you can immediately apply within your school community. | | | |
Josh Clark and Bekah Atkinson
Head of School, Landmark School and Director of Admissions, The Siena School
AI is a hot topic across the globe—but what matters most is how it can support us and, more importantly, our students.
In this engaging keynote, Josh and Bekah will explore the intersection of AI and learning differences, highlighting how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we work—and the future of work our students will step into.
They’ll dive into how AI tools can streamline workflows, boost time management, and drive meaningful productivity gains for individuals and organizations alike. Most importantly, they’ll unpack what this technological shift means for educators, school leaders, and the students we serve in a world that continues to evolve at a rapid pace.
| | | | Retreat Breakout Sessions | | |
Here is a preview of some of the breakout sessions that will be featured at this year’s retreat:
- Breathe, Lead, Repeat: Self-Compassion for School Leaders
- Developing and Implementing a Strategic Plan for Outreach Programs
- No Consultant Necessary: Engaging Your School Community in Strategic Planning
- From Job Posting to Interview: Ensuring Equity at Every Step
- Building School Culture through Hospitality – How Schools Can Foster Connection, Belonging, and Community
- Thriving vs. Surviving: A Parent Value Proposition in a New Echelon of Independent School Education
- Cabinet Restructuring, Talent Development, & Preparing for Complex Leadership Hiring
- Leveraging Resources for Entrepreneurial Pursuits in LD Schools: Maximizing Non-tuition Revenue Through Auxiliary Programs
- Outreach That Enrolls: A New Marketing Paradigm for LD Schools
- School Culture: A Look at Two Programs Specifically Designed to Drive Meaningful Change in the Culture of the School
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The ALDS Leadership Retreat is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of leaders serving students with learning differences. At the heart of this event are our core values: leadership development, community connection, and meaningful time to recharge. Here are a few highlights you can look forward to this summer:
Tour Hamlin Robinson School
The retreat will be hosted at Hamlin Robinson School, with most sessions held on campus. We’ll kick things off Monday evening with a festive block party between HRS’s two campuses—an energetic and welcoming way to begin our time together.
Connect with Fellow Leaders
We anticipate nearly 150 school leaders from about 40 schools, all of whom understand the unique mission of supporting students with learning differences. One of the most powerful aspects of ALDS is that you won’t need to explain your school’s purpose—everyone here gets it.
Dinner Cruise on the Spirit of Seattle
Included in your registration is a dinner cruise aboard the Spirit of Seattle. Enjoy an evening of food, drinks, and entertainment while taking in the beautiful views of our host city. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet new people and reconnect with familiar faces.
Optional: Explore Seattle
We encourage you to stay through Wednesday evening and join one of our two optional Seattle excursions. Whether it’s soaking in the view from the Space Needle or wandering through the stunning Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, you'll get to experience the culture and charm of Seattle alongside friends and colleagues.
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