August 2025

Welcome to Signals, the SAIS monthly newsletter designed to equip you and empower you with timely information to generate new ideas, design strategy, and support purpose-driven plans.

Filtered through your mission, vision, and values, Dr. Brett Jacobsen, president of SAIS, provides a monthly Trend Tracker on the drivers and signals impacting the education sector. In the August edition, he highlights AI cognition research, student pulse, innovative trends, and change fitness. Additionally, he amplifies the Strategic Refusal Matrix, a tool to support schools caught between strategic importance and execution feasibility.

Strategic Approaches to Faculty Growth


Empowering educators is a strategic decision. School leaders know from experience: when teachers are supported, students thrive. Both UMS-Wright Preparatory School and St. Mary’s Episcopal School model intentional, mission-driven approaches to faculty development. From differentiated instructional coaching to goal-setting frameworks rooted in strategic priorities, discover actionable insights for leaders seeking to deepen educator impact.

Sharing Your School's Brand With Authentic Storytelling


More than facts and figures, a narrative remains with us long after a story’s conclusion. The same emotional connection elicited from a powerful story can also be harnessed by your school’s marketing team through the use of narrative storytelling. McCallie masterfully translates its unique value proposition through storytelling, including a viral story shared at the end of the 2024-2025 school year.

From Vulnerable to Vigilant: Cybersecurity Challenges and Solutions


Schools are strategically addressing rising cybersecurity challenges as educational institutions worldwide experienced a 75% year-over-year increase of cyber-attacks in 2024, according to Check Point's The State of Cyber Security 2025 report. With 58% of SAIS tech leaders prioritizing cybersecurity enhancement, schools are proactively combating ransomware, phishing, and data breaches. Today's investments will create safer digital environments for the entire school community.

When Worry Takes Over: Supporting the Anxious Student


Anxiety disorders affect nearly one-third of adolescents, causing persistent worry, physical symptoms, and school avoidance that impact academic performance and social relationships. SAIS pulse surveys confirm anxiety as the top student health concern, with counselors reporting manifestations including academic struggles, social anxiety, generalized worry, fear of failure, and emotional regulation difficulties. Early recognition and support are essential.

SAIS Annual Conference


Join us at the SAIS Annual Conference October 19-21, in Atlanta, GA, to gain practical strategies, spark connections, and position your school for what’s next.


Arrive early to attend one of five powerful pre-conference workshops. Then, join us for keynotes from Brittany Hodak, Creating Superfans; Dr. Natalie Nixon, The Creativity Leap; and Dr. David Yeager, 10 to 25.


Plus, with 40+ engaging breakout sessions, you can tailor your experience to meet your needs—or follow one of four focused learning journeys.



Don’t miss this chance to be part of essential conversations with forward-thinking school leaders about what’s next for independent education.

Upcoming Events


Feedback That Fuels Growth: Rethinking Evaluation to Support Retention, August 21, 12:00-1:00 PM EDT


Beyond Crisis Mode: Building Resilient School Communities in the Age of Student Anxiety, August 26, 10:00-11:00 AM EDT


Where's the Teacher? Creating Learner-Centered Environments, September 4, 12:00-1:00 PM EDT


Blueprint Sprint, November 6-7, Charlotte, NC and November 17-18, Atlanta, GA


Timely Challenge Conference, November 10-11, Atlanta, GA

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