June 2025

Welcome to Signals, the SAIS monthly newsletter designed to equip 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 this edition, he highlights teacher satisfaction, assessing competencies, leadership time & talent, and the board chair of the future. Additionally, he provides real-time perspectives from voices in our association through Pulse Perspectives. This month’s feedback captures the pressing issues independent school leaders and teams are navigating, curated and synthesized from the 2024-2025 school year.

Idea to Impact


During the May Heads Virtual Roundtable, several SAIS school heads — through the lens of their mission and vision — shared valuable research and resources they’ve put into practice and the meaningful impact these efforts have had on their school communities. Consider these resources for your summer reading.

AI Sandbox: A Summer Learning Playground


Ready to transform AI uncertainty into practical skills and informed readiness? Just as summer offers a break from routine, our AI Sandbox provides a refreshing space to play with new technologies without the pressure of immediate implementation. Use this structured approach to move beyond theory into practice. With a safe environment to experiment, iterate, and build expertise, explore this collection of AI solutions and self-paced courses to address administrative tasks, research topics, lesson planning, assessment, and more. 

Institute for New Teachers

July 15-17 | Charlotte, NC

July 22-24 | Atlanta, GA


The first few years of teaching in an independent school can be challenging. The SAIS Institute for New Teachers provides guidance, support, and the opportunity to practice planning and instructional skills with a small peer group led by an experienced independent school educator.


This three-day program offers practical, hands-on strategies and information unique to the culture and setting of an independent school. New teachers leave this workshop empowered to create and facilitate inspired learning experiences, partner with parents, and find their place in the school community.

Upcoming Events


Mark your calendar now and register today for these upcoming learning opportunities.


Summer Conference, June 16-18, Sarasota, FL


Advancement Summit: Capital Campaigns, June 16-18, Sarasota, FL


Institute for Heads, June 24-27, Sarasota, FL


Institute for New Teachers: Public-to-Private, Now Through August 31, Online Self-Paced Course


Annual Conference, October 19-21, Atlanta, GA


Timely Challenge Conference: Retention & Recruitment Strategy Imperative, November 10-11, Atlanta, GA

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