What Do People Need Most From Leaders?

A global Gallup study reveals what people truly need from leaders: hope (56%), trust (33%), compassion (7%), and stability (4%). These universal needs transcend leader types and demographics. When leaders fulfill these needs, particularly hope, followers show higher well-being with increased thriving and decreased suffering. Effective leaders understand follower needs, leverage their own strengths, and master their specific roles.

Additional Research & Resources:

• 4 Ways School Leaders Can Show Up for Their Staff, ASCD

• The Future of Education: How Schools Can Stay Ahead, Ian Symmonds & Associates

• Unlocking Potential, Driving Success: Six Strategies for Leading Better School Teams, New Leaders

• We Have to Talk: A Step-By-Step Checklist for Difficult Conversations, Judy Ringer

82% of K-12 Schools Recently Experienced a Cyber Incident

K-12 Dive shares a report from The Center for Internet Security revealing widespread K-12 school vulnerability to cyberattacks. Top threats include ransomware attacks, phishing and social engineering, data breaches, and denial-of-service attacks. Despite growing threats, many schools lack cybersecurity funding and expertise, indicating a need for schools to prioritize building resilient cybersecurity cultures with trained staff as frontline defenders.

Additional Research & Resources:

• Rethinking How and Why We Gather, Carney Sandoe & Associates

• Springtime Student Stressors: How to Alleviate Anxiety, Education World

• Likes Versus Learning: The Real Cost of Social Media for Schools, AFT

• Rethink Job Design to Attract and Retain Women, Gallup

Could Play Boost Students' Math Performance?

Math instruction often lacks play, with teachers relying on lectures and worksheets instead of fostering discovery. Researchers argue effective math learning combines structured practice with playful exploration, where students drive their learning in engaging ways. EdSurge shares applicable research and case studies showcasing this “playful” approach to math. This balance helps students develop lasting mathematical understanding while building tolerance for productive struggle.

Additional Research & Resources:

• DeepSeek: Everything Educators Need to Know About the New AI Model, Tech & Learning



• Education and the Future of Jobs Report, AI for Education

• Not All Rubrics Are Created Equal, Learned-Centered Collaborative

• Redefining Research in a Gen-AI Powered Classroom, Getting Smart

From Inbox to Impact: Video Messaging for Donors

Personalized video messages can help independent schools stand out by showing a human face, cutting through digital noise, and leveraging video's engagement power. Kristy Morris shares effective uses like thank-you messages, urgent appeals, impact stories, behind-the-scenes content, and campaign launch announcements. Tips include keeping videos under 90 seconds, remaining authentic, and including specific personal details to strengthen connections.

Additional Research & Resources:

• Stewarding Mid-Level Donors, SoundCloud

• The Importance of Building a "Human" Brand in a Digital World, How Brands Are Built

• What Would Your Organization Do With a $50 Million Donation?, Blackbaud

• Bright Ideas: Colors to Boost School Website Engagement, Finalsite

Women's Leaders Institute

April 9-10, 2025, Birmingham, AL

Join fellow independent school women leaders for a transformative two-day leadership intensive designed to help you maximize your impact while staying true to your authentic leadership style.

Through interactive workshops, expert-led sessions, and meaningful connections with peers, you'll develop practical strategies to advance your career and strengthen your leadership presence.

Upcoming In-Person & Virtual Events:

• New & Aspiring Leaders Institute, April 6-8, Birmingham, AL

• Trustee Education Series: Philanthropic Landscape & Trends, April 8, 5:00-6:00 PM EDT

• Cultivating Lifelong Connections: Innovative Strategies for Alumni Engagement, April 16, 12:00-1:00 PM EDT

• Institute for New Teachers: Public-to-Private, May 1-August 31, Virtual

• Administrative Leadership Institute, June 9-11, Sarasota, FL

• Summer Conference, June 16-18, Sarasota, FL