Inspiring Heads Leadership Program

The Elementary School Heads Association (ESHA) is approaching its 50th Anniversary as a membership and networking organization for K-8 school heads. ESHA was established to promote a sense of identity among heads of independent elementary schools; to support newly appointed heads of such schools; and to provide opportunities for exchange of experiences, conundrums, and success. We also honor the chance to enjoy one another’s company.

As we look to celebrate the past 50 years and look to evolve the next half century, we’re creating a program designed to strengthen leadership in K-8 schools and plant the seeds for those who are interested in considering one day to become heads of their own schools.

ESHA’s Inspiring Heads Program will run from October through March. The goal of the program is to inform future leaders of K-8 schools about particular aspects of school leadership. Five sessions will focus on the culture and roles involved in a particular area: Leadership, Governance, Community Building, Strategic Planning/Thinking, Finance/Fundraising, and Enrollment/Marketing/Communication. The final session will be an outside visit at an ESHA school with a mentor leader.

Each two-hour session consists of three parts: a presentation of the topic, a brainstorming of ideas and experiences among the participants around the topic, and a debriefing time to gather takeaways. Participants will become a network that will maintain contact throughout the program and beyond. In addition, each Inspiring Head will be partnered with an ESHA member who will serve as their mentor during and after the program. Below is a brief description of each session:

Session 1- Culture and Community- building culture, communicating effectively, and managing change to create a cohesive K-8 community.

Session 2- Authentic Leadership for all Constituencies- the constantly recalibrating mindset and skill sets of school leadership, nuts and bolts of hiring, retention, shifting and counseling out of the employees (teachers and staff) who sustain a school community.

Session 3- Enrollment, Marketing and External Communications for K-8.

Session 4- Finances and Fundraising at K-8- It is different.

Session 5- Governance, Strategic Planning/Thinking, and Other Duties as Assigned (and needed).

Session 6- On site with ESHA Head for shadow visit and mentoring (1-2 days). How to take care of yourself? What is next?

Sessions 1-5 two-hour long Zoom gatherings (4pm-6pm) with participants and ESHA leaders hosting the session.

Dates:

Session 1: Monday, 10/25/21                        Session 2: Monday, 11/15/21

Session 3: Monday, 12/13/21                        Session 4: Monday, 1/24/22                            

Session 5: Monday, 2/28/22                          Session 6: with ESHA mentor for on-site visit, Spring of 2022. 

Cost: $500 for ESHA member schools, $750 for non-ESHA member schools.

This will be invoiced directly to your school. 

Inspiring Head’s Leadership Committee:

 Joe Powers, The Woods Academy                                                                                                                     Angi Evans, Harbor Day School                                                                                                                         Rose Helm, John Thomas Dye School                                                                                                               Chris Abell, past ESHA Executive Director                                                                                                       John “Muddy” Waters, retired, The Pike School                                                                                                 arvind grover, The Meadowbrook School                                                                                                         Mary Beth Noel, ESHA Executive Director                                                                                                     Abigail Wiebenson, Executive Coach                                                                                                             Brendan Largay, Belmont Day School