The ISM Members-Only Podcast

Summer Program Risk Management 101

A quality summer program has many benefits: it's a valued service to current parents, provides new recruitment opportunities, is a chance to consider innovative academic programs, and more. But teachers who often lead summer programs, may not be familiar with the potential risks involved. Without awareness and knowledge, your school community could face legal challenges and liability claims.
In this episode, ISM Consultant Andrew Taylor will discuss what Summer Program Directors must know about safeguarding their school, faculty, and students from risk—from best hiring practices to vetting third-party vendors, and proper program management. Start your summer program armed with the assurance you’re prepared for the unexpected.

Sustainable and Rewarding School Headship: Building Your Leadership Team

One of the primary components of successful independent school headship is building an effective Leadership Team.
In this episode, Scott Wilson—ISM Consultant, Platinum Executive Coach, and long-time School Head—will explore the importance, the realities (challenges), and the nuances of developing a strong Leadership Team. Regardless of school size, mission, and profile, leaders must nurture and inspire the members of their administrative staff, both as individual professionals and as a cohesive and aligned team.

The End of the State of Emergency for COVID-19: What Does it Mean for Schools?

The U.S. national emergency declaration to the COVID-19 pandemic is set to expire on May 11, 2023. The emergency declaration, along with separate public health and state declarations, has been in place since early 2020.Schools take various actions every day to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, including the virus that causes COVID-19. But now that the public health emergency is ending, should your school remain cognizant of infectious disease prevention? And, if so, how do you do this? Join this episode to learn strategies that should be in place at every school.

So You’ve Landed an Administrative Position—Now What?

As you end this school year and anticipate starting the next in a new administrative position, you may feel overwhelmed—how will you effectively serve as a liaison between your Leadership Team and teachers? If you’re a teacher, how will you balance your classes with these added responsibilities?
Join Shannan Schuster, ISM Consultant and Platinum Executive Coach, to discover what to consider now so you can enter your new role with confidence. Explore strategies for exercising leadership, communicating openly, and supporting your colleagues to deliver your school’s mission with excellence.

Harness the Power of Parent Volunteers to Enhance Your Development Efforts

Parents are central to daily life in schools—from spreading positive word-of-mouth in your community, to donating to the Annual Fund, to volunteering throughout your campus. You rely on parents to lift up your school in many ways. It’s essential, therefore that when you create development parent programs, you also establish a culture of support and partnership in service of your school’s mission.
In this episode, Penny Abrahams, ISM Senior Consultant and Advancement Department Head, will discuss recommended strategies for building capacity in your development and fundraising efforts through a mission-aligned parent volunteer program. Discover how to build a program that is both effective and sensitive to the realities of today’s busy families.

30/60/90: Help Your School’s Wellness Program Reach Crucial Milestones Inbox

Now that you’ve decided to implement a wellness program at your school, it’s crucial to make sure you put it on the path to success. In this episode, you’ll learn how to define program goals, recruit a wellness team, and overcome potential barriers.We’ll provide three steps to get you started establishing important milestones of days 30, 60, and 90, allowing you to enter the summer with a clear vision of your wellness program’s direction for next fall.

The New Admission Director: Learn Key Elements to Succeed

When it comes to private school admission, your recruitment and re-recruitment efforts are paramount to your school’s long-term viability. Thinking strategically about your school’s opportunities and challenges is a must for Admission Directors.In this episode, Mary Yorke Oates, IAP-L (ISM Summer Institute Faculty Member and Director of Admissions at Charlotte Latin School, North Carolina) will present a big-picture view of how to build an effective team and develop a meaningful marketing strategy.

Evaluate Your School’s Ability to Support Student Well-Being

Nationally, the percentage of students experiencing significant mental health issues—including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation and attempts—is concerningly high, and increasing. ISM’s recently published research revealed that, during the disruptive phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, student distress increased and student life satisfaction decreased. We also found an alarming lack of student engagement and belonging among students in grades 7–12.
What can schools do about these findings? Although many factors outside a school’s control influence mental health, students’ experiences at school significantly affect their well-being. In this webinar, Bryan Smyth, ISM Senior Consultant and Director of Research, will discuss how to foster an environment that supports student well-being and supplies the resources necessary to help when a crisis arises.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing a Community Wellness Program at Your School

Wellness programs have been shown to improve employee retention, productivity, and health for your entire school community—including students, faculty, and staff. However, starting such an important initiative can be a daunting task.In this episode, you’ll receive a step-by-step guide to building, implementing, and maintaining a community wellness program in your school to improve everyone’s health and morale. And if your school already has a wellness program, discover strategies for expanding its offerings.

Independent Schools and Faculty Compensation—Change Is Coming!

As we recover from the pandemic and as the teacher crisis develops, schools must thoroughly understand the upcoming changes and plan operational adjustments now.
Terry Moore (ISM Executive Consultant and Governance and Finance Department Head) will explore how the changing human resources laws may affect faculty compensation. You will learn why merit pay has not worked in independent schools; discuss ISM’s latest compensation system recommendations to support a faculty growth mindset; and discover a nonnegotiable element every school must include in their strategic plan.