Workshop Submission Guidelines and Tips

We’re looking for forward-thinking independent school leaders to shape the experience of next year's NAIS annual conference.

Do you have research, strategies, or stories that can spark insight, conversation, or change? Now’s your chance to share them on a national stage by submitting a proposal for Thrive 2027. 

Proposal submissions are now open for Thrive 2027! Click here to submit your proposal. The deadline is May 15, 2026.

Reasons to Present at Thrive

Submission Types

Thrive offers two types of workshops. Each individual may submit up to three proposals for each presentation type. Check out the submission requirements below.

• Three-Hour Workshops: Three-hour workshops allow participants to investigate a topic with sufficient time to explore research and data, share resources, and use interactive activities to support the learning. Three-hour presenters are expected to have facilitation experience and will be asked to provide a tentative agenda for how they will spend their time. Three-hour workshops will take place on Wednesday afternoon, March 3. They require registration and an extra fee to attend. Presenters should design highly interactive workshops, providing notable takeaways and resources for attendees.

  • 2027 Three-Hour Workshop Submission Requirements (view the 2026 Three-Hour Workshop listings for reference)

• General Workshops: These 60-minute workshops occur during time blocks throughout the conference (March 3 - 5) and are open to all attendees. 

  • 2027 General Workshop Submission Requirements (view the 2026 General Workshop listings for reference)

• Skills Studio Sessions: This dynamic workshop space, located in The Quad, is where creativity meets skill development! Participants immerse themselves in hands-on activities designed to enhance their abilities in a specific area. Whether it's coding, crafting, interview techniques, résumé building, or more, presenters provide personalized guidance to help attendees master new techniques and refine their talents. 

  • 2027 Skills Studio Submission Requirements (view the 2026 Skills Studio listings for reference)

Workshop Tracks

• School Climate & Culture: Build belonging and well-being through inclusive practices, mental health initiatives, and strong school culture. 
• Governance: Strengthen board leadership and strategy for trustees and heads. 
• Leadership: Develop your leadership at every level—from heads to teacher-leaders. 
• School Operations: Improve communications, finance, advancement, HR, and facilities management. 
• Strategy & Innovation: Explore new models and bold ideas moving schools forward. 
• Teaching & Learning: Lead for engagement, neurodiversity, and the future of education. 
• AI for Learning & Leading: Examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping education, from classroom applications to strategic decision-making and school leadership.

Make Your Proposal Stand Out

• Pick a timely, relevant, thought-provoking topic that genuinely interests you. What challenges and successes are you witnessing on school campuses, and how can those lessons be applied more broadly?
• Ensure that your session content closely aligns with your selected track and topic tag. 
• Your title and description should be clear and captivating. A good title will invite attendees to join by making the topic and coverage distinct and engaging. Make sure that your description supports the title.
• Do you know a lot about a topic? Prove it! Let us know what research, case studies, examples, and even anecdotes support your expertise.
• Proofread and edit what you’ve submitted so reviewers know you’ve taken time on your submission.

How Proposals Are Reviewed

Workshop proposals should be timely, carefully considered and prepared, interactive, and include resources, takeaways, and action points. Reviewers will consider the following criteria when evaluating proposals:

Thrive Workshop Review Scoring Rubric:

• Relevance: Rate the timeliness of the subject matter. The proposed session should explore critical and/or urgent needs, challenges, and opportunities in independent schools or the broader education landscape.
• Clarity: Rate the clarity of the session description, audience, and objectives. Consider whether the categories selected (tracks, levels, etc.) reflect the actual content of the session.
• Impact and applicability: Rate the impact this session could provide through concrete takeaways, inspirational stories, data, and research, or short-term or long-term practical applications. 
• Uniqueness: Rate how distinct this session is in either subject matter or approach. 
• Community: Rate how effectively you think this workshop will deliver inspiration and joy to foster a thriving community of practice.
• Audience experience: Rate how the presenter(s) demonstrate a commitment to using best-practice teaching skills during their session through interactivity, technology, etc.  
• Overall rating: Rate an overall impression. 

FAQs

What information do I need to submit a proposal?

See the requirements at the top of this page to help prepare your submission. If applicable, collect co-presenter information before starting the submission process.

What is the submission and review process?

The submission period is open until May 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM PT. A team of reviewers will review and assess all proposals using the scoring rubric above. Final decisions will be announced in fall 2026.

Who can submit a proposal?

Individuals at NAIS member schools and state and regional association member schools are encouraged to submit workshop proposals. Submissions from those not affiliated with a school (member or nonmember) are highly encouraged to pair with an NAIS member school for consideration. You do not need to be from an NAIS member school to submit. If selected, solicitation or promotion of services during your workshop presentation is strictly prohibited.

When will I know if I’ve been accepted?

The primary contact on the submission will receive an email in fall 2026.