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The NAIS Member Voices podcast features stories from the thoughtful, hard-working individuals who make up the independent school community. You'll hear from faculty and staff at NAIS member schools about their roles, challenges, successes, inspiration sources, and more. Whether you are currently part of the NAIS community, considering joining, or simply interested in learning more about our industry, we hope you will listen and enjoy!

Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe to hear a new episode each month. 

Find the podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, TuneIn, Stitcher, and Google Play

Episode 1: Alex Brosowsky, Head of School, The Quaker School at Horsham

Alex Brosowsky, head of school at The Quaker School at Horsham (Pennsylvania), talks about running and marketing a small school, changes he’s noticed in independent schools over time, and the need to stop and take deep breaths.

Relevant Resources:

• "Young Brains, New Tricks: An Introduction and Guide to Teaching Executive Function"
  This webinar is accessible to NAIS members only. Scroll halfway down the page to find this webinar.
• "Mission Control: Launching Your Small School Marketing Strategy"
  Alex’s 2017 NAIS Annual Conference presentation may be purchased through the NAIS Virtual Pass.​

Episode 2: Ann Klotz, Headmistress, Laurel School

Ann Klotz, headmistress at Laurel School (Ohio) speaks with us about her theatrical background, women in independent schools, and daring to fail gloriously.

Relevant Resources:

• "Love the Words," from the Spring 2016 issue of Independent School magazine.
• "For the New Year, Nine Mantras and Mottoes," from Independent Ideas: The Independent School Magazine Blog.
• Learn more about Ann on her blog.

Episode 3: Ruth Glass, Head of School, Lake Tahoe School

Ruth Glass, head of school at Lake Tahoe School (Nevada) discusses the need for community, how she approaches meeting with parents, her proudest moments, and more.

Relevant Resource:

• NAIS Connect, an online community to share ideas and resources with peers. 

Episode 4: Crissy Caceres, Assistant Head of School, Georgetown Day School

Relevant Resources:

• 2017 NAIS People of Color Conference, Nov. 30-Dec. 2, in Anaheim, CA.
  Registration opens Sept. 5.
• Diversity Leadership Institute
  Follow along and be part of the DLI conversation on Twitter with #NAISDLI.
• The NAIS Knowledge Center provides diversity and inclusion resources, information, and best practices.
  Some articles may be accessible to NAIS members only.
• NAIS’s Assessment of Inclusivity and Multiculturalism provides schools with a deep understanding of the climate of inclusion on their campus.

Episode 5: Chaka Cummings, Middle School Director, Blake School

Relevant Resources:

• 2017 Student Diversity Leadership Conference, Nov. 30-Dec. 2, in Anaheim, CA.
  Registration opens Sept. 5.
• Connect with Chaka on Twitter (@chakacummings), LinkedIn, and through his blog.
• Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram to stay in touch with the NAIS community.

Episode 6: Stacy Routhier, Director of Marketing and Communications, Renbrook School

Relevant Resources:

• "The 10 Most Overused Words on Websites," from Independent Ideas: The Independent School Magazine Blog.
• "Mirrors vs. Windows: Transforming Mission into Brand Strategy," from Independent Ideas: The Independent School Magazine Blog. This is the first in a three-part series.
• Inspiration Lab allows you and your team to post stories of inspired learning at your school, then share them with your community via social media and email.
• The NAIS Handbook on Marketing Independent Schools explores tips for developing and executing a successful marketing program at your school.
• Display the NAIS logo on your website and marketing materials to show you are a part of our community.
  This page is accessible to NAIS members only.

Episode 7: Marja Brandon, Head of School, Woodland School

Marja Brandon, head of school at Woodland School (California), shares stories of her Quaker upbringing, growing up with learning differences, and the importance of a strong handshake.

Relevant Resources:

• The NAIS School Heads community allows heads of school to connect with peers to share ideas, find solutions, and expand their network.
  This specific group is open to heads of NAIS member schools only, but there are many other groups available for other roles. Please contact membership@nais.org if you have questions regarding this resource.
• The Spring 2017 issue of Independent School magazine, with the theme “The Innovation-Education Continuum.”
• Learn more about Marja on her blog.

Episode 8: Matthew Pearce, Executive Principal, Princeton International School for Mathematics and Science

Available: October 10

• Our Principles of Good Practice - Education of International Students in Independent Schools provides guidelines for the recruitment, residential life, education, and support of international students in independent schools.
• NAIS’s new, year-long webinar series Supporting Heads of School is exclusively for heads of school and examines all aspects of the top job at independent schools. Webinars are accessible to NAIS members only.
• Leadership Through Partnership, an NAIS workshop, is designed to enable effective, successful board and head relationships.

Questions? Comments? Stories you’d like to share on the podcast?

Please send thoughts and ideas to us at membership@nais.org.