NAIS Institute on Intercultural Dialogue in Partnership with the Institute for Global Learning
About the Event
The Institute on Intercultural Dialogue, organized by NAIS in partnership with the Institute for Global Learning (formerly known as GEBG), focuses on how participants can utilize intercultural dialogue to engage their community and further their strategic goals, especially around contested issues or at times of division.
The Institute on Intercultural Dialogue is part of the Leading for Climate and Culture track of the NAIS Leadership Academy.
- Date / Time
- July 14-15, 2026
- Location
NAIS Headquarters (Washington, DC)
Program Overview
Intercultural dialogue is proven pedagogy that helps students and faculty listen with empathy and respectfully share an array of perspectives to build a more inclusive community that fosters engagement, belonging, and a shared purpose. Educators will explore model practices in dialogue developed over three years of practice and research with school leaders.
Participants in this institute will learn how to identify mission-aligned dialogue competencies that will work for your school’s unique context and culture, and design your own unique program to develop these skills in students and faculty. Participants will leave with specific tools and strategies to implement at their own school including facilitator training materials, dialogue structures for any topic, and a copy of the recent book Intercultural Dialogue: A Field Guide for Educators.
Teaching intercultural dialogue skills and facilitation can empower teachers and students to lead in the classroom and beyond, including in student leadership, advisory, and courses. Numerous specific school examples will be shared and will encompass various entry points, including schools with limited budgets or resources. Learn how to immediately use research-backed dialogue models as part of your strategy to navigate challenging topics, engage students with the world, and sustain a thriving school culture.
Topics Covered
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- What intercultural dialogue is.
- The skills and competencies that can be developed best using dialogue.
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- How dialogue can further your strategic goals and initiatives.
- Communications and developing buy-in across stakeholders.
- Scaling and assessing dialogue initiatives.
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- Model practices in dialogue design, implementation, and facilitation.
- Leading and facilitating intercultural dialogues using a structured methodology.
- Developing a pool of trained facilitators that includes students and faculty.
This institute is designed school leaders; educators working in student leadership and student life; social science, humanities, language, and science teachers; division leaders; global education leaders; and diversity leaders.
2026 Faculty
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Clare Sisisky
Executive DirectorInstitute for Global Learning -
Melissa Brown
Director of Professional Learning and Intercultural ProgramsInstitute for Global Learning
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![Testimonial]()
What Attendees Are Saying
I found the institute to be a wonderful way to learn more about intercultural dialogue, how it differs from other types of conversations, and the various ways it can be implemented in school communities. The skills we learned are vital in helping educators address local, national, and global challenges with students and help them prepare to interact with others in higher academic and professional settings moving forward.2025 Institute on Intercultural Dialogue Attendee -
![Testimonial]()
What Attendees Are Saying
It was a fabulous opportunity to learn, grow, and challenge myself. I am hopeful that I will have the opportunity to return next year and have already begun taking the tangible next steps we worked on to implement intercultural dialogue into our school community.2025 Institute on Intercultural Dialogue Attendee -
![Testimonial]()
What Attendees Are Saying
The Institute on Intercultural Dialogue was a valuable and powerful experience. I would highly recommend attending this or a similar institute with IGL and NAIS facilitators.2025 Institute on Intercultural Dialogue Attendee
Registration Information
Registration prices include two days of programming, with breakfast and lunch on both program days.
*We can accept up to four attendees per school. If schools are interested in sending more than four participants, please contact NAIS at institutes@nais.org.
*Contact us for more information about the benefits of NAIS membership, including discounted event pricing.
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Registration TypeMember Price*
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Early-Bird Pricing (Through 4/1/26)$1,050
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Standard Pricing (On or After 4/2/26)$1,200
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Registration TypeNonmember Price
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Early-Bird Pricing (Through 4/1/26)$1,325
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Standard Pricing (On or After 4/2/26)$1,525
Hotel Accommodations
NAIS has reserved a block of rooms at the discounted rate of $195/night (plus 15.95% tax) at the Hotel AKA Washington Circle (1 Washington Circle NW, Washington, DC, 20037). Registered attendees will receive an email in the coming weeks with a booking link. In the meantime, rooms may be reserved by phone at 202‑591‑1500; please reference the “NAIS‑IGL Institute on Intercultural Dialogue” room block. The program will take place at NAIS Headquarters, which is within walking distance from the hotel.
Schedule
The program will begin at 8:30 AM ET on July 14 and end at 4:00 PM ET on July 15. Watch for a more detailed schedule soon.
Contact Information and Cancellation Policy
Please contact institutes@nais.org or 202-973-9700 with any questions.
Cancellations must be received in writing at institutes@nais.org. Cancellations received up to 30 days (June 13, 2026) before the program's start date will be fully refunded, less a $75 administrative fee. Cancellations received fewer than 30 days prior to the program will not be refunded.