If you asked Susan Bearden, Director of IT at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy in Melbourne, FL, in 2009 what she thought of social media, especially its use by teachers or in schools, her thoughts were stern and forbidding. The open and unpredictable nature of social media ran counter to the very principles of best IT practice. How could you maintain privacy and security in a public and unsecure environment? Meanwhile, there were countless examples of misuse that negatively impacted individuals or schools. Why risk it?
However in 2010, she changed her stance. "I was blown away by the things [I saw] they were doing at the school, even though they didn't have a tech-rich environment in terms of computers," Bearden said. "They were teaching students how to blog and comment appropriately on social media, and using it to fuel discussions, and using Skype to communicate with other classes around the world. It was incredible to watch." >>Read more HERE
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The Doodle Revolution
by Donna Siebenthaler, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Trinity Presbyterian School
I was not a doodler until I read The Doodle Revolution by Sunni Brown. Since reading this book, I have dipped my big toe into the vast pool of doodling and infodoodling and I am slowly becoming accustomed to the feel of the water.
Brown's book, as the title implies, is a manifesto about the lack of visual literacy in our culture and why we can't afford not to address this problem. Unlike many manifestos, however, the author provides the research to back up her claims and a step-by-step process to follow to work towards a solution. While the book is written in breezy, amusing prose, do not let that fool you: Brown means business. >>Read more HERE
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New Teachers Shine at SAIS Institute
 In 2008, Luther Mercer was introduced to St. George's Independent School in Collierville, TN, through one of the school's supporters. He saw working in education as an opportunity to give back, and wanted to help the school grow its global education program. As he had little experience in the K-12 independent school environment, he decided to attend the SAIS Institute for New Teachers. During the three-day workshop he participated in seminars and instruction on navigating the independent school environment, plus practical tips such as developing a teaching style and a classroom management strategy. "The workshop was very helpful to me. I had an incredible experience working with the instructors and the other teachers," said Mercer. "The seminars and exercises were practical and applicable, and I walked away more confident in my abilities, and with a new network of colleagues." Mercer returned to St. George's refreshed. He excelled, teaching world history and advancing the school's global education program. He also helped the school secure a $50,000 grant from the Edward E. Ford Foundation, which supported the creation of the Institute for Citizenship, a one-year global education program for juniors and seniors, which Mercer now directs. >>Register your new teachers for the 2014 institute HERE |
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Durham Academy Head of School Michael Ulku-Steiner and Assistant Head of School/Upper School Director Lee Hark announced via rap that school would be closed on February 13. This video went viral and has more than 4,000,000 views. >>Watch the video HERE
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Heads Leadership Retreat, April 6-7
- Begins at 2pm on Sunday, April 6
- Adjourns at 12:30 pm on Monday, April 7
- Featuring Ian Symmonds
- Charleston, SC
- Sessions include: Exploring Leadership, State of the Industry in Independent School Leadership, Creating Sustainable Leadership, and Moving from Theory to Practice
>>Register HERE
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Visit SAIStv for interviews with school leaders, recaps of conference speakers, and previews of upcoming events: www.sais.org/tv
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2014 SAIS CALENDAR
of EVENTS
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Feb 26-28 - NEXT WEEK!
SAIS @ NAIS
Orlando, FL
Stop by the SAIS booth (#111) in the exhibit hall and/or our reception from 6-8 PM on Thurs, Feb 27, in Swan 5. RSVP below.
March 27-28 - ONE MONTH AWAY!
Finance Institute
Atlanta, GA
For heads & administrators who don't have a background in business or finance - learn to speak your CFO's language! Facilitated by Barb Egan and Marifred Cilella.
April 6-7 - registration open!
Heads Leadership Retreat
Francis Marion Hotel - Charleston
Growing Leaders in Your School
featuring Ian Symmonds
June 15-17 - registration open!
Institute for Senior Administrators
Emory Conference Center - Atlanta
featuring Keith Evans & David Mahler
June 18-20 - registration open!
Administrative Leadership Institute
Emory Conference Center - Atlanta
featuring Rob Evans & Michael Thompson
June 24-27 - registration open!
Institute for Heads
Grove Park Inn - Asheville, NC
featuring Rob Evans & Michael Thompson
June 29-July 2 - registration open!
Institute for New Heads
Atlanta, GA
featuring Jack Hall (Walker School), Billy Peebles (The Lovett School) & Scott Wilson (Baylor School)
Institute for New Teachers
July 22-24 | Memphis
July 28-30 | Atlanta
October 18-20Annual Conference
Atlanta, GA - Crowne Plaza Ravinia
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Dr. David Fincher, President of Greater Atlanta Christian School in Atlanta, GA, reflects on the many people who showed acts of heroism in Atlanta during Snow Jam 2014.
Derrick Willard, Assistant Head of Academic Affairs at Providence Day School in Charlotte, NC, discusses how the design of a classroom can impact student learning.
Scott Phillipps, Head of Houston Academy in Dothan, AL, discusses the many merits of advanced placement courses in his students' academic development.
William Taylor, Head of St. George's Independent School in Germantown, TN, discusses how educators can teach students to be wise.
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