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TAIS New & Emerging Leaders Institute

A TAIS Signature Program developing the next generation of network leaders
$1,950 per person
Applications for 2025-2026 are now closed. Check back with us in February 2026 for the 2026-2027 applications.
Our eight-month cohort-based program is designed to develop personal, interpersonal, institutional, and market lenses for new and potential leaders among our membership. Comprised of interactive workshops and keynote sessions, virtual check-ins, shadow visits, and networking, the program provides leadership training that immediately translates back to your school. Major topics include:
  • Leadership Styles, Skills, and Competencies;
  • Coaching, Communication, and Collaboration;
  • Systems Thinking and Decision-Making;
  • Intercultural Competence;
  • Independent School Finance, Governance, and Stakeholder Engagement;
  • Legal Issues in Independent Schools;
  • And Current Challenges and Opportunities Specific to Independent Schools.

An intentionally small cohort, nominated by their Heads of School, will meet together in person four times during the school year and twice virtually. Additionally, participants will work on their own and with a mentor as they complete the two modules related to a shadowing experience. Those in the cohort must be able to attend all 2025-2026 NELI Dates outlined below.

 Dates for 2025-2026
(All times are Central)
Ongoing Summer/Fall, Virtual: Individual Check In with Program Directors
Session One, In Person: September 12, 6:00-9:00 pm
                        September 13, 8:15 am-2:30 pm
Session Two, Virtual: October 21, 3:30-4:45 pm
Session Three, In Person: November 14, 6:30-8:30 pm
                           November 15, 8:15 am-2:30 pm

Session Four, In Person: January 31, 10:00 am-4:15 pm

Ongoing Winter/Spring, In Person: School Shadow Visit by End of March
Ongoing Spring, Virtual: Individual Check In with Program Directors
Session Five, Virtual: March 3, 3:30-4:45 pm
Session Six: April 25, 1:30 - 6:00 pm

NELI 2025-2026 Applicant Form
Head of School Nomination Form

 

RECENT FACULTY    |    PARTICIPANT TESTIMONIALS    |    HOS TESTIMONIALS

FAQs

Who should consider participation in NELI?

The NELI curriculum is particularly geared at equipping early career and aspiring administrators from any aspect of independent school life, especially including teachers, Department Chairs, Division Heads, and Assistant Heads of School.

Is there an experience requirement for applicants?

A minimum of five years of experience as a teacher or administrator in an independent school is required for NELI participation.

Who can register for the Institute?   

Heads of School can select up to two people from their school to attend. There are limited openings in the Institute, and they will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The Head of School should give permission to participate and complete the Head of School Recommendation form. The applicant should complete the online application form.

Mentors   
All mentors are Heads at TAIS member schools and work at schools in all areas of the state.  Each member of the cohort will have a mentor, and mentors will have one or two mentees. 

Want More Information?
Feel free to email Sarah for more in-depth details about NELI. TAIS can also connect you to a NELI graduate who can share first-hand details about the experience.