New Heads of School Cohort: A Yearlong Program of Support, Strategy, and Connection
Funded by the E.E. Ford Foundation
Step Confidently Into Headship
Stepping into the Head of School role brings great opportunity—and real complexity. The ADVIS New Heads Cohort is a yearlong learning and support experience designed to help first-year heads navigate this pivotal transition with confidence.
Led by Alan Sparrow, a seasoned school leader and trusted mentor, the program blends strategic guidance with practical wisdom in a supportive, peer-driven environment.
Participants gain essential leadership tools, structured support, and a broader lens on shared challenges—all while building a trusted network of fellow new heads.
Why Participate?
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Grow Your Network
Build meaningful connections with fellow new heads across the ADVIS region—and beyond. -
Develop Core Skills
Strengthen your leadership in governance, finance, communication, and DEI. -
Learn in Real Time
Engage with timely, practical topics while navigating your first year in the role. -
Receive High-Value Support at No Cost
Thanks to the E.E. Ford Foundation, participation is free for ADVIS member school heads.
This program offers a rare opportunity for reflection, community, and professional growth—all at a critical moment in your leadership journey.
Monthly Online Meetings & Topics
Each session blends facilitated discussion, skill-building, and peer exchange. Participants will explore timely, relevant topics designed to support leadership development in real time.
September 17, 2025
Reflections on the first few months and a brief exercise on giving productive feedback
October 8, 2025
Developing a high-functioning Board of Trustees
November 5, 2025
Discussion of participant-driven issues and a short presentation
on Head of School evaluation
December 11, 2025
Joint Cohort Session: Independent School Finance 101
January 20, 2026
Planning for and having difficult conversations with positive outcomes (includes case studies and role play)
February 2026
Mid-year reflection and continued peer issue exploration
March 2026
Joint Cohort Session: Leading the Small School
April 2026
The Head’s Role in Advancing DEIJB in Independent Schools
Alan C. Sparrow is an accomplished independent school leader and leadership coach with over four decades of experience in education. He served as Head of School at Rowland Hall in Salt Lake City for nearly 30 years, where he led transformational growth—tripling enrollment of students of color, raising over $60 million in capital campaigns, and expanding the school’s footprint and reputation.
Prior to that, he held leadership roles at The Seven Hills School and The Harley School, contributing to enrollment growth, curricular innovation, and outdoor and experiential learning initiatives.
Since 2018, Alan has focused on leadership coaching and consulting, working with new heads of school and mid-level administrators through programs funded by the E.E. Ford Foundation. He is also a seasoned facilitator of board governance workshops and administrative evaluation systems.
A former president of the NWAIS board and chair of ten accreditation teams, Alan brings deep insight into effective school governance and culture.
He holds degrees from Brown University and the University of Rochester in psychology, history, and educational administration, and completed formal executive coach training through Coach U.
Alan is widely respected for his mentorship, institutional vision, and commitment to equity and student well-being.
Free for New Heads of ADVIS Member Schools
WHEN & WHERE
Monthly | September 2025 – April 2026PROGRAM FEES
New Heads of ADVIS Member Schools - FREE
Thanks to generous support from the the E.E. Ford Foundation.Act 48 Credits Available
• You may request credit up to 7 days after the event.
• Per the PA Department of Education,
ADVIS is required to report your successful completion
of Act 48 evaluation within 30 days of the event.
• Contact Candyce Wilson for more information.
ACCESSIBILITY
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. Please feel free to request an accommodation on the registration form.
For inquiries about accessibility, please contact Membership and Outreach Manager Candyce Wilson. At least two weeks' advance notice will help us to provide seamless access.
EVENT CONTACT
Dena Torino, Director of Programming