2026 East Coast New Heads of School Cohort: A Yearlong Program of Support, Strategy & Connection
August 2026 – April 2027
Funded by the E.E. Ford Foundation
Join Us Virtually
Step Confidently Into Headship
Stepping into the Head of School role brings both immense opportunity and complex challenges. The East Coast New Heads Cohort is a yearlong professional learning and support experience designed to help first-year heads build confidence, develop core leadership skills, and connect with a trusted network of peers.
Thanks to generous support from the E.E. Ford Foundation, this program is completely free for new heads of ADVIS and other partnering associations, AISGW, AIMS, NCIS, and PAIS. Led by Alan Sparrow, a seasoned school leader and trusted mentor, participants will engage in monthly virtual sessions from August through April, as well as two joint meetings with peer cohorts from other regional associations—providing a broader network and wider lens on shared leadership challenges.
Why Participate?
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Grow Your Network
Build meaningful connections with fellow new heads from ADVIS, AISGW, AIMS, NCIS, and PAIS. -
Develop Core Skills
Strengthen your leadership in governance, finance, communication, and DEI. -
Learn in Real Time
Engage with timely, practical topics alongside fellow new heads who are navigating the same first-year experiences together. -
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.
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
TOPIC
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
TOPIC
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Developing a high-functioning Board of Trustees
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Discussion of participant-driven issues and a short presentation on Head of School evaluation
Wednesday, December 9, 2026
Joint Cohort Session: Independent School Finance 101
Wednesday, January 13, 2027
Planning for and having difficult conversations with positive outcomes (includes case studies and role play)
Wednesday, February 17, 2027
Mid-year reflection and continued peer issue exploration
Wednesday, March 17, 2027
Joint Cohort Session: Leading the Small School
Wednesday, April 14, 2027
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 | August 2026 – April 2027PROGRAM 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 Mandie Curtis Banks (mbanks@advis.org) for more information.
ACCOMMODATIONS
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 accommodations, please contact Mandie Curtis Banks (mbanks@advis.org). At least two weeks' advance notice will help us to provide seamless access.
EVENT CONTACT
Dena Torino, Director of Programming