Independent Ideas Blog

Independent Ideas: The Independent School Magazine Blog delves into the current issues and trends that are shaping education today. It serves as a professional learning community, showcasing a variety of viewpoints and practical solutions.

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The Big Questions: Designing an Updated Educational Model and Student Experience

Jan 23, 2025 | nais.org | Will Richardson |Homa S. Tavangar

This article appeared as "Moment of Clarity" in the Winter 2025 issue of Independent School. “Trends are always forming, but it feels like there is something different about this particular moment in time,” said futurist Amy Webb during her most recent and much-anticipated talk at the 2024 South by Southwest (SXSW).
Experimenting with Boredom

Dec 9, 2024 | nais.org | Mike Chapman

Every Monday, my students have a weekly reading quiz. Students complete the quiz on paper, and it isn’t timed. Some students finish quickly while others take their time, but most of the class has 10 to 20 minutes to use as they please. There are three rules: no electronic devices, no talking, and no sleeping.
Leadership Lessons: Teacher Working Conditions Are Student Learning Conditions

Oct 10, 2024 | nais.org | Sarah Margaret Odell

This article appeared as "Cultivate With Care" in the Fall 2024 issue of Independent School. My longtime mentor, Rebecca Moore, an English teacher at Phillips Exeter Academy (NH), once told me that she wanted to spend the first half of her career taking care of students and the second half of her career taking care of adults.
The New Dynamics Between Parents and Schools

Sep 18, 2024 | nais.org | Debra Wilson

This article appeared as "Meeting the Parents" in the Fall 2024 issue of Independent School. I had an epiphany the other day when all three of our teen and young-adult kids were home, seated on the couch, each absorbed in their phones. It dawned on me that in that moment, as in so many, they were within my reach; I could see them, attest to their physical safety, check in on them, and yet, they were also beyond my reach, deep in their virtual worlds.
Dear New Head: Veteran Heads of School Share Advice, Wisdom, Insights

Jul 9, 2024 | nais.org | Debra Wilson

A little more than a week ago, nearly 200 brave souls officially began a new headship at an independent school––some of whom are first-time heads of school, joining these leadership ranks for the first time. I’m thrilled to offer a very warm welcome from NAIS, wishing brand-new heads and seasoned leaders transitioning headship alike success for the road ahead.
Why We Need to Expect More

Jun 25, 2024 | nais.org | Lisa Baker

Last June, just after my senior advisees graduated and headed out into their post-Milton lives, my mom died. She had weathered a long illness with more grace than I thought possible. A month later, still fumbling with the loss, I boarded a 50-foot sailboat off the coast of British Columbia to journey deep into the wildness of the Pacific Ocean. Out of sight of land and regular communication for weeks, I lived apart from the systems of work and family that typically claimed me.
Your Summer Reading List

Jun 18, 2024 | nais.org | Debra Wilson |Robert Sutton |Huggy Rao

Looking for just the right book for your summer reading list? NAIS President Debra Wilson shared these recommendations in her most recent edition of Head Space. Most of the titles are directly applicable to the work of educators and leaders, but some might enrich your life in different ways. Growing as People, Leaders, Teams, and School Communities Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things by Adam Grant Grant’s books always offer a healthy helping of insight.
Expanding the Pathways Beyond a Narrow Set of Top Colleges

Jun 12, 2024 | nais.org | Michael Horn

This article appeared as "A Matter of Course" in the Summer 2024 issue of Independent School. For years, many parents’ core reason for sending their children to independent schools has been to help them get into one of a select set of colleges and fulfill their potential. Many independent schools have, in turn, been happy to send the message—subtly or not—that they are the right place to help accomplish these goals.
In Practice: Building an Online School for Girls

May 10, 2024 | nais.org | Justin Curtis

This article appeared as "Making Virtual a Reality" in the Spring 2024 issue of Independent School. As the pandemic unfolded in 2020, The Bryn Mawr School (MD), like many other schools around the world, shifted to virtual classes. The challenges were undeniable. But our school community was engaged and open to doing things a little differently.
Workplace Trends: What Independent Schools Need to Know

Feb 27, 2024 | nais.org | Debra Wilson

This article appeared as "Ripple Effect" in the Spring 2024 issue of Independent School. Recently, I was talking with a colleague about our experiences as working parents. We both had children in the early 2000s and both found ourselves among the few leaders in our organizations with kids.