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New and Emerging Leaders Institute

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, choice experiential components, guided reflection, and networking, the program provides leadership training that immediately translates back to your school:
  • 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, meets together in person four times during the school year and twice virtually. Additionally, participants choose their own experiential learning path: a year-long mentorship with an established school leader from the TAIS network or a school visit series journeying across Tennessee.

“This program has provided the clarity, challenge, and insight I needed to confirm my desire to grow in Independent School leadership.”
— Gabrielle Capurso, Providence Christian Academy

“I believe it is the responsibility of school leaders to invest in the next generation of educators who will be leading our schools in the future.”
— Sean Corcoran, Head of School, Brainerd Baptist School

the experience

(All times are Central)

Applications for 2026-2027 are now open.

Late Summer, Virtual: Onboarding Zoom

Session One, In Person: Friday, September 18, 6:00-8:30 pm; Saturday, September 19, 8:30 am-2:30 pm

Mentorship or School Visit Series: Late September through Early May

Session Two, Virtual: Tuesday, October 20, 3:30-4:45 pm

Session Three, In Person: Saturday, November 21, 10:00 am-4:00 pm

Session Four, In Person: Friday, February 5, 6:00-8:30 pm; Saturday, February 6, 8:30 am-2:30 pm

Session Five, Virtual: Tuesday, March 2, 3:30-4:45 pm

Session Six: Saturday, April 24, 10:00 am-4:00 pm

Gather The most successful school leaders are equipped with proven best practices, local perspective, and a network of nationally-recognized experts with broad and forward-thinking perspectives. The NELI cohort gathers in person four times and virtually twice to learn what we need to know most from the experts who know it best.

Go Deep The most effective professional learning is sustained over a period of time, happens within a supportive community, and is rooted in personal experience. NELI cohort members select one of two pathways for pushing our learning beyond the session room: a year-long mentorship with an established school leader or a school visit series journeying across Tennessee.

Make Meaning NELI is more than a conference or course - it's a supportive and reflective professional community that comes to you and sticks with you. Throughout the NELI experience, cohort members engage in structured reflection and documentation that connects our learning to our lived experience and moves us forward with intention.

Brian Barnes, Professor of Special Topics in Educational Leadership, Vanderbilt University

Mark Cannon, Associate Professor of Leadership & Organizations, Vanderbilt University 

Susanne Carpenter, Principal and Founder, Carpenter Leadership Consulting

Carrie Grimes, Director of Independent School Leadership, Vanderbilt University

Jennifer Hillen, Chief Learning Officer, NBOA

Tom Hoerr, Emeritus Head of School, New City School in St. Louis

Jeremy Payne, Senior Lecturer, Department of Human and Organizational Development, Vanderbilt University

Andrew Podoll, Founder and Chief Experience Designer, Made in Motion

Matthew Shaw, Assistant Professor of Law, Vanderbilt Law School and Assistant Professor of Public Policy and Education, Department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations

Andy Van Schaack, Principal Senior Lecturer, Vanderbilt University 

Quinton Walker, Head of School, Urban School of San Francisco

André Withers, Partner, Educators Collaborative

Who is NELI most supportive of?

The NELI program 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 participation.

What is the time and travel commitment?

The NELI experience is thoughtfully designed with our cohort's already busy schedules in mind. With acceptance of a cohort seat, participants commit to attendance for four in-person cohort gatherings and two virtual cohort gatherings. Our in-person gatherings are held at Nashville-area Member Schools and Vanderbilt University. There is one single-day and one two-day gathering per semester. Beyond that, participants can choose the experiential layer that best works for them, which could be one virtual hour per month with a mentor or three day-long school visits (one each in Memphis, Nashville, and Chattanooga).

Do I get PD credit?

Yes! Credit is awarded based on attendance at the six cohort gatherings and according to participants' choice of mentorship or school visits.

Who serves as mentors?

All mentors are Heads or senior leaders at TAIS Member Schools and work at schools in all areas of the state.

What schools would I get to visit?

Host schools vary by year; however, we always offer a variety of missions, models, and TN regions.

How do I apply?

Carefully review the program year's calendar to ensure you can attend all sessions. Discuss participation with your Head of School, and ask permission to participate. Pass along the HOS Recommendation Form and complete your online application form. Your application is not complete until both are submitted.

What does a Head of School need to know?

There are limited openings in the Institute, and schools can have up to two people participate each year. The cost is $1,950 per person. Heads should discuss participation with interested faculty, review the dates of required attendance, and give permission to participate. Interested faculty complete the online application form, and Heads complete the Head of School Recommendation. The application is not complete until both are submitted.

How can I find out more?

Email Sarah for more in-depth details about NELI. We can also connect you to a NELI graduate who can share first-hand details about the experience.

NELI27 Applicant Form

Head of School Nomination Form

the gain

“As I came to a crossroads in my journey in private education, NELI provided a wealth of knowledge as I considered advancing into an administrative role. It strengthened essential skills and gave me a support system of educators to lean on.”
— Bill Greene, NELI Participant, The Bright School

“The NELI program opened my eyes to the many different types of leadership roles within schools.”
— Jesse Robinson, NELI Participant, Brainerd Baptist School

“The curriculum covers a wide range of topics relevant to educational leadership, all grounded in what it means to be successful in an independent school.”
— Amanda Asbell, NELI Participant, St. George’s Independent School

“Participating in NELI allowed me to expand beyond the gates of my campus and learn from leaders across a wide variety of independent school settings. Every time we gathered, I was challenged to reflect on my beliefs about what it means to be a leader in today’s educational environment.”
— Jeremy Womack, NELI Participant, Boyd Buchanan School

“I loved collaborating with leaders who navigate the same challenges in their schools.”
— Margaret Richards, NELI Participant, St. Bernard Academy

“The NELI experience expands the capacity and thinking of participants.”
— Kristen Ring, Head of School, Hutchison School
“The program helps our teachers return with a fuller appreciation of the many hats a school leader must wear. Having more people who understand the larger picture strengthens our faculty and our program.” — Jess Hill, Head of School, Harpeth Hall
  “NELI provides access to a network of educational leaders, both within the program and beyond.”
— Amanda Asbell, NELI Participant, St. George’s Independent School
“The cohort model creates a beautiful opportunity to not only network, but build lasting friendships with dedicated professionals. Learning from Vanderbilt faculty, engaging in thoughtful reflection, and participating in the mentor experience were invaluable.”
— Gabrielle Capurso, NELI Participant, Providence Christian Academy
“I’ve made ‘teacher friends’ across the state—building connections for personal growth and professional sharing.”
— Michelle Nelson, NELI Participant, Franklin Road Academy
“I still lean on my cohort for professional questions and networks.”
— Julie Fortune, NELI Participant, Akiva School
“The mentor program profoundly impacted me. Spending a day discussing leadership in various positions offered rich insight into different roles.”
— Cindy Thornton, NELI Participant, Franklin Road Academy
"I believe all independent schools benefit when a larger number of faculty and staff think institutionally. I have been impressed with how the NELI experience expands the capacity and thinking of participants. Growing leaders is critical, and this program meets an important need for TAIS schools."
— Kristen Ring, Head of School, Hutchison School
“The NELI program provides a practical and affordable way for schools to invest in faculty through the incredible resources of TAIS. We have seen teachers gain a stronger understanding of independent school leadership as they move into administrative roles.”
— Sean Corcoran, Head of School, Brainerd Baptist School
“It has been the best professional development I have ever had.”
— Michelle Nelson, NELI Participant, Franklin Road Academy
Leadership growth is personal. Institutional strength is strategic. With the New and Emerging Leaders Institute, we're cultivating both.