TAIS FieldNotes

Where practice meets perspective

FieldNotes is a school visit series designed to help educators strategically leverage TAIS Membership to build professional connections, foster curiosity, and celebrate best practices across our network. Through a series of three cohort-based campus visits and shared reflection, FieldNotes invites participants to learn with and from peer schools—exploring how mission, model, and context shape teaching, learning, and leadership across the Tennessee Association of Independent Schools.

Program Highlights

Cohort-Based: Small groups of 8–10 educators each, designed for connection and ongoing dialogue.

Extended Experience: Three school visits spaced across the year: October, January, and April.

Varied Perspectives: Each cohort visits TAIS Member Schools with distinct missions, models, and communities.

Empathy-Driven Start: Begin with an optional “Shadow a Student” experience at your own school.

Shared Culmination: Final visits and reflection lunch in Memphis, hosted by TAIS.

Accessible Cost: $150/person. Host schools receive a discounted rate.

FAQ

Why join FieldNotes?

To see school with fresh eyes.
FieldNotes is not about evaluating—it’s about exchanging. Each visit offers a lens into another community’s campus, content, and culture, helping you reflect more clearly on your own.

Participants gain:

A broadened view of what’s possible in independent schools—uniquely rooted in the shared realities of our region, our roles, and our association.
Deepened connections with peers across Tennessee.
Actionable ideas and fresh questions to bring back to your team.

Where will you go?

FieldNotes is designed to take participants on a journey across the state and into schools that reflect a variety of missions and models for independent education. Participants for 25-26 FieldNotes will visit three of the following: University School of Nashville, St. Andrew's-Sewanee, Currey Ingram Academy, Baylor School, Presbyterian Day School, Harpeth Hall, Collegiate School of Memphis, Christ Methodist Day School, and McCallie School.

Who should participate?

FieldNotes is ideal for educators and leaders at any level—teachers, division heads, instructional leaders, or cross-functional staff—who are curious about how different schools bring mission to life.

Each cohort will reflect a range of voices and roles while best accommodating registrants' travel and school context preferences.

Who should I talk to about hosting or registering a team?

We'd love to connect. Contact Kara Vaughn, Associate Director for Professional Learning, at kara@taistn.com.