Next Step Program

Knowing Self and Leading Strategy, Change, and People

Senior leadership positions in independent schools require a deep understanding of oneself and what it means to lead others. Leading in positions like Deputy Head and Head of School also requires a strategic lense to effectively lead in the present as well as looking outward to the future.

For further information see CAIS Leadership Institute FAQ’s or contact Catherine McCauley, Director of Professional Learning, at cmccauley@cais.ca.

Program Overview

The Next Step Program is a limited enrolment leadership development experience that involves two summer programs at the CAIS Leadership Institute.

The CAIS Next Step Program is designed for current School Leaders who aspire to be senior leaders or Heads of School. Successful applicants to the program will have completed at least three years in a school leadership role, have the support of their Head of School and have demonstrated a continuing commitment to professional learning. *Participants commit to attending two summer sessions, engaging in a supported Change Project and further exploring their growth in personal leadership dispositions and competencies throughout the school year in between.

KEY POINTS

Acceptance into the program requires support of the Head of School and the submission of an application package..
Participants commit to attend two CAIS Leadership Institutes and on-going engagement, including a school-based Change Project.

Next STEP PARTICIPANTS WILL:

Deepen awareness of themselves as leaders (including self-assessment of strengths and areas for growth), competencies and dispositions
Understand how to anticipate, identify and strategically manage risk
Explore why strategy in vital for schools and methods for setting strategic priorities and translating them into tactics
Learn approaches for leading change (identify organizational needs within their school and strategically lead a school-based Change Project)
Understand strategies for leading people and building a engaging school climate and culture
Understand how to lead whole school improvement

APPLICATION PROCESS

Acceptance into the Next Step program requires confirmation of at least three years in a school leadership role, support from the current Head of School, a demonstrated commitment to professional learning (i.e., completion of the CAIS Diploma in Independent School Leadership) and completion of the CAIS Human Resources LI module (this module can be completed during the program)
Applicants must provide a summary for a proposed Change Project that addresses a need in their school that is also supported by their Head of School
Priority is given to applications from CAIS member and candidate Schools
Participants commit to participating and paying fees for both summer 2023 and 2024
Space is limited.

Application

FacilitatorS

Val Cambre, President & CEO Teal & Co Inc.
Barry Wright, Dean, Goodman School of Business and Associate Professor of Organizational Behaviour, Brock University

Program Fees

Fees for 2023 applicants will be announced soon. For further information contact Catherine McCauley, Director of Professional Learning, at cmccauley@cais.ca.