Developing Faculty Leadership at Independent Schools

Strong leaders are a crucial part of independent schools’ success. They are key to navigating their increasing complexity, remaining sustainable and adapting into the future. The Independent School Executive Forum‘s study on Developing Communities of Academic Leaders is the third piece of our work on the topic of talent management and enables schools to continue to build an effective talent management system. This study will help independent schools prepare a community of individuals that will lead schools in the future, as well as professionalize the career experience for all faculty to provide the leadership opportunities they desire.

Watch this video for an overview of key themes from EAB’s study on Developing Communities of Academic Leaders.

The study shares nine practices, across three areas, to help independent schools improve the career growth and leadership skills of faculty.

1. 1

   Create faculty career ladders inside and outside of the classroom

   1. Dual-track faculty career ladders: Classroom career ladder compensation models and administrative career ladder role creation

   2. Career pathing conversation guidelines

   3. Job description-based goal setting

2. 2

   Redesign department chair role to prepare individuals as academic leaders

   4. Department chair role redesign

   5. Formal chair application process

   6. Initial and ongoing chair training program

   7. Chair-specific evaluations

3. 3

   Effectively prepare and develop a community of leaders

   8. Goal setting and sharing for external leadership development

   9. School-wide leadership development

If you are interested in learning more, or to access the complete study, please reach out to your dedicated advisor.