NJAIS PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
ON-DEMAND ONLINE COURSES
NJAIS now offers on-demand online courses to provide anytime, anywhere access.
CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS
Explore our offerings below. Click the image thumbnails or linked text for more information.
.png)
Catholic Schools Summit
Virtual: November 10 to January 26
PLUS: In-Person Capstone for NJAIS Member Schools on February 28 at Trinity Hall School
Catholic independent schools across the country—and certainly in New Jersey—stand at a crossroads. As many religious orders transition from direct school governance to sponsorship and oversight models led by lay leadership, the future of Catholic education demands both vision and structure. This pivotal moment calls for expertise, clarity, and collaboration. We envision this Summit as an annual gathering for the next several years, as we convene schools to help them think through and frame their solutions for a sustainable future.
.png)
NJAIS Trustee Enrichment Day
January 25, 2026
Join NJAIS for a comprehensive in-person professional learning experience designed for Board of Trustee members, heads of school and senior administrators. This full-day conference addresses the most pressing challenges facing independent schools today through three focused learning tracks and essential governance sessions. Whether you're a new trustee or experienced board member, this enrichment day provides practical tools, strategic insights, and networking opportunities to strengthen your governance effectiveness and support your school's mission in an evolving educational landscape.
Institute for Emerging Leaders
October 15 - April 22, 2026
This program is intended for educators who have not yet held a supervisory role, but are interested in exploring pathways to leadership. Participants in the NJAIS Institute for Emerging Leaders will engage in five comprehensive sessions designed to deepen their understanding of educational leadership, strengthen their management capabilities, and expand their awareness of the evolving opportunities within independent education during this transformative period.
Registration is closed; cohort is filled to capacity.
Watch for application opportunities in the spring of 2026.
.png)
Small Schools, Big Ideas: A Professional Learning Series
October 15 - February 25
Small schools face unique opportunities and challenges that require creative solutions, innovative thinking, and collaborative approaches. That's why we're excited to launch this specialized series designed specifically for our community of small schools.This four-part series brings together personnel from small schools to share practical strategies, foster peer connections, and explore how smaller communities can thrive through creative solutions and collaborative approaches. The four virtual one-hour sessions (4:00 p.m.) include:
- October 15 - "'Small Shop' Approaches to Talent and Structures"
- November 20 - "Doing Without _____(fill-in-the-blank): Share Your Hacks!"
- January 15 - "Feeling Safe in Small Schools Today"
- February 25 - "Living the Mission: Aligning Culture, Communication, and Community"
_(3).png)
FLOURISHING: Creating Wellbeing and Purpose in Independent Schools
February 2, 2026 I The Lawrenceville School
This transformative experience brings together K–12 independent school educators to examine the vital connections between student resilience, educator wellbeing, and family partnerships. Participants will discover how schools can address stress through evidence-based practices, compassionate leadership, and intentional systems design.
Through dynamic keynotes, hands-on workshops, and meaningful networking opportunities, educators will develop actionable strategies for building calm, connected, and resilient school communities. Whether you're addressing classroom dynamics, supporting concerned families, or managing your own professional sustainability, this summit provides the tools and insights needed to foster wellness throughout your entire school ecosystem.
_(1).png)
.png)
MOTIVATION MATTERS: Igniting Purpose, Passion, and Persistence in Teaching
January - February 2026
Ready to rediscover what makes teaching extraordinary? This energizing series invites K–12 educators on a journey into the heart of motivation—exploring what truly ignites powerful learning and sustains passionate teaching. Together, we'll dive into the forces that matter most: curiosity and awe, psychological safety, student self-efficacy, teacher enthusiasm, and the transformative power of whole-school culture.
Each session blends research-backed strategies with space for authentic reflection, offering grade-level-specific insights that you can bring directly into your classroom. Whether you're looking to rekindle your sense of purpose, deepen student engagement, or build momentum that lasts all year long, this series will equip and inspire you.
.jpg)
Join NJAIS for the 2026 Advancement Summit: Advancing Together—Strategy, Storytelling, and Stewardship, a one-day gathering of advancement professionals and industry experts dedicated to strengthening philanthropy, engagement, and mission across independent schools.
Designed for advancement directors, development officers, alumni/ae relations professionals, and others in the advancement field, this interactive day features multiple breakout sessions offering actionable tools, innovative strategies, and peer-to-peer collaboration.
Topics include major and planned giving, alumni/ae engagement, data-driven fundraising, stewardship at scale, and leading advancement teams through change. You’ll leave inspired, connected, and ready to advance your school’s mission with renewed purpose.