Leading in the Early Years

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
The Leading in the Early Years program creates a context where Heads can reflect, share, and candidly speak in a way that builds support, cohesion, and camaraderie. Leaders experience the most powerful learning when that learning is focused on the challenges and opportunities arising from their current roles. Join us to set a foundation that will serve your Headship and your stakeholders for years to come.

In this cohort experience, we will create a unique experience for Heads in years 1-3 at their current PAIS school, whether a seasoned or new Head. We will explore leadership keys such as:
 • Psychological Safety - the glue that underlies high performing teams
 • Pattern Identification - the secret to crystallizing strategy and leveraging time
 • Resonant Messaging, Systemic Feedback, Board Dynamics
And more!

There is also the opportunity for Heads to present a Case Study to this wise group of leaders.

PROGRAM DETAILS:
$1,100 per participant (discounts available for under-resourced schools)
Dates:
 • Thursday, September 25, 2025, 1:00-2:30pm
 • Friday, October 17, 2025, 1:00-2:30pm
 • Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 1:00-2:30pm
 • Wednesday, December 4, 2025, 3:00-5:00pm (in-person at Hershey Hotel; day prior to the PAIS Heads' Retreat)
 • Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 1:00-2:30pm
 • Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 1:00-2:30pm
 • Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 1:00-2:30pm

Sessions will be held virtually except for December 4. BONUS: A one-to-one strategy session with Dr. Ted Fish is included in the price.

TESTIMONIALS FROM PAST COHORT MEMBERS:
"Leading in the Early Years was a great way to connect with other heads of school and engage with insights Dr. Ted Fish provided. Every session was well structured and designed to maximize our time together. I found Ted uniquely positioned to take us down the road of both operations and strategy, both problems and solutions, both people and systems. In a word, I got a lot out of the program."

"I am beyond grateful that I had the opportunity to participate in the PAIS Leading in the Early Years program, led by Ted Fish. As a new head, it is often difficult to carve out time to focus on your own development or strategic matters that are essential for your school. I also learned so much from my peers at other institutions. I highly recommend this program for both the content and the comradery!"

MEET TED FISH:
Ted Fish, Leadership Consultant, Founder of Fish Leadership
Dr. Ted Fish has been immersed in the practice of leadership since he founded an elementary and middle school at the age of 25 in Santa Fe, NM. 

He now guides leaders at universities, startups, multinational corporations, k-12 schools and nonprofits across North America, Europe and the Middle East. What distinguishes his work is a seamless integration between strategy, culture and leadership – helping organizations achieve the highest results because of how they lead, support their people, and aspire to excellence.

In K-12 education, Dr. Fish consults widely with independent schools. For ten years, he served as the Executive Director of the Gardner Carney Leadership Institute (gcLi), a role from which he mentored hundreds of leaders from the most prestigious schools in North America. Now he works with programs from across the country, executive coaching Heads, strategically guiding Boards and leadership teams, and mobilizing comprehensive cultural initiatives.

Ted holds a Doctorate in the Department of Organizational Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University, an Executive MBA from the University of New Mexico and has completed additional coursework at Harvard Business School.

Registration is Open for the 2025-26 Cohort. Spaces are limited.