Setting the PAIS

Quentin McDowell, a self-described 'coach leader' who tells the students at Mercersburg Academy that he loves them, speaks in a tone that forces you to lean in, and is as likely to apologize sincerely to a 3rd grader as he is a colleague, is a head of school built for the moment. This moment.'I work with adults all day long. I like to be with the kids.' Quentin embodies the joy that is all too oft...

Our newest PAIS Setter comes to us amidst waves and wind in the Flagship City. Don Fuller, head of school at Erie Day School, is a leader with perspective. 'Without the teachers, I'm nothing,' he says, after talking to Liz about his commitment to teamwork and growth. That perspective has served him well in his first year as an independent school head. He's building credibility and...

We continue our PAIS Setter series with Jon Strecker, head of school of The Valley School of Ligonier, and someone who epitomizes the idea of 'child at heart'. With an envious perspective on living ('It's that song, 'Live Like You Were Dying.' That's exactly how I live my life.') and a childlike sense of 'yes, and...' Jon is uniquely positioned to combat the...

We give you the first proper episode of Setting the PAIS (of course the staff episode is proper, but you get it...) We start with the oldest Quaker School in the world. The William Penn Charter School is a forward-thinking, successful blend of history and modernity. New buildings supported by wooden bricks. Leadership trends that look significantly different from the early days. Updated traditions...

Welcome to Setting the PAIS! In this inaugural episode, we thought it would make sense to take a peek behind the PAIS curtain and meet the staff that makes this whole thing go. Liz Hofreuter, the new executive director of the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools, steps out with the staff to learn more about them in real time. They talk about professional histories, family life, and even...

It's a new day at the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools, and we're here to tell the stories! Join Liz Hofreuter, director of PAIS, in Setting the PAIS, a new series highlighting the leaders of independent education, from school heads to school kids and everyone in between, as they navigate the many peaks and valleys of school. Setting the PAIS drops twice monthly, anywhere yo...