2026 Institute for Administrative Assistants

In independent schools, much of the visible leadership happens from the front of the room. But just behind every successful head of school or principal is a trusted assistant or operational partner ensuring the mission moves forward with excellence and grace. This session explores the often-overlooked role of executive and administrative assistants—not just as support staff, but as culture carriers, project managers, and vital contributors to school leadership. Drawing from over a decade in Christian education and hands-on experience supporting both the head of school and upper school principal, I’ll share practical strategies for building high-trust, high-impact partnerships between school leaders and their assistants. We'll discuss how assistants can be trained and empowered to manage communication and scheduling in ways that reflect the school’s mission; lead from behind by owning logistics, follow-through, and team culture; support leadership transitions and growth seasons with clarity and stability; and implement operational systems that reduce friction and improve school-wide communication.

SESSION HOST: Tabatha Oneill