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Explore The Leader Network’s latest news and photos showcasing school leadership workshops, global partnerships, and consulting services—capturing leadership in action across our community. News & Photos TLN News March 13, 2026 Klingenstein Center News Blast Mentions Jim Best and TheLeaderNetwork's Role at 2026 NAIS Conference A recent blast from Columbia Teacher's College Klingenstein Center featured Nicole Furlong's remarks where she shared several reflections with the alumni community. Alongside the long-awaited launch of Klingenstein’s new doctoral program, she also announced an exciting collaboration with Jim Best and TheLeaderNetwork focused on strengthening the partnership between Heads of School and their Boards—an initiative aimed at deepening governance practice and supporting more effective school leadership. February 26, 2026 Klingenstein Announces New Relationship with TheLeaderNetwork At the Klingenstein reception at the NAIS Thrive Conference 2026, in Seattle, Washington, Director of the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College, Columbia University, Nicole Furlonge announced four recent developments at The Klingenstein Center including, "a new collaboration with Jim Best, former Head of School and now with The Leader Network, to create dynamic professional learning and practice opportunities for Heads of Schools to strengthen their work with school Boards.” TLN Photo Gallery The Leader Network partners with schools and other institutions around the world to strengthen leadership and elevate governance . Through workshops, roundtables, and strategic engagements, our experienced team fosters thoughtful dialogue, practical frameworks, and disciplined best practices grounded in our proven services. We create space for leaders to think clearly, act strategically, and lead with confidence in complex moments. Our work is collaborative, mission-driven, and designed for lasting impact. Join us in shaping schools where leadership is purposeful, aligned, and built for the future. This is leadership at work. Around tables and across campuses, our team guides conversations that translate experience into insight and insight into action—advancing schools with purpose and precision.

Landis Green, Head of Wildwood School in Los Angeles since 2007, is a seasoned educator and executive coach with a passion for strategy, innovation, and equity. With experience across public and independent schools, he brings a global perspective and decades of leadership to K–12 education. Our Team Testimonials About Landis Coaching with Landis Landis Green Since 2007, Landis has served as the head of school at Wildwood School in Los Angeles, a private, independent K-12 with 750 students. He previously served as head at the 500 student, 9-12 public/private partnership school John Bapst Memorial High School in Maine. Prior to his headship roles, Landis held a succession of admission and advancement roles at the 700 student PK-12 Wilmington Friends School in Delaware. Landis worked in banking for three years between college and graduate school, and taught public school in rural Pennsylvania before making the shift to independent education in 1993. Educated in public schools and the first in his extended family to attend college, Landis earned his undergraduate degree at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and his graduate degree in education at the University of Pennsylvania. Landis trained as a coach with the Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute. He’s been a visiting fellow at The Klingenstein Center for Independent School Education at Columbia University, a Rotary Exchange Team Member in Argentina, and a participant in a Fulbright Memorial Fund Program in Japan. With school experience that includes public and independent, K-12 and 9-12, traditional and progressive, urban and rural, the through-lines in Landis’s work include institutional strategy, academic innovation, global education, and a decades-long personal commitment to the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion. A member of the Heads Collegiate Forum and The 1911 Group, Landis’s past board service includes the Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools (ADVIS); The Heads Network; The Alliance for Multicultural Affairs; and the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), where he served as chair of both the board and the search committee for executive director. Avid hikers and travelers, Landis and his partner, architect Bruce Norelius, have trekked in the mountains of Argentina, Chile, France, Italy, Nepal, Patagonia, Peru, and Switzerland. They have a rescue dog, Gogo, who is just the right degree of naughty and travels with them from Los Angeles to the coast of Maine each summer.

Sign up to join TheLeader Network for our facilitation of strategic planning. You’re charged with shaping a vision that defines your school’s future. This is a tremendous challenge and a remarkable opportunity. We understand the enormity of this responsibility and the excitement that comes with it. As former Heads of School and experienced strategic advisors, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Strategic Planning Facilitation That Works Your Strategic Journey Starts Here Shaping your school’s future is both a challenge and an opportunity. We know what’s at stake—because we’ve been in your shoes. As former Heads of School and experienced strategic advisors, we provide the guidance, expertise, and resources to help you turn vision into action—ensuring a clear, effective, and sustainable path forward. Start your strategic planning journey by completing the form below or clicking the button to learn more. Learn More Strategic Planning Facilitation Interest Form We’re thrilled you’re interested in The Leader Network's strategic planning services! Complete this form, and we’ll reach out shortly to explore how we can collaborate and move forward together. First name* Last name* Email* Position* School/Organization Name* Comments? Questions? Submit Visit our page on LinkedIn. © 2024 The Leader Network. All rights reserved.

TheLeaderNetwork The Leader Network is the evolution of coaching and consulting for leaders of independent schools. My Portfolio Welcome to my portfolio. Here you’ll find a selection of my work. Explore my projects to learn more about what I do.

Welcome to The Leadership Network – where visionary leadership meets innovation. We're not just coaches and consultants; we're your dedicated partners in redefining leadership. As we delve into this inspiring journey, we proudly present a curated list of our esteemed clients. Discover our network of representative independent schools whose leaders have embraced our transformative approach to shaping the future of education. Our Network We're proud and deeply touched by the remarkable leaders from independent schools who’ve joined our network. They represent an incredible diversity of experience, but share a single purpose: supporting and celebrating their peers and colleagues—just like you. Here’s a list of 111 schools whose leaders have embraced our transformative approach to shaping the future of independent school education. Academy of the Holy Cross Advent School Albuquerque Academy American International School Chennai Baltimore Friends School Beaver Country Day School Bentley School Berwick Academy Blake School Bolles School Boston University Academy Branson School The Browning School The Bryn Mawr School The Buckley School The Bush School Castilleja School The Chapin School Charlotte Latin School Children's Community School Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt College Preparatory School Columbus Academy Congressional School The Craig School Cristo Rey Jesuit Seattle HS The Croft School The Dalton School The Downtown School Deerfield Academy Eastside Preparatory School Episcopal Academy Ethical Culture Fieldston School Francis Parker School Friends School of Baltimore Georgetown Day School Germantown Friends School Global Online Academy Gilman School Grace Church Greenhill School Gunston School Hackley School Hathaway Brown School Hawken School Head-Royce School The Helios School The Hill School The Hockaday School Hopkins School ʻIolani School Indian Creek School The International School of Beijing John Burroughs School Kent Denver School Kingswood Oxford La Jolla Country Day School Lakeside School The Lamplighter School Lick-Wilmerding High School Marin Academy Marin Country Day School The Meadowbrook School The Meadows School Menlo School The Millennium School Milton Academy Montclair Kimberley Academy (MKA) Montclair Kimberley Academy (POC) Open Windows School Oregon Episcopal School The Pembroke Hill School Phoenix Country Day School Pingry School Punahou School Ridgefield Academy Ridgefield Academy/Landmark Preschool Rippowam Cisqua School Riverdale Country School Rye Country Day School San Francisco Friends School San Francisco University High School Sewickley Academy Shady Side Academy Sidwell Friends School St. Andrew's Episcopal School St. Christopher's School St. Mary’s School St. Stephen’s Episcopal School Saint Ann’s School Saint Thomas Choir School San Francisco University High School The Spence School Stevenson School The Steward School Tabor Academy Town School for Boys The Traveling School Trevor Day School University Prep University School of Nashville Walworth Barbour American International Washington International School Waterford School Westover School The Wheeler School Whitfield School Wichita Collegiate Wildwood School Wyndcroft School

A case study to exemplify The Leader Network's strategic planning approach for an independent school. The Leader Network helps school leaders build community-driven, actionable plans that inspire, adapt, and deliver real impact. Strategic Planning Facilitation That Works Case Study From Mission Drift to Strategic Clarity School: Horizon Academy (pseudonym) The Situation The school’s previous strategic plan had stalled—it was too broad, lacked clear ownership, and had no accountability structures in place. Trustees were unclear about their strategic roles and responsibilities and weren’t aligned on institutional priorities. Faculty and staff felt disconnected from the plan’s purpose, and the broader community hadn’t been meaningfully consulted or kept informed. As a result, the academy drifted from its mission and struggled to make meaningful progress. The Leader Network Solution We facilitated a six-month strategic planning process grounded in our VISTA Framework, designed to reignite leadership focus and align the entire school community around a shared path forward. Re-engaged the board by clarifying strategic roles and fostering alignment around mission, priorities, and governance responsibilities. Reinvigorated school leadership by helping them reconnect with purpose, streamline initiatives, and focus on what matters most. Engaged stakeholders through interviews, focus groups, and surveys to ensure broad input and buy-in. Aligned all constituents around a unified vision and direction for the school’s future. Developed focused 1-year and 3-year roadmaps with clear priorities, immediate next steps, and built-in progress checkpoints to ensure follow-through and accountability. Results Clear and cohesive strategic priorities aligned with the school’s mission, values, budget, and community resources. A shared accountability framework embraced by the board, leadership team, and staff. Renewed energy, purpose, and ownership across all constituencies—from trustees to faculty to families. Back To Strategic Planning Facilitation “This is the first plan we’ve had that actually lives in our daily work. The Leader Network didn’t just give us a plan—they gave us a strategy and process that built momentum and continues to drive results.” - Head of School, Horizon Academy Request More Information

Unlock your leadership potential with personalized coaching from certified educators and seasoned school leaders. Experience transformative sessions focusing on competencies like empathy, going beyond professional development to make a lasting impact on your community. Join a community of leaders for a journey toward balance and satisfaction. With us, it's not just coaching; it's leadership reimagined. Ready to redefine your educational journey? Let's make it happen together. Executive Coaching & Mentoring Subscribe to our blog, The Leader's Lens, for the latest thinking on Executive Coaching & Mentoring. You Can’t Please Everyone: Why It’s So Hard for School Leaders A reflection on the human side of school leadership in December — why discomfort is natural, why purpose matters more than popularity, and how leaders can navigate tough moments with clarity, courage, and care. Executive Coaching & Mentoring Dec 5, 2025 2 min read Lead with clarity . Grow with confidence . Work one-on-one with a coach who understands your challenges—and helps you rise to them. Our executive coaching pairs leaders with certified, experienced coaches who understand the complexities of schools, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations. We tailor every match to your goals, leadership style, and aspirations—creating a partnership that fuels your personal and professional growth. Through regular, one-on-one conversations, you'll build key skills such as leadership presence, strategic communication, and the ability to give and receive feedback. Our coaching is both reflective and action-driven, offering a space for deep thinking and bold leadership growth. Ready to elevate your leadership journey ? Contact Us Today

The Leader Network's 360 interest form. Let us guide you through a well-executed 360-degree feedback process, providing a clearer view of your impact, perception, and growth opportunities. We design 360s that build people up, not break them down. Our approach ensures that feedback is clear, constructive, and actionable, fostering accountability, alignment, and appreciation across teams. Most importantly, we help leaders and teams turn insights into meaningful personal and collective growth. School Leader & Board Assessments Leadership Assessment. Done Differently . Subscribe to our blog, The Leader's Lens, for the latest thinking on Leadership & Board Growth Assessments . Leadership Assessment. Done Differently. There’s a different way to approach leadership assessment. One that creates clarity for the Head, alignment with the board, and coherence across the leadership team. Done well, leadership assessment doesn’t just evaluate leadership—it strengthens it. It builds alignment between Head and Board. It brings clarity and focus to the leadership team. And it creates a shared path forward. Done differently, it becomes one of the most valuable leadership tools a school has. Leadership & Board Assessment Apr 6 2 min read You Can’t Please Everyone: Why It’s So Hard for School Leaders A reflection on the human side of school leadership in December — why discomfort is natural, why purpose matters more than popularity, and how leaders can navigate tough moments with clarity, courage, and care. Executive Coaching & Mentoring Dec 5, 2025 2 min read Goals, Growth, and a Fresh Start Setting goals at the beginning of the year clarifies priorities and gives everyone a sense of direction. But here’s the harder part: How do we make sure our goals don’t just live on paper, but shape real growth? That’s where evaluation—done thoughtfully—comes in. Leadership & Board Assessment Sep 2, 2025 2 min read Ready for... Clarity . Alignment . Forward Momentum ? Engage TheLeader Network to guide you through a well-executed 360-degree feedback process that provides you with a clearer view of your impact, perception, and growth opportunities. At TheLeader Network , we design 360s that build people up, not break them down. Our approach ensures that feedback is clear, constructive, and actionable, fostering accountability, alignment, and appreciation across teams. Most importantly, we help leaders and teams turn insights into meaningful personal and collective growth. Take the next steps to see , act , and grow as a leader. Complete the form below and we'll get back to you shortly. School Leader & Board Assessments Interest Form Contact The Leader Network to move forward in your leadership journey. Please provide your contact information below, and we'll get back to you soon. First name* Last name* Position* School name* Email* Questions? Comments? Submit

Unlock your leadership potential with 360-degree leader and board assessments that spark clarity, trust, and action. Strengthen leadership, deepen alignment, and drive meaningful progress for your school or board. School Leader & Board Assessments Leadership Assessment. Done Differently . Subscribe to our blog, The Leader's Lens, for the latest thinking on Leadership & Board Growth Assessments Leadership Assessment. Done Differently. There’s a different way to approach leadership assessment. One that creates clarity for the Head, alignment with the board, and coherence across the leadership team. Done well, leadership assessment doesn’t just evaluate leadership—it strengthens it. It builds alignment between Head and Board. It brings clarity and focus to the leadership team. And it creates a shared path forward. Done differently, it becomes one of the most valuable leadership tools a school has. Leadership & Board Assessment Apr 6 2 min read Clarity . Alignment . Forward Momentum . Most leadership assessments fall short of what schools need. They’re often designed to evaluate an individual. But leadership in schools doesn’t operate that way. It lives in the relationship between the Head, Leadership Team, and Board. When those aren’t aligned, assessment rarely leads to real clarity—or forward movement. We work with Heads of School, Leadership Teams, and Boards to design assessment processes that strengthen leadership across the system. Through 360-degree feedback, facilitated conversations, and customized tools, we help schools build clarity, alignment, and trust. If this resonates, let's talk . Start the Conversation Today TheLeader Network Leadership . Done differently. Assessment . Done differently.

Jim Best, Co-Founder of The Leader Network, has spent 30 years in independent schools in the United States and abroad. He has served in a variety of roles, including Head of School, Associate Head, Division Director, Department Chair, Dean, Teacher, Advisor, and Coach. Our Team Testimonials About Jim Work With Jim Jim Best Jim Best, Co-Founder of The Leader Network, brings over 30 years of experience leading and advising organizations across both nonprofit and for-profit sectors—helping schools and organizations strengthen leadership, governance, and strategy, particularly at the intersection of board and head partnership. A former Head of School and senior leader in the U.S. and abroad, Jim is widely recognized for his work guiding boards and leadership teams through moments of complexity, growth, and transition. He co-founded both The Leader Network and Global Online Academy, and is a co-founder of the Klingenstein Center’s Institute on Board Governance. He also serves as faculty in the Klingenstein Center’s Heads Fellows Program at Teachers College, Columbia University, where he works with Heads of School and Executive Directors on the real work of leadership, strategy, and the board–head partnership. Jim has led multi-day governance workshops and keynote sessions for national and international associations, and his work is sought by independent schools, nonprofit organizations, and senior leadership teams in professional sports—high-performance environments where alignment, trust, and execution are essential and non-negotiable. Across contexts, he is known for helping groups move from good intentions to clear alignment, disciplined strategy, and sustained results. Clients value Jim’s warm, practical, and highly engaging style. He builds trust quickly and creates conditions for honest conversation—enabling teams to navigate complex challenges, clarify priorities, and move forward with confidence. His work consistently leads to stronger board–head partnerships, sharper strategic focus, and more cohesive leadership teams. Jim remains grounded in the work he supports. He currently serves on multiple boards and chairs the Board of Global Online Academy. He earned his B.A. with Honors as a Morehead Scholar at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and holds an M.A. and Ed.M. from Teachers College, Columbia University, where he serves on the President’s Advisory Council. He is a graduate of the Klingenstein Center and serves on its Advisory Board. His additional training includes executive coaching (UC Berkeley Haas School of Business), board consulting (BoardSource), and group facilitation (Forum). Jim partners with organizations ready to elevate leadership, align strategy, and strengthen governance—through coaching, facilitation, assessment, and strategic planning.

Bernie, Co-founder of The Leader Network, served as Head of School at Lakeside School in Seattle, Washington, from 1999 to 2022. His outstanding leadership in independent school education, dedication to community service, diversity and inclusion, and expertise in history and international studies are noteworthy. Our Team Testimonials About Bernie Coaching with Bernie Bernie Noe Bernie, Co-founder of The Leader Network was, until this year, Head of School at Lakeside School in Seattle, Washington, serving from 1999 to 2022. Bernie has an exemplary record of leadership in independent school education, commitment to community service, diversity and inclusion, and scholarship in history and international studies. Among his recent initiatives is The Downtown School: A Lakeside School, which opened in fall 2018. The co-educational high school, three years in the making, offers a high-quality academic education to a diverse body of academically talented students. Prior to his arrival at Lakeside, Bernie served for seven years as both Upper School Principal and Assistant Head of School for International Education at Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C., where he also taught a Western civilization class and promoted initiatives on educational excellence, diversity, and community expectations. From 1984 to 1992, Bernie was History Department chair and Director of Summer Programs at The Landon School in Bethesda, Maryland. At Landon, he led a number of task forces and committees on school governance and curricular improvement and was also, as a history teacher, awarded the Senator Danforth Excellence in Teaching Award (1990). Before joining The Landon School faculty, Bernie worked as history department chair at the American schools in Israel (1980-1982) and Switzerland (1977-1980). Bernie’s educational background includes a BA cum laude from Boston University, an M.A. in international relations from Georgetown University, and an M.Phil. from George Washington University in European history. At Lakeside he has taught modern European history and an elective history course on the Holocaust and genocide. In February 2021, he completed 12 years of service on the National Association of Independent Schools Board of Trustees, the past three years as chair. Bernie was founding board chair (2011-2015) for the Global Online Academy (GOA), an innovative and collaborative venture established by leading independent schools to mount cutting-edge online courses for high school students. He currently chairs GOA’s Strategy Committee. He also served as a board member of School Year Abroad, and Rainier Scholars.

Let us know your thoughts and questions. The Leader Network is the evolution of coaching and consulting for leaders of independent schools. Not sure where to start? No worries. We're here to help! Whether you're seeking executive coaching, looking to join a leadership roundtable, strengthening your team or board, building a strategic plan, or growing through leadership and board assessments, we'll help you find the right next step. Just, complete the form below, and we'll get back to you shortly.