It’s an opportunity and a privilege to spend your days surrounded by amazing little humans who view the world with wonder and joy. That’s the gift of pre-K-8 education–everything is magical, and anything is possible.
But that gift comes with a hefty responsibility, and that’s where we come in. At ESHA, we don’t just provide support; we help you get the job done.
By combining our collective pre-K-8 experiences, we work together to tackle challenges, find solutions, and share resources.
Need a template for a 5-year financial model? We’ve got that. Need ideas for how to raise funds? We’ve got you covered. Need a mentor? We have that, too. Within ESHA you will find…
Someone to talk to.
Someone to walk with.
Someone to learn from.
Someone to teach.
We are creating an authentic network of elementary and middle school leaders who will challenge and change the educational landscape and impact their communities through connection, collaboration, and courageous leadership.
ESHA was established to promote a sense of identity among heads of independent elementary and middle schools, to encourage and support newly-appointed heads of such schools, and to provide opportunities for exchange of experiences, problems, and successes. In our next 50 years, we are committed to being the responsive and relevant resource for all of your educational leadership needs.
Promote collegiality, support the exchange of ideas, and champion independent elementary and middle school headship.
By convening an authentic network of peers, we are providing value-driven opportunities for connection and collaboration.
By providing opportunities for the sharing of experiences, challenges, and successes while spreading innovative learning and promoting best practices
By granting ourselves permission to take time away from school for rest and rejuvenation, we are changing the narrative on a healthy work/life balance for our teams and our industry.
By building a community of leaders for leaders, we are creating a support structure that encourages and reinforces leadership practices in the PK-9 space that are purposeful, comprehensive, authentic, innovative, and joyful.
As a leader of children during their most formidable years, you bear the weight and responsibility of creating an engaging educational environment that sparks curiosity and ignites lifelong learners.
You shouldn’t have to do it on your own.
ESHA exists to support leaders like you. We understand the many hats you wear, from program development to daily operations, because we wear them too. And we have the solutions and support YOU need to survive and thrive in today’s educational climate.
We get it because we’re in it with you.
As a member of ESHA, you’re part of the only national organization of independent K-8 leaders–created by heads, for heads. You gain access to a support network of like-minded peers to turn to for ideas, solutions, support, and resources.
When you’re with ESHA, you’re not alone.
Join forces with independent education leaders across the United States and go from isolated and overwhelmed to supported and successful!
I really love ESHA because it is a place where I can connect with other people who love the hug of a kindergartener or enjoy counseling families through the turbulent waters of parenthood.
I appreciate that it's a national organization as opposed to connecting with peer schools in my area, which has a lot of value.
Imagine a future where a head is appointed to his first or her first headship at a K-8 school and that person realizing the truly unique models of operations that go into effect.
They can come to ESHA and understand and receive resources around why our cultures of philanthropy are different, but can be just as deep and bountiful if approached in the correct way.
When I found ESHA, I found something that I had never found anywhere else. I found a group where I knew when I showed up, we would share many of the same challenges, we would have some of the same experiences, and we would be able to support one another with the work that we're doing.
I came to rely on this group as a place to find others that were wrestling with some of the uniquely specific things to elementary schools.
We have entered a time where the value proposition of K-8 has never been more important. I love everything you’ve done… As one professional to another, there’s many things vying for my time, but the way you’re thinking now is really important… I think you all are onto something!
I've valued the sense of belonging that ESHA offers. For me, ESHA is a group of colleagues across the country who are my most trusted advisors and thinking partners because our work is completely aligned - in elementary schools - with specific needs and joys related to this age group of students and parents.
The role of an elementary school Head is broad and more wide-ranging than a high school Head. Elementary school Heads need a different kind of support and atmosphere for camaraderie than high school Heads… I’m encouraged that ESHA is looking forward and trying to support members, as well as the elementary school industry for independent education.
We need more members and more good people coming together to celebrate the amazing work Pre-K-8 educators are doing each and every day. We transform lives on a daily basis, and not many organizations can claim that type of impact.
ESHA is a community of leaders who support one another in their work. Being a Head of School for Pre-K-8 independent education can be overwhelming and isolating. ESHA, and especially the members who comprise the organization, has been a lifeline for me more than once and I am beyond grateful to be a part of this organization.
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