Now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Leadership Cohorts!
A year-long investment for career-long impact.
Leading in an independent school can be energizing – and isolating. MSON Leadership Cohorts give you a small, confidential peer group and a steady monthly rhythm to honestly discuss real challenges and leave with practical next steps.
At a glance
- REligibility: open to leaders at all independent schools
- RIn-person kickoff: MSON Annual Workshop, June 15 - 18, 2026 at Porter-Gaud School in Charleston, South Carolina
- RVirtual cohort meetings: 1x month, 60 minutes, September - May
- RFacilitation: Kickoff led by executive coach Alexis Stern; monthly meetings hosted by MSON executive director, Reanna Ursin
- RFocus: real-time leadership challenges addressed through structured dialogue and peer support
The "Just Right" Leadership Space
Some leadership spaces are too broad to be useful.
Others are too role-specific to truly expand your perspective.
MSON Leadership Cohorts are built to offer an ideal space in-between.
Deliberately Focused
Grounded in the concrete challenges you’re actively navigating.
Cross-Functional
Bringing together diverse leadership roles to widen strategic perspective.
Insight-Oriented
Strengthening clarity and confidence through structured dialogue.
Building on the skills and trust developed at the in-person workshop, the monthly cohort meetings turn discussion into action without burdening your calendar.
How It Works
A hybrid structure: the in-person workshop builds trust and shared norms, and the monthly virtual meetings maintain momentum through a sustainable pace.
Kick-off in Charleston
Executive coach Alexis Stern guides cohort members in identifying their conflict and communication styles, selecting learning priorities, and practicing skills for impactful discussion.
Virtual Monthly Meetings
September through May, executive director Reanna Ursin hosts a once monthly, 60-minute Zoom meeting for each cohort on the day and at the time that fits your schedules.
Real-Time Application
Each session includes a check-in, discussion of a short resource, an opportunity to receive structured feedback on real obstacles, and identification of next steps.
Pricing Options
What's Included
In-person workshop and materials
Most meals during workshop
9 virtual meetings throughout the year
MSON Schools
$1,100
per participant
All Other Schools
$1,300
per participant
Priority Application Deadline: March 16, 2026
Participants are responsible for the cost of travel and lodging.
MSON has secured a block of rooms at the Vendue Hotel in Charleston.
What Our Participants Are Saying
“The in-person team-building at the conference was huge, it really helped deepen connections and set the tone for the year.”
“Our topics are directly connected with our daily responsibilities.”
“This experience lifted what felt like a thousand-pound weight off the often-isolating role of school leadership.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time should I plan for each month?
15-20 minutes to read the short resource for the month, plus 60-minutes for the actual meeting.
What if my role is different from others in the cohort?
That’s intentional. Cross-functional cohorts help you gain new angles, not echoes.
Who should apply?
Each school defines leadership differently, but generally speaking:
- Directors of Teaching & Learning; College Counseling; Community & Belonging
- Deans of Academics, Students, or Faculty
- Program Directors and Department Chairs
- Division Heads and Assistant Division Heads
- Assistant Heads of School
How do you keep cohort discussions confidential?
Members are from different schools and outside one another’s networks. Norms are set at the kick-off and reinforced throughout the year.
What topics will we cover?
Your cohort chooses the monthly area of inquiry while at the workshop. Examples include gaining buy-in, developing talent, leading change, etc. We provide a curated list of resources for each topic, though you’re welcome to select something different.