Aspiring Admin Institute
July 26-27, 2026
• Important questions to pose when considering a transition to administration
• An understanding of what academic leadership is and what to expect as an academic leader
• An opportunity to consider your own motivations, strengths, and challenges
• A network of talented, like-minded peers from other independent schools in Florida
• Ideas for next steps
• Electronic folder of resources
What did you find most valuable?
"The presenters were authentic, full of wonderful tips and ideas, and utilized the time wisely. I came away from this inspired and with many ideas that I will implement right away."
"Panel & participant discussion and Q & A, peer collaboration, workshop exercises and reflections"
"Creating my "why" and using this to direct my decision making as a leader."
"The personal experiences of the presenters, the tips they shared, and the small group size were most valuable. The activities were great and now we have those as take-aways that we can use in our own situations. Everyone was so friendly, personable, relatable, and kind with offering advice, sharing opinions, and talking about the pros and cons of administration."
AGENDA
SPEAKERS
SPEAKERS
MEET THE SPEAKER
Barbara Beachley is the Interim Head at Childpeace Montessori in Portland and was previously the Interim Head of School at Charleston Day School for the 2024-25 school year.
Prior, Barbara worked as a consultant with Independent School Management (ISM), a leading, world-wide consulting firm that specializes in supporting independent schools. During her 13-year tenure with ISM, Barbara began as a consultant, became Director of Research, and ultimately sat on ISM’s leadership team as Executive Director of Organizational Learning and Development. Her areas of expertise include academic leadership; employee culture, evaluation, and growth; organizational systems; and student-centered and brain-based pedagogy. Her areas of expertise include employee development and culture, organizational systems, academic leadership, faculty evaluation, student-centered and brain-based pedagogies, mission identity, survey design, and data analysis.
Before her tenure at ISM, Barbara served as an adult literacy teacher at Boston University, Massachusetts; an upper school modern language teacher at the MacDuffie School, Massachusetts; and a language teacher and lead advisor at Collegiate School, Virginia. She also served as Academic Dean at Cape Henry Collegiate School, Virginia, where she oversaw curriculum and professional growth in grades PreK−12.
Barbara earned her bachelor’s degree in French and Spanish from Trinity College in Connecticut and her master’s degree in applied linguistics from Boston University. She earned her second master’s degree in education administration from Harvard University and a third master’s degree in independent school leadership from the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College, Columbia University.
MEET THE SPEAKER
Chuck Maddox is a visionary educational leader and the current Head of School at Boca Prep International School, where he oversees the strategic and pedagogical development of IB World School programs. With over a decade of experience in independent and international education, he has a proven track record of driving academic excellence and maintaining exceptional retention rates, including 100% faculty retention during his tenure as Head of Middle School at Carrollwood Day School.
A published expert on teacher retention and an Adjunct Professor at Southeastern University, Dr. Maddox leverages data-driven planning and collaborative governance to foster inclusive, high-achieving school cultures. His leadership is further distinguished by his role as a Lead Visiting Committee Member for the Florida Council of Independent Schools.
MEET THE SPEAKER
Claudine D. Cieutat is a highly skilled educational leader with nearly 30 years of experience in PreK-12 independent schools. At The Canterbury School of Florida, she has served as Middle School Principal, Head of Campus (PreK-4), and Director of Development. Claudine has led curriculum alignment initiatives, created innovative programs, including a comprehensive Motor Lab, and championed professional development systems that foster teacher growth and student success.
With 13 years of classroom teaching experience across all three divisions and a passion for mentoring emerging leaders, she has co-led the FCIS Aspiring Administrators' Institute since 2021 and the FCIS New Teacher Institute for elementary educators.
REGISTER
Member Rate: $599 | Non-Member Rate: $799
Registration Deadline: June 24, 2026
Questions? Please contact Nicole Robison at nrobison@fcis.org
HOTEL
HOTEL INFORMATION
Sheraton Sand Key Resort | 1160 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
Click HERE for more information on Sheraton Sand Key Resort, Clearwater Beach.
Hotel Room: $215 (plus applicable taxes and fees)
Participants are expected to make their own hotel reservations. Registration fee does not include the price of the guest room. To make a reservation online, use this link: FCIS Leadership Academy. By phone, call 727-595-1611, and mention that you are part of the FCIS Leadership Academy. Once the room block is sold out, there may not be rooms available at this rate.
Registration and Hotel Deadline: June 24, 2026
To receive the FCIS group rate at the resort, reservations must be made on or before this date.
Parking: Self-Parking is $5/hour, up to a $25/maximum per day
Cancellation & Refunds: All hotel cancellations must be made directly through the hotel and in accordance with hotel policy. Workshop refund requests must be made in writing and emailed to kdanger@fcis.org. There is a $50 per person processing fee through June 24, 2026, with no refunds after this date.
Questions? Contact Nicole Robison at nrobison@fcis.org or call the FCIS Office at 813-287-2820.