Professional Learning for Independent School Educators and Leaders
Simulation-based professional learning that strengthens judgment, confidence, and leadership across independent school communities.

SchoolSims provides simulation-based professional learning that helps Heads of School, faculty, counselors, and current or aspiring leaders strengthen decision-making, build professional confidence, and navigate real-world challenges in a risk-free environment.

Through immersive scenarios and structured reflection, independent schools can support leadership development, reduce burnout, and promote consistent professional growth—without increasing coaching or administrative burden.

SchoolSims also provides insight into educator confidence, engagement, and growth over time, helping schools personalize support and sustain strong, mission-aligned learning communities.


Who We Serve in Independent Schools
Heads of Schools and Aspiring School Leaders

Support school leaders with professional learning experiences that strengthen strategic decision-making, leadership development, and crisis management skills, ensuring they are prepared to navigate the complexities of independent schools.

Teacher Professional Development

Equip teachers with real-world experiences in classroom management, student support, parent-teacher communication, and instructional decision-making to foster confidence and effectiveness.

Teacher Induction Programs

Prepare new teachers with structured learning opportunities that build classroom management skills, instructional effectiveness, and adaptability to the unique culture of independent schools.

Grow Your Own and Career & Technical Education Programs

Provide students with experiential learning that enhances problem-solving, decision-making, and professional skills, preparing them for leadership roles and workforce challenges.

 

Instructional Coaching and Mentoring

Enhance coaching and mentorship programs with hands-on experiences that foster reflective practice, skill development, and continuous professional growth.

Professional Learning Assessment Services

Measure the impact of professional development initiatives with data-driven assessments that provide meaningful insights into leadership growth and instructional effectiveness.

Try an Independent School Simulation

In this snippet from our Managing Classroom Disruptions simulation, you play the role of an English teacher striving to be effective despite a consistently disruptive student.

Real-World Learning Experiences for Heads of Schools and Independent School Educators That Drive Growth and Success

The Challenge for Independent Schools

Independent and private schools strive for instructional excellence while operating with limited professional learning capacity. Providing consistent, meaningful opportunities for educators and leaders to practice decision-making and reflect on real challenges can be difficult without adding time, cost, or complexity.

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Outcomes That Matter for Independent Schools

SchoolSims helps independent and private schools:

  • Strengthen instructional and leadership judgment across faculty

  • Support consistent expectations and professional practice

  • Provide meaningful, practice-based professional learning experiences

  • Foster reflective conversations aligned to school mission and values

These outcomes support both individual growth and school-wide coherence.

How SchoolSims Supports Professional Growth

SchoolSims delivers these outcomes through simulation-based learning that includes:

  • Realistic, risk-free scenarios drawn from school-based practice

  • Multiple decision points that mirror real-world complexity

  • Structured reflection that deepens learning and discussion

  • Flexible use in faculty meetings, coaching, or professional learning days

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Who This Supports

  • Heads of School and Division Leaders

  • Directors of Teaching and Learning

  • Instructional Coaches and Department Chairs

  • Faculty and Professional Staff

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Enhance Critical Thinking and Decision-Making Skills

Our simulations place school leaders and educators in complex, real-world scenarios where they must evaluate various options, make informed decisions, and reflect on the outcomes. This interactive experience strengthens critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for effective school management, curriculum development, and fostering an environment where students thrive.

Provide Safe Environments for Practical Application

Simulations offer a risk-free environment where Heads of Schools and educators can practice difficult decisions without real-world consequences. This allows for experimentation and reflection, helping participants to build confidence in their leadership roles and enhance their decision-making capabilities in areas like school governance, crisis management, and instructional strategies.

Adaptable to Diverse Independent School Environments

Our solutions are designed to support a wide range of independent school settings, whether they focus on primary or secondary education, international curricula, or specialized academic programs. With flexible content and scenarios, our simulations can be customized to meet the unique needs of each school community, ensuring that each participant gains valuable insights relevant to their specific educational context.

Aligned with Best Practices and Educational Standards

SchoolSims’ simulations are built around proven educational frameworks and best practices for school leadership and pedagogy. Each scenario is designed to align with NAIS standards, ensuring that Heads of Schools and educators receive high-quality professional development that directly supports their leadership goals and instructional objectives.

Educator Insights Dashboard

SchoolSims provides insight into how educators and leaders engage with professional learning, helping schools identify patterns in judgment, reflection, and growth. These insights support thoughtful coaching and continuous improvement without reducing learning to compliance metrics.

Download Our Independent School Simulation-Based Professional Learning Plan

Enhance your professional growth with our Independent School Simulation-Based Educator and School Leader Professional Learning Plan! This step-by-step program leverages simulation-based experiential learning, reflection, and mentorship to help educators and school leaders develop essential skills in classroom management, lesson planning, student engagement, leadership, and conflict resolution.

Gain hands-on experience in a safe, supportive environment while learning to navigate real-world challenges effectively. Download the plan now and take the next step in transforming your professional practice!


 

Learn More About Our NEW Educator Insights Dashboard

Gain actionable insights into educator performance, career development, well-being, and job confidence with the SchoolSims Educator Insights Dashboard. This powerful tool provides data-driven analysis of career progression, helping school leaders and educators track progress, identify strengths, and pinpoint areas for growth. By leveraging real-time feedback and performance trends, administrators can make informed decisions to enhance professional development, improve instructional strategies, and support long-term educator success.

Learn More
Alignment with NAIS Standards

SchoolSims seamlessly integrates simulation-based experiential learning to develop independent school leaders and teachers, aligning with NAIS Standards. These immersive simulations place participants in realistic school-based scenarios, providing a risk-free environment where they can practice context evaluation and actively apply standards.

Download Our Simulation Overviews for Independent Schools

Download our complete list of simulation overviews. This comprehensive guide provides simulation context, key characters, trade-offs, and more.