School Leader Summer Institute

Presented by PIVOT: School Improvement Leaders

June 23–24, 2027 | Nashville, TN | Belmont University

Save the date for summer 2027

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Join us, and other school leaders, at Belmont University in Nashville, TN, as you prepare for a strong start to the 2027–28 school year.

Registration and session details are coming soon. Join the interest list and we’ll let you know as soon as registration opens.

Join the interest list and we’ll email you as soon as registration opens for the 2027 Summer Institute.

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What to Expect

Vision, Priorities, & Purpose

• Establish the rhythm and direction for your school year
• Align mission, vision, and daily leadership moves
• Communicate priorities in a way that builds early momentum
Instructional Readiness

• Build strong Tier 1 literacy and math foundations
• Define what high-quality instruction sounds like in your school
• Coach teachers toward consistency from the first walkthrough
Culture & Systems

• Design routines that create consistency and stability
• Establish attendance and behavior systems early
• Build a culture where students and staff move in sync
People, Talent & Team Effectiveness

• Develop self-awareness and emotional intelligence
• Strengthen team alignment and collaboration
• Build coaching and adult learning system

Schedule of Events

5:00–7:00 — Welcome Reception
Courtyard Nashville GreenHills
Day 1
8:30–9:30 — Welcome / Kickoff
Opening Session: Finding Your Leadership Rhythm
Strand: People Leadership
9:30–10:50 — Choice Sessions
Option A — BUILDING & MAINTAINING RELATIONSHIPS
True Colors: Understanding Yourself to Lead Others Well
Option B — PEOPLE LEADERSHIP
Inspirational Leadership: Bringing Vision, Energy, and Purpose to Your Team
10:55–12:15 — Choice Sessions
Option A — PEOPLE LEADERSHIP
Launching Your Admin Team: Roles, Rhythms, and Routines for a Strong Start
Option B — INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP — LITERACY
Diagnosing the State of Literacy: Strengths, Gaps, and Opportunities
12:15–1:00 — Lunch
1:00–2:20 — Choice Sessions
Option A — PEOPLE LEADERSHIP
Designing Team Culture: Norms, Rituals, and Systems That Build Trust
Option B — INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP — LITERACY
Setting Literacy Priorities: Using EOY Data to Identify High‑Leverage Moves
2:25–3:45 — Choice Sessions
Option A — TALENT & DEVELOPMENT
The Talent Cycle: Hiring, Growing, and Retaining High‑Performing Teams
Option B — SYSTEM DESIGN & EXECUTION
Chronic Absenteeism: Building Systems That Improve Attendance
3:50–4:00 — Closing
Day 1 Reflection: Today’s Final Track
5:00–7:00 — Social Event/ Dinner
Pins Mechanical
Day 2
8:30–9:00 — Welcome
Day 2 Kickoff: Setting the Tempo for Day 2
9:00–9:20
Meg Languages Preview
9:25–10:45 — Choice Sessions
Option A — SYSTEM DESIGN & EXECUTION
Student Culture Systems: Structures That Build Safety, Belonging, and Joy
Option B — SELF MANAGEMENT
Spending Time on What Matters: Aligning Your Calendar to Your Priorities
10:50–12:10 — Choice Sessions
Option A — SYSTEM DESIGN & EXECUTION
Starting Strong: Designing a High‑Impact First Six Weeks
Option B — PEOPLE LEADERSHIP
Emotional Intelligence & Self‑Regulation for School Leaders
12:10–12:55 — Lunch
12:55–1:10
GELF Introduction
1:10–2:30 — Choice Sessions
Option A — INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP — MATH
Driving Math Results: What Leaders Must See, Name, and Support
Option B — PEOPLE LEADERSHIP
Effective Feedback: Building Skill Through Practice
2:35–3:35
Systems Change to Drive Literacy Outcomes: A Leader Panel
Strand: Instructional Leadership — Literacy
3:40–4:30 — Closing
Closing Session: Keeping the Rhythm All Year Long

Testimonials

“I felt truly welcomed and seen by every member of the Pivot staff. This was important to me and it was top notch. The sessions were well planned and thought out. The slide decks, graphics, etc.… were excellent. The comradery with other leaders was phenomenal. The toolkit!!!! Game changer! Can’t wait to dive in to these resources.”

— Principal, 2025 School Leader Summer Institute Attendee

“Honestly- it is the first conference I have been to where I can say I took something away from every single session.”

— Mid Level Leader, 2025 School Leader Summer Institute Attendee

“The topics and content were necessary to support the role that I am in and it was refreshing to have these types of conversations with people that do similar work.”

— District Leader, 2025 School Leader Summer Institute Attendee

Where to Stay

Hotel block details for 2027 will be shared when registration opens. These hotels are all close to Belmont University.

1.2 miles from venue

3800 Bedford Ave

Nashville, TN 37215

Reserve Your Room

Moxy Nashville Vanderbilt

.5 miles from venue

1911 Belcourt Ave

Nashville, TN 37212

Hampton Inn & Suites Nashville-Green Hills

2 miles from venue

2324 Crestmoor Rd

Nashville, TN 37215

Holiday Inn Nashville-Vanderbilt

1.5 miles from venue

2613 West End Ave

Nashville, TN 37203

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or email info@pivotleaders.org. Want to hear first when registration opens? Join the interest list.

The PIVOT Summer Institute is a two-day, in-person leadership experience designed to help principals and their leadership teams plan a strong start to the school year by developing a clear, actionable strategic plan.
The Institute is designed for:
- School principals
- Assistant principals
- Instructional coaches
- Leadership team members who support school-wide priorities
While principals are the primary audience, teams are strongly encouraged to attend together.
This is not a sit-and-get conference. Participants leave with:
- A completed strategic plan
- Clear priorities for instruction, culture, and operations
- Tools and structures ready to implement on Day One
Everything is built around our belief that the principal is the single greatest lever for school improvement.
Yes. New principals benefit from structure and clarity, while experienced principals benefit from alignment, refinement, and sharpening execution.
Yes. We offer discounted rates for:
- School leadership teams
- Multiple schools from the same district
Team pricing encourages shared ownership and stronger implementation.
Yes. Districts may register using POs. If your district requires an invoice or quote, we are happy to provide one.
Refund and substitution details will be listed clearly on the registration page. Substitutions are typically permitted if plans change.
Pending approval from TDOE, TN participants will receive documentation verifying professional learning credit (TASL).
No extensive preparation is required. Optional pre-work may be offered to help teams reflect ahead of time, but all tools and materials will be provided on-site.
For registration, pricing, or logistics questions, please contact: info@pivotleaders.org
Your cost includes all programming and materials as well as meals during programming. Details on 2027 pricing and any evening events will be shared when registration opens.
PIVOT leadership coaches and content experts from our partner organizations will facilitate the learning sessions. More details will be shared when registration opens.
You will sign up for your sessions ahead of the conference and will receive a personalized agenda when you arrive.