School Leader Summer Institute

Presented by PIVOT: School Improvement Leaders and Eight Strands Literacy

June 24th-25th | Nashville, TN | Belmont University

Set the Tempo for a Strong Start

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Save Your Seat

Join us, and other school leaders, at Belmont University in Nashville, TN as you prepare for a strong start to the 2026-27 school year

Build Your Soundtrack and leave with a plan for the first 6 weeks of the school year:

Track 1: Week 1 Priorities | Track 2: Instructional Focus | Track 3: Culture Systems

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

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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

Stay in Rhythm

Keep your experience seamless by booking within our hotel block at the Courtyard Nashville Green Hills.

1.2 miles from venue

3800 Bedford Ave

Nashville, TN 37215

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Reserve Your Room

Stay Close to the Venue

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. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and register for our School Leader Summer Institute.

  • 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.

  • Yes. 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. We also invite you to join us for a welcome event on Tuesday June 23rd and a social event (including dinner) on Wednesday June 24th. 

  • PIVOT Leadership coaches as well as content experts from several of our partner organizations including Eight Strands Literacy and Josh’s Job Blast will be the facilitators of learning sessions. 

  • You will sign up for your sessions ahead of the conference and will receive a personalized agenda when you arrive. 

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