The CS&A team was thrilled to host FORUM/Connect in the vibrant city of Philadelphia the last weekend in January 2026. This year’s theme—Strengthening Community Through Professional Growth and Hiring—guided our focus on creating opportunities for genuine connection. In a time when carving out room for authentic interaction can feel increasingly difficult, the atmosphere at the event was refreshingly warm.  

The weekend began with an inspiring keynote from Crissy Cáceres, Head of School at Brooklyn Friends School. As the opening session of the broader professional development symposium, Crissy’s message beautifully set the tone for the learning that followed. With grace and humor, Crissy encouraged us to reflect on our personal and professional journeys. She emphasized the importance of finding environments where we can show up fully, without compartmentalizing who we are, and celebrating our identities in their entirety. 

In addition to the professional development sessions led by school leaders from across the country, hiring was the central focus of the weekend. Schools and job seekers filled the interview spaces, engaging in meaningful conversations about career paths, school cultures, and emerging opportunities. Watching the early excitement take root is always a highlight of this event, marking the true start of the hiring season. 

A beloved tradition at this conference is the community art project. Over the years, it has taken many forms (polaroids, buttons, weaving) and we were delighted to welcome back muralist Anna Dugan to lead the project. Attendees were encouraged to pause amid the day’s intensity, color a flower, and take a moment to breathe. Each flower has become part of a larger mural that will be displayed in the CS&A office in Boston. 

FORUM/Connect sets the tone for the months ahead, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who participated (interviewers, job seekers, panelists, and more). This event is made possible by the voices and stories shared with authenticity and vulnerability, and we are honored to hold this space each year.