NEW YORK, NEW YORK, MARCH 27, 2020—The National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES) is pleased to announce the launch of two brand-new digital platforms to better serve and connect its membership in a time of great uncertainty. Earlier this month, NAES launched an entirely new website with numerous new features which greatly enhance NAES’ digital offerings. In addition, NAES has also launched a brand-new online community, which will allow NAES members to connect, share resources, and collaborate virtually.
Though both projects have been in development for several months, they could not be launching at a timelier moment, as we see an unprecedented shift toward digital interaction due to the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. As many Episcopal schools move their classes and worship online, the need for digital collaborative tools has never been greater. Through online tools such as the online community, a revamped resource library, a new “school stories” feature, webinar recordings, and more, this is a need NAES hopes to fill.
“What we’re addressing is not just the practical challenge of moving classes online,” says NAES Communications Manager, Jonathan F. Cooper, who oversaw website redesign efforts, “but also a fundamental reimagining of what it means to be a school community. We are confident these new tools can be a game-changer for our membership as we discover how we can maintain personal and professional relationships while also practicing social distancing.”
There has also never been a more crucial time for NAES members to work collectively, as many institutions are facing remarkably similar challenges. “This is the first time such widespread disruption to our daily activities has occurred in a world where we have the technology to help us face the challenges head-on,” writes The Rev. Daniel R. Heischman, D.D., NAES Executive Director. “As many of our schools are finding solutions to these problems, we are finding them more than willing to share these discoveries with fellow Episcopal schools.”
The new NAES website can be found at www.episcopalschools.org, and the online community component at community.episcopalschools.org. NAES is grateful to MatrixGroup International, Inc., whose designs and technology facilitate much of NAES’ daily operations, including this new website. For more information, contact Jonathan F. Cooper, Communications Manager, at jfc@episcopalschools.org, or (212) 716-6182.
The National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES) is an independent 501(c)(3), voluntary membership organization that supports, serves, and advocates for the vital work and ministry of those who serve approximately 800 Episcopal schools, early childhood education programs, and school establishment efforts throughout The Episcopal Church. Chartered in 1965, with historic roots dating to the 1930s, NAES is the only pre-collegiate educational association that is both national in scope and Episcopal in character. The association advances Episcopal education and strengthens Episcopal schools through essential services, resources, conferences, and networking opportunities on Episcopal school identity, leadership, and governance, and on the spiritual and professional development of school leaders.