GAIS Leadership Exchange
Purpose of the Program
The GAIS Knowledge-Sharing and Leadership Development Program is designed to develop leadership capacity through structured peer learning and site visits. Host schools are invited to share areas of strength so that visiting leaders can observe, reflect, and adapt good practice in their own contexts.
At a Glance
Who may apply | Islamic schools that can clearly showcase strength in one or more domains and are willing to host visitors in a spirit of shared learning. |
Likely group size | Approximately 20 to 25 participants, including GAIS organizers and visiting school leaders. |
Expected duration | Approximately 5 to 7 days total, with school-based programming on most weekdays. |
In-school hospitality | Selected host schools will be asked to provide coffee/tea/snacks and lunch on the days participants are at the school. |
Local logistics | Selected host schools will be asked to help with local planning such as identifying nearby hotels and coordinating transportation options. |
Who This Is For
A strong host school application is not about proving perfection. It is about showing that your school has meaningful practice, culture, systems, or programs that other school leaders can learn from.
Host schools may highlight one or more of the following domains: Governance, School Administration, Teaching and Learning, School Culture and Environment.
What the Application Will Ask For
☐ Basic school information and primary contact details |
☐ A brief school overview, mission, and educational philosophy |
☐ The domain or domains a school believes it can showcase |
☐ A concise explanation of why each selected domain is a strength of the school |
☐ Links or references to supporting documents, artifacts, or other evidence |
☐ A school profile/overview document and a letter of support |
☐ Preferred months or dates for hosting |
☐ Any important visitor protocols, dress code expectations, privacy guidance, or safeguarding information |
School Selection Steps
☐ GAIS will hold an orientation session for interested schools before applications are finalized. |
☐ After review of applications, short-listed schools may be invited to one or more follow-up planning conversations. |
☐ GAIS may decide to structure the visit around only one or two domains, even if a school identifies more than two. |
☐ The host school will help shape a practical visit agenda with GAIS. |
☐ The host school may be asked to participate in one or more pre-visit virtual sessions so participants understand the context and focus of the visit. |
☐ Detailed logistics will be worked out collaboratively after selection. |
Likely Visit Structure
The exact design may vary by host school and by the domains being featured. A typical visit may include:
- one orientation / logistics session before travel
- one or more pre-visit sessions in which the host school previews its featured domains
- a week-long visit of about 5 to 7 days
- school-based programming across most weekdays
- classroom visits, school tours, stakeholder panels, and on-site debriefs
- participant reflection and action planning
Host School Responsibilities
Shared understanding of responsibilities
Expected of the host school | Planned jointly with GAIS |
Designate a primary contact for planning and communication | Finalize the daily agenda and sequence of activities |
Submit a clear application with supporting evidence | Confirm the final number of visitors and exact visit dates |
Help identify stakeholders, sessions, and practices that visiting leaders should observe | Determine how classroom visits, tours, and panel discussions will be organized |
Provide coffee/tea/snacks and lunch on the days participants are at the school | Plan pre-visit sessions and any domain preview presentations |
Share visitor protocols, dress expectations, confidentiality guidance, and safeguarding expectations | Clarify participant materials, communications, and on-site coordination |
Help identify nearby hotels and useful local arrangements | Work out transportation arrangements based on local realities and available budget |
Let GAIS know early about any campus or scheduling constraints | Agree on post-visit follow-up and documentation |
Meals, Hotel, and Local Transportation
Meals at school: Selected host schools will be expected to provide coffee/tea/snacks and lunch during the school-based portion of the visit.
Hotels: Host schools will be asked to help identify nearby hotel options and may help GAIS think through what is practical for the group.
Local transportation: Host schools will be asked to assist with local logistics, including airport transfers and transportation between the hotel and the school where possible. If a school cannot cover local transportation costs, that does not automatically prevent it from applying, but it should be communicated early so GAIS can plan accordingly.
Supporting Documents to Prepare
☐ School profile or overview document |
☐ Letter of support from the head of school, board chair, governing body, or owner |
☐ Optional commendations, recommendations, or recognitions |
☐ Links to relevant evidence such as handbooks, policies, schedules, strategic plans, program descriptions, photos, or other artifacts |
Helpful Preparation Checklist
☐ Discuss internally whether your school is ready to host approximately 20 to 25 visitors. |
☐ Identify one or two domains your school can genuinely showcase with depth. |
☐ Choose a planning contact who can respond promptly. |
☐ Collect a few strong supporting documents. |
☐ Think ahead about the best months or dates for a visit. |
☐ Clarify any dress code, privacy, child protection, or visitor access expectations. |
☐ Consider what meals, spaces, and local support your school can realistically provide. |
Brief Domain Guide
Board or governing body effectiveness, clarity of roles, strategic direction, stewardship, and healthy accountability structures.
Leadership systems, operations, staffing, communication, school improvement, and coordination that support school effectiveness.
Curriculum, teaching practice, student success, professional learning, and programs that strengthen the quality of learning.
Muslim identity, relationships, belonging, student well-being, community life, and the overall ethos of the school.
Submitting an application does not guarantee selection. GAIS will review applications for program fit, clarity, evidence, feasibility, and the overall learning value a host school can offer.
Contact hostschool@gais.network for more information.
Application Deadline – August 14, 2026
