Setting the PAIS

Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS)

Setting the PAIS is the official podcast of the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS), exploring the ideas, people, and stories shaping independent education across the Commonwealth.

Episodes

  1. Jun 1

    The Note on Top - Setting the PAIS with Quentin McDowell of Mercersburg Academy

    Quentin McDowell, a self-described 'coach leader' who tells the students at Mercersburg Academy that he loves them, speaks in a tone that forces you to lean in, and is as likely to apologize sincerely to a 3rd grader as he is a colleague, is a head of school built for the moment. This moment.'I work with adults all day long. I like to be with the kids.' Quentin embodies the joy that is all too often overshadowed in independent school leadership, and it was a pleasure to twist in and out of as many conversations as there were rooms at Mercersburg. Until we hit his office and found his prized possession...with the pink-markered note on top.Setting the PAIS can be found at paispa.org or wherever you get your podcasts!#SettingthePAIS #PAIS #PennsylvaniaAssociationofIndependentSchools #IndependentEducation #MercersburgAcademy #DefineYourselfHere #WalkWithMe #LearningDifferences #Leadership #Parenting #Education #Inspiration Learn more about ⁠⁠⁠⁠GEN-Ed⁠⁠⁠⁠. Narrated:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Liz Hofreuter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Produced:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Luke Hladek⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Strong Minded Agency⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)

  2. Apr 16

    Orange Vanilla Twist - Setting the PAIS with Don Fuller of Erie Day School

    Our newest PAIS Setter comes to us amidst waves and wind in the Flagship City. Don Fuller, head of school at Erie Day School, is a leader with perspective. 'Without the teachers, I'm nothing,' he says, after talking to Liz about his commitment to teamwork and growth. That perspective has served him well in his first year as an independent school head. He's building credibility and trust by being willing to breathe and ask and adjust, not just 'do' because he says so or because it's been done before. Erie Day is a NOAA-accredited school, which means they lean into learning each of the seven ecological zones on Presque Isle as well as lead various environmental service projects in Erie itself. It's a standard-bearer for place-based education and a school that truly encompasses the spirit of independent education, especially considering Erie Day is the only independent school in the area. This creates both opportunity and challenge in storytelling by not only needing to promote the best of the school, but also to educate the public about independent schools in general. It's a responsibility not lost on Don or Erie Day, and something that helps guide decision-making and drives them forward. We're lucky to have Erie Day leading from the front. Setting the PAIS can be found at paispa.org/blog or wherever you get your podcasts! #SettingthePAIS #PAIS #PennsylvaniaAssociationofIndependentSchools #IndependentEducation #ErieDaySchool #PresqueIsle #ErieDay #EriePA #ItsOkToLoveErie #WalkWithMe #LearningDifferences #Leadership #Parenting #Education #Inspiration Learn more about ⁠⁠⁠GEN-Ed⁠⁠⁠. Narrated:⁠⁠⁠⁠Liz Hofreuter⁠⁠⁠⁠ Produced:⁠⁠⁠⁠Luke Hladek⁠⁠⁠⁠ (⁠⁠⁠⁠Strong Minded Agency⁠⁠⁠⁠)

  3. Mar 24

    Everything Else Comes Along - Setting the PAIS with Jon Strecker of The Valley School of Ligonier

    We continue our PAIS Setter series with Jon Strecker, head of school of The Valley School of Ligonier, and someone who epitomizes the idea of 'child at heart'. With an envious perspective on living ('It's that song, 'Live Like You Were Dying.' That's exactly how I live my life.') and a childlike sense of 'yes, and...' Jon is uniquely positioned to combat the woes of tomorrow without simply raising a fist at the clouds. Today isn't about math scores or rigor; it's about people and wonder. The rest of it just 'comes along'. How refreshing to hear such direct language rooted in care, not resentment, and to feel inspired for the future, knowing it's being cultivated in his hands...or in the trees above the trout ponds at The Valley School. Setting the PAIS can be found at paispa.org/blog or wherever you get your podcasts! #SettingthePAIS #PAIS #PennsylvaniaAssociationofIndependentSchools #IndependentEducation #ValleySchoolofLigonier #ValleySchoolProud #WalkWithMe #LearningDifferences #Leadership #Parenting #Education #Inspiration Learn more about⁠ ⁠⁠PAIS⁠. Narrated:⁠⁠Liz Hofreuter⁠⁠ Produced:⁠⁠Luke Hladek⁠⁠ (⁠⁠Strong Minded Agency⁠⁠)

  4. Feb 17

    "Standing on History" - Karen Warren Coleman, head of The William Penn Charter School

    We give you the first proper episode of Setting the PAIS (of course the staff episode is proper, but you get it...) We start with the oldest Quaker School in the world. The William Penn Charter School is a forward-thinking, successful blend of history and modernity. New buildings supported by wooden bricks. Leadership trends that look significantly different from the early days. Updated traditions and unique governance and community-driven learning. All of it supported by the Quaker challenge to find and cultivate the light in every human being. Join Liz as she navigates...with some help...the starting line and walks with Karen Warren Coleman, the eighth head in the modern era, to discuss what it's like to sit in front of the original charters and usher a 300-year-old school forward. With Quaker values guiding the way and the ethos of their namesake adorning the walls, Penn Charter is a standard-bearing institution that we're proud to call one of our own. Setting the PAIS indeed. Setting the PAIS can be found at paispa.org/blog or wherever you get your podcasts! #SettingthePAIS #PAIS #PennsylvaniaAssociationofIndependentSchools #IndependentEducation #PennCharter #WilliamPenn #Quaker #WalkWithMe #LearningDifferences #Leadership #Parenting #Education #Inspiration Learn more about⁠ ⁠PAIS. Narrated:⁠Liz Hofreuter⁠ Produced:⁠Luke Hladek⁠ (⁠Strong Minded Agency⁠)

  5. 11/18/2025

    "The Staff" - Mary, Char, Deb, Jay, & Liz Episode 1

    Welcome to Setting the PAIS! In this inaugural episode, we thought it would make sense to take a peek behind the PAIS curtain and meet the staff that makes this whole thing go. Liz Hofreuter, the new executive director of the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools, steps out with the staff to learn more about them in real time. They talk about professional histories, family life, and even a favorite president or two. It's about the most essential non-essesntial conversation you'll hear today, but it offers a glimpse of the real people behind the emails and the character that drives this whole organization forward. So lace em up and tag along, because today, the PAIS staff is Setting the PAIS. #SettingthePAIS #PAIS #PennsylvaniaAssociationofIndependentSchools #IndependentEducation #Storytelling #School #WalkWithMe #LearningDifferences #Leadership #Parenting #Education #Inspiration Learn more about⁠ PAIS⁠. Narrated:⁠Liz Hofreuter⁠ Produced:⁠Luke Hladek⁠ (⁠Strong Minded Agency⁠)

  6. Trailer

    Trailer

    It's a new day at the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools, and we're here to tell the stories! Join Liz Hofreuter, director of PAIS, in Setting the PAIS, a new series highlighting the leaders of independent education, from school heads to school kids and everyone in between, as they navigate the many peaks and valleys of school. Setting the PAIS drops twice monthly, anywhere you get your podcasts. For more information on the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools, their offerings, and how they are taking a larger leadership role in the region, visit PAIS.org. Learn more about PAIS. Narrated:⁠Liz Hofreuter⁠ Produced:⁠Luke Hladek⁠ (⁠Strong Minded Agency⁠)

Trailer

About

Setting the PAIS is the official podcast of the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS), exploring the ideas, people, and stories shaping independent education across the Commonwealth.

Information

  • Creator
    Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS)
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS)
  • Show Website
    Setting the PAIS