The Illuminators Gathering
The Illuminators Gathering
The Loomis Chaffee School is honored to host the second annual Illuminators Gathering: A Community for Educators in Independent Schools.
Lighting the Way, Together
Across independent schools, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ educators have long served as more than teachers, counselors, or administrators — they are truth-tellers, culture bearers, and bridges for change. Often navigating spaces where they are underrepresented, they lead with empathy, wisdom, and vision. They are, in David Brooks’ words, Illuminators — people who “shine the brightness of their care on others,” helping those around them feel seen, respected, and understood.
That’s why the Illuminators Gathering was created to provide a space where independent school educators can connect, feel grounded, and find inspiration in community with one another.
Join fellow BIPOC and queer educators and co-conspirators of all identities, from across the country as we convene here in central Connecticut.
The Illuminators Gathering is about presence, connection, and care.
It’s a space for BIPOC and queer educators and co-conspirators to exhale, reflect, and rise — together.
Our purpose is grounded in three core beliefs:
Independent school BIPOC and LGBTQ+ educators deserve spaces that recognize and celebrate the fullness of their identities and contributions.
Sustaining our work in these spaces requires community — intentional spaces of affirmation, joy, and collective strength.
Illuminators — those of us who lead with insight, empathy, and courage — are essential to the future of independent school education.
What’s in Store
Keynote conversations that inspire and ground us
Concurrent sessions on identity, practice, and leadership
Affinity groups for deeper connection across roles and experiences
Shared meals, reflective pauses, and moments of joy
Who Should Attend?
The Illuminators Gathering is designed for educators of color working in independent schools across roles, levels, and experiences. This gathering welcomes:
- BIPOC and LGBTQ+ educators across all disciplines and grade levels
- Administrators, deans, and division heads
- Equity and inclusion practitioners and DEI directors
- Counselors, advisors, and student support professionals
- Aspiring and emerging leaders
- Seasoned educators looking to reconnect, reflect, and mentor the next generation
Whether you are new to your school community or have been doing this work for decades, this gathering is for you. It is a space to be seen, to connect across shared purpose, and to help light the way forward — together.
Why Loomis Chaffee?
Loomis Chaffee is uniquely positioned to host this gathering, both geographically and philosophically. Located in Windsor, Connecticut, Loomis offers convenient access to a wide network of independent schools across New England and the New York metropolitan area, including Westchester County. The school is just minutes from Bradley International Airport, and easily reachable via Amtrak, I-91, and I-84, making it an ideal hub for regional travel. Attendees can arrive with ease, whether by train, plane, or car — allowing for more time spent in community and less time navigating logistics.
Just as importantly, Loomis brings a deep historical and institutional commitment to equity, belonging, and inclusive excellence. As a school that strives to illuminate the path forward for all students and educators, Loomis is honored to serve as host in creating this intentional space for renewal, reflection, learning, and joy.
Date: November 10–11, 2026
Location: The Loomis Chaffee School
Registration Fee: $450 through October 16, 2026. Beginning October 17, the registration fee will be $550.
Register by: October 31, 2026
The registration fee includes:
- Admission to all plenary sessions, affinity group spaces, networking events, and scholar-led discussions and workshops
- Daytime meals on both days
- Opening night reception and dinner
- Program information and swag
To be an Illuminator is to move with purpose.
To care boldly. To lead even when the path ahead is uncertain.
This is a space to be seen, to rest, to reconnect with your purpose — and to gather strength for the work ahead.
Questions?
Don't hesitate to get in touch with us at illuminatorsgathering@loomis.org.
Cover photo of a foggy sunrise over the Meadows captured by Wyeth Andrews ’26