Meet The Team

Jane Armstrong is Managing Partner and a Founder of Independent Thinking, IT. Now in her 25th year at IT, Jane has led or co-led 70 Head of School searches and over 200 searches for other senior administrative positions. Her expertise has been sought for numerous regional association panels, leadership professional development conferences, and for numerous industry publications, including contributing a chapter to NAIS Head of School Search Handbook, 2nd Edition, published 2018. Jane enjoyed 12 years of service in private education before launching Independent Thinking in 2000. She began her career as a "triple threat" English teacher, dorm parent and coach at the Peddie School. She served Peddie as the Director of Publications before returning to her alma mater Amherst College to work in the Alumni and Development Office. Jane helped Amherst achieve fund raising records in dollars raised and participation. She returned to independent schools as the Dean of Students and Director of Residential Life at the Garrison Forest School. She returned to development as the Director of Development at Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School, raising record dollars and served a key role in the preparation of a strategic plan. Jane has been an active volunteer for Amherst College, co-chairing her 25th Reunion and serving on the Alumni Trustee Nominating Committee. Jane is an independent school trustee, and the parent of five independent school graduates—and now one teacher.