Shaping the Future of Education: Graland’s Sphere Compensation Model Earns Further National Recognition

Graland has been awarded the 2025 Jeffrey Shields Innovation in School Business Operations Award for its faculty Sphere Compensation Model, a unique system designed to reward teachers based on professional growth and impact rather than tenure. The prestigious recognition was presented on February 26 at the 2025 NBOA Meeting in New York City, where Head of School Josh Cobb and Director of Finance and Operations Juan Botello accepted the award on behalf of Graland.

The National Business Officers Association (NBOA) supports more than 1,500 members, including 1,300 independent schools across the U.S. and 25 international institutions. Each year, the organization honors schools that implement bold projects reshaping organizational structures, introducing new management models, and transforming school culture. The Jeffrey Shields Innovation Award specifically recognizes initiatives that create a lasting, meaningful impact while addressing the evolving needs of the educational landscape.

Graland’s Sphere Compensation Model, introduced in 2019 through the Inspire Campaign, offers teachers a personalized and dynamic pathway for both professional and financial advancement. Unlike traditional pay structures that rely solely on years of experience or education level, this model encourages educators to take active ownership of their careers through self-reflection, continuous learning, and collaboration. 

Teachers move through five distinct spheres—professional, distinguished, influential (classroom-focused), influential (program-focused), and transformative—based on their individual growth and impact within the school community. This approach provides teachers with agency in shaping their careers, recognizing their dedication by celebrating professional growth and offering salary increases. Since its launch, 27 teachers have completed a sphere transition, with one educator doing so twice. Currently, eleven more teachers—the largest cohort to date—are engaged in the process.

Since its launch, the Sphere Compensation Model has earned national recognition and sparked meaningful dialogue across the independent school community. Graland has shared its vision through articles and conference presentations, beginning with a 2021 feature in “Independent School Magazine.” Head of School Josh Cobb has presented the model at national and regional conferences, including NAIS, Prizmah, INDEX, and ACIS, and has spoken individually with more than 25 school leadership teams. Graland also contributed to the NBOA’s Mission-Anchored Compensation project by participating in research interviews and providing a case study. The Sphere Model continues to inspire schools nationwide to rethink how they support, empower, and compensate educators.

“Winning the Jeffrey Shields Innovation Award six years after launching the Sphere Compensation Model highlights the importance of iteration,” Head of School Josh Cobb said. “While our compensation system began as an innovative idea, I am most proud of the collective creativity demonstrated in its implementation. We continuously refine the model to better serve our faculty, encouraging agency and celebrating growth.”

This award further solidifies the school’s leadership in innovative school operations, showcasing an approach that positively impacts the Graland community and the broader field of education.