Different from most professional development programs, the School Leader Fellowship journey is as personalized as possible, encouraging individual leaders to gain and apply insights related to their unique situation. SLF aims to meet leaders where they are by offering two distinct professional development options. Class VIII – In-Person is designed with our school leaders living in Indiana in mind, while Class VIII – Hybrid is designed for those leading school communities out-of-state.
Over the course of 9 months, both Class VIII tracks will explore the 3 themes of Know + Lead Your School, Know + Lead Others, and Know + Lead Self to understand and apply leadership lessons through a multi-tiered experience designed to meet you where you are.
Designed with Indiana-based school leaders in mind
- 6 in-person whole group gatherings
- 3 full-day Residency sessions
- 3 half-day Cohort sessions
- 3 1:1 Executive Coaching Sessions (in-person or virtual)
Designed with out-of-state school leaders and their faculty in mind
- Two 1 ½ day in-person Fellowship Retreats
- Know and Lead Your School Fellowship Retreat: Part 1 (Fall): School Leaders only
- Know and Lead Others Fellowship Retreat: Part 2 (Spring): School Leaders + Faculty
- Four virtual sessions, bookends to the in-person gatherings
- Two 1:1 Virtual Executive Coaching Sessions
Each theme begins with an extended learning experience. Materials focus on values-based leadership, culture alignment and decision making.
To further contextualize the material, fellows meet for discussion and reflection. Time is also dedicated to issue processing, allowing input from fresh perspectives.
One-on-one sessions with one of our SLF moderators take leaders deeper into the material. This learning segment offers equal measures of accountability and encouragement.
Orientation | Thursday, September 5, 2024 (9 – 10:30 AM EST)
Know + Lead Your School
Residency Day | Thursday, September 19, 2024
Cohort Day | Thursday, October 24, 2024
Executive 1:1 Coaching | November 2024
IEF Virtual Forum 1 (Optional) | Wednesday, December 4, 2024 (9 – 10:30 AM EST)
Know + Lead Others
Residency Day | Thursday, November 21, 2024
Cohort Day | Thursday, January 16, 2025
Executive 1:1 Coaching | February / March 2025
IEF Virtual Forum 2 (Optional) | TBA (9 – 10:30 AM EST)
Know + Lead Self
Residency Day | Thursday, February 13, 2025
Cohort Day | Thursday, March 13, 2025
Executive 1:1 Coaching | April / May 2025
End of Fellowship Celebration | Thursday, April 10, 2025 (9 – noon EST)
Residency Days are in-person gatherings held at one of The Oaks Academy’s campuses in downtown Indianapolis between 9:00 am and 2:30 pm. Optional “Bonus Sessions” will take place between 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm and will include the opportunity for classroom observations.
Cohort Days are in-person sessions held at The Oaks from 9 am to 12 pm.
Executive Coaching is scheduled individually with each participant and may be conducted virtually or in-person.
The optional IEF Fall and Spring Forums offer the opportunity for past and current fellows (from the School Leader Fellowship, Early Education Center Director Fellowship, and the Teacher Renewal Fellowship) to come together virtually for rich discussion around an important educational topic relevant to all.
Orientation | Thursday, September 12, 2024 (9 – 10:30 AM EST)
Know + Lead Your School
Fall Retreat Prework | Thursday, October 3, 2024 (9:00 – noon EST)
Fall Fellowship Retreat: Part 1 (School Leaders) | Thursday & Friday, November 7-8, 2024
November 7th: 8:15 AM – 4:00 PM EST
November 8th: 8:15 AM – noon EST
Fall Retreat Debrief | Friday, November 15, 2024 (9:00 – noon EST)
IEF Virtual Forum 1 (Optional) | TBA (9 – 10:30 AM EST)
Know + Lead Others
Spring Retreat Prework | School Leaders| Thursday, January 9, 2025
9:00 – noon EST (moderated by David Bell)
Spring Retreat Prework | Teachers| Friday, January 10, 2025
9:00 – noon EST (moderated by Nigena Livingston)
Spring Fellowship Retreat: Part 2 (School Leaders + Faculty) | Thursday & Friday, February 6-7
February 6th: 8:15 AM – 4:00 PM EST
February 7th: 8:15 AM – noon EST
Spring Retreat Debrief | School Leaders| Thursday, February 20, 2025
9:00 – noon EST (moderated by David Bell)
Spring Retreat Debrief | Teachers| Friday, February 21, 2025
9:00 – noon EST (moderated by Nigena Livingston)
IEF Virtual Forum 2 (Optional) | TBA (9 – 10:30 AM EST)
Know + Lead Self
December/January 1:1 Executive Coaching
March/April 1:1 Executive Coaching
Fellowship Retreats are day and half long in-person sessions, scheduled in the fall and spring. Hybrid fellows invite a guest from their school communities to join the spring retreat.
Executive Coaching is conducted virtually with each participant’s scheduling preferences in mind.
The optional IEF Virtual Forums offer the opportunity for past and current fellows (from the School Leader Fellowship, Early Education Center Director Fellowship, and the Teacher Renewal Fellowship) to come together virtually for rich discussion around an important educational topic relevant to all.
Fifteen seats will be filled on a rolling acceptance basis.
The online application process includes uploading a one page letter of introduction prepared by a colleague. The letter, addressed to the SLF Leadership Team, should touch on the applicant’s commitment to education and professional development.
Qualifying leadership experience includes the following roles: CEO, Head of School, Principal, Assistant Principal, Dean of Students, Director of Admissions, and Director of Advancement. School founders have also found the experience to be helpful.
Once an application is completed, an online interview is conducted with the fellowship’s program manager, with a timely acceptance decision to follow.
The $1500 tuition includes all materials, assessments and executive coaching. SLF is eligible for Title II funding. Payment plans are considered upon request.
