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 distinct professional development options. SLF consists of 3 full-day Residency, 3 half-day Cohort, and 2 1:1 Coaching sessions.
Over the course of 9 months, Class X 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.
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 3, 2026 (9 – 11:30 AM EST)
Know + Lead Your School
Residency Day | Thursday, September 17, 2026
Cohort Day | Thursday, October 22, 2026
Executive 1:1 Coaching | November 2026
*IEF Virtual Forum 1 (Optional) | TBA (9 – 10:30 AM EST)
Know + Lead Others
Residency Day | Thursday, November 12, 2026
Cohort Day | Thursday, January 14, 2027
Executive 1:1 Coaching | February / March 2027
*IEF Virtual Forum 2 (Optional) | TBA (9 – 10:30 AM EST)
Know + Lead Self
Residency Day | Thursday, February 11, 2027
Cohort Day | Thursday, March 11, 2027
End of Fellowship Celebration | Thursday, April 15, 2027 (9 – noon EST)
Residency Days are in-person gatherings that take place from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Residency Day 1 & Residency Day 2 will be held at Polk Stables, 1533 Lewis Street, just down the street from The Oaks Martindale-Brightwood location on East 16th Street. Residency Day 3 will be held at the Fall Creek Abbey, a local retreat center.
Cohort Days are in-person sessions that take place from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. They will be held at Polk Stables, 1533 Lewis Street, just down the street from The Oaks Martindale-Brightwood location on East 16th Street.
Executive Coaching is scheduled individually with each participant and may be conducted virtually or in-person. Two sessions are included in the SLF experience.
*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.
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.
