The NACSA Leaders Program is the nation’s only professional development opportunity for current and upcoming leaders in charter school authorizing offices. This NACSA mission-driven program engages leaders in realizing their potential to lead in their own lives, and within their organizations, which in turn drives improvement in the overall quality of charter school authorizing outcomes for all students. Throughout the program year, Leaders engage in a hands-on learning environment where they explore best practices with their peers for use in diverse, dynamic public education environments.

As we get ready to launch the fifth year of the Leaders Program, I thought it was important to recognize not only the positive impact Leaders have had in improving authorizing practices, but also in giving back to the field and to NACSA. Leaders Alumni now serve as members of the NACSA Board of Directors, speak at the annual Leadership Conference, coach next generation Leaders, contribute to one or more NACSA Communities, and have deepened their influence in the authorizing movement.

Here’s what some recent Leaders Program graduates had to say:
“It is the best professional development, hands down, available to charter school authorizers, and probably some of the best general leadership professional development I could have asked to find.” -Drew Allsopp, Director of Policy, Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor’s Office

“By far the best professional development of my career. There is nowhere to get this in my state (Missouri).” – Earl Simms, St. Louis Director, Office of Charter School Operations

“The Leaders Program provides a meaningful growth opportunity for individuals seeking to have a positive impact on our educational landscape.” – Nicki Brisson, Executive Director, Charter School Support, Miami-Dade County Public Schools

Being new to NACSA, it’s inspiring to see how charter school authorizers must continually balance their mission to create great new public schools with their mandate to protect the public and student interest. This balancing act requires leadership. Let NACSA’s one-of-a-kind authorizer leadership development program help you achieve your goals.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE 2016 NACSA LEADERS PROGRAM.

NACSA invites current and emerging leaders in authorizing offices around the country to apply for this unique opportunity. There are many reasons to apply for the Program, including the ability to:

• Develop and execute your vision of quality authorizing to lead your agency.
• Work with other industry leaders to face the challenges of bringing best practices into your office.
• Cultivate growth in yourself and others through a commitment to quality authorizing.
• Receive ongoing individualized coaching from an industry leader.

Leaders are required to attend five in-person sessions. Click here to learn more about the 2016 Leaders Program or contact Shannon Bauer at [email protected].

Hope to see you in the next cohort of Leaders!