School Leadership

Program Description

School Development Strand

We are in the midst of a school reform movement with needs and challenges of historic proportions. Schools and the children in them often are being asked to do more with less. In this context, the need for thoughtful, informed, well educated school leaders has never been greater in this country. Bold leadership is required from a variety of perspectives, including those who seek nontraditional positions as educational leaders in schools as well as nonprofit enterprises.

The School Development Strand of the School Leadership Program is designed for individuals who want to improve children's learning and well-being in roles other than classroom teachers or principals. Such individuals might wish to be active in charter or private schools, nonprofit education agencies, or other less traditional educational settings. The strand introduces individuals to a variety of new leadership roles and provides them with skills in pedagogical, curricular, organizational, political, and entrepreneurial sectors.

Participants who elect this focus will explore questions such as:

• How can I have an effect on student achievement if I am not a teacher or a principal?
• What role can (and should) nonprofit educational agencies play in setting school reform agendas?
• If I want to establish a nontraditional school, where should I start?
• What do I need to know about curriculum, pedagogy, financial management, and governance?
• How can I find colleagues with interests similar to mine?

View School Development Strand Frequently Asked Questions