Applications are open for the 2025–2026 cohort of the District Leadership Fellows, a hybrid in-person and online strengths-based leadership development program run by the Institute for Leadership Impact at Southern Methodist University. Established and emerging district leaders who are collaborative, motivated to create change, and who have a strong desire for personal leadership growth are invited to apply.
Fellows will apply their learning from cohort meetings, peer group meetings and interactive tutorials to a real-world challenge in their districts. Through personal and professional development, they will build their leadership skills, enabling them to develop the capacity of upcoming leaders and better serve all stakeholders in their districts.
Takeaways
- Enhance your leadership skills
- Better align your work with your personal mission
- Apply your learning to a real-world challenge in your district
- Expand your network and collaborate with a diverse cohort of peers
Tools
- Participate in a dynamic in-person and online learning environment
- Learn from SMU faculty and education experts
- Receive individual coaching
- Engage with in-house interactive training modules
Application Timeline
January 3, 2025 –Applications open
March 31, 2025– Early bird applications due
April and May, 2025 – Rolling applications
Provisional Schedule
Fall 2025
- In-person Fall Retreat at SMU
- Biweekly cohort meetings online – two hours
- Biweekly Peer Group meetings online – one hour
Spring 2026
- In-person Winter Retreat at SMU
- Monthly Peer Group meetings online – one hour
Program Information
Eligibility: The program is open to school district superintendents and other leaders from the district office.
Program Fee: $1,950
Applications: Interested in joining the cohort? Complete your application here.
Nominations: Know someone who would be a great fit for the program? Nominate them here.
More information
- Download the program flyer
- Visit the Institute for Leadership Impact website,
- Email Christine Ferguson at cjferguson@smu.edu
- Call Christine Ferguson at 214-768-1073
To learn more about Institute for Leadership Impact programs, visit our website, email us at leadershipimpact@smu.edu, and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.