Group of women posing for photo

"Dr. Eric Bing is a leader among leaders. It has been an honor to be exposed to his knowledge, expertise, wisdom, and wit."

 

Dr. Keena Bradley
Executive Director of Employee Services and Experience
Aldine ISD

People sitting at tables

"I found myself looking forward to each Friday's session and eager to learn from the incredible people I have met through this process."


Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent
Coppell ISD

People sitting at tables and smiling

"District Leadership Fellows helped to equip me with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to effectively lead and manage others."

 

Dr. Darwin Spiller
Executive Director of Title IX Compliance & Investigations
Richardson ISD

People sitting at tables

"Above all, the SMU District Leadership Fellows program offered me an opportunity to heighten my leadership effectiveness to better serve my students, staff, and community."

 

Dr. Bryan Taulton
Superintendent of Schools
Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD

Two women talking, one taking notes

"District Leadership Fellows expanded my network of colleagues as well as my knowledge of effective leadership."

 

Mrs. Taylor Williams
Superintendent
Slidell ISD

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Transformed systems require transformational leadership

The transition from bureaucratically-defined education systems to dynamic learning organizations requires a new model of leadership development. We work with public school superintendents, independent school leaders, and teachers to develop and sustain effective, transformational leadership practices.

Our educational leadership offerings include year-long fellowships, shorter courses, seminars, and custom solutions tailored to your organization.

District Leadership Fellows Program

“The network is magical because we are so alone in our own district, we can’t really share with anyone else because we are the Lone Ranger.”

–Dr. Darin Jolly
Program Alum

Leaders of school districts occupy complex roles. They're responsible for setting a vision, executing a strategy, and motivating those around them. To help superintendents and district leaders enhance their leadership capacity in these areas and beyond, the Institute for Leadership Impact developed the District Leadership Fellows program.  This hybrid in-person and online strengths-based leadership development program enhances the leadership abilities of fellows through an intensive year-long cohort.

Tools 

  • Receive individual coaching 
  • Participate in dynamic in-person and online sessions 
  • Learn from SMU faculty and education experts 
  • Engage with in-house interactive training modules 

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  

Applications for the 2024-2025 cohort will open in Spring 2024. Interested in participating in the next cohort?  Contact Christine Ferguson at cjferguson@smu.edu or 214-768-1073 for more information.

District Partners: Adrian ISD, Aldine ISD, Anadarko Public Schools, Arlington ISD, Aubrey ISD, A W Brown Leadership Academy, Big Sandy ISD, Blytheville School District, Brinkley Public Schools, Brock ISD, Brookland Public Schools, Bryson ISD, Bullard ISD, Canton ISD, Cedar Hill ISD, Central ISD, Chapel Hill ISD (Titus County), Clarksville ISD, Clifton ISD, Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD, Community ISD, Coppell ISD, Crandall ISD, Danbury ISD, Darrouzett ISD, DeKalb ISD, Dodd City ISD, Duncanville ISD, Edgewood ISD (Bexar County), Elkhart ISD, Ennis ISD, Farmington Municipal Schools, Flatonia ISD, Forney ISD, Gainesville ISD, Gladewater ISD, Grand Prairie ISD, Groesbeck ISD, Harleton ISD, Harts Bluff ISD, Hawkins ISD, Henderson ISD, Jacksonville North Pulaski School District, Jefferson ISD, Kennard ISD, Kermit ISD, La Poynor ISD, Lake Dallas ISD, Lake Worth ISD, Lancaster ISD, Levelland ISD, Lindale ISD, Livonia Central School District, Lonoke Public School District, Mabank ISD, Mansfield ISD, Marvell-Elaine School District, Maud ISD, Maypearl ISD, McKinney ISD, Meridian World School, Mildred ISD, Mineral Wells ISD, Mount Calm ISD, Mountainburg Public Schools, New Boston ISD, New Diana ISD, New Summerfield ISD, Newport Special School District, North Hopkins ISD, North Texas Collegiate Academy, Osceola School District #1, Paradise ISD, Paris ISD, Pewitt ISD, Plano ISD, Providence Public Schools, Quitman ISD, Red Lick ISD, Richardson ISD, RMA Texas Public Schools, San Jon Municipal Schools, Scurry-Rosser ISD, Seguin ISD, Slidell ISD, Shepherd ISD, Spring Branch ISD, Springlake-Earth ISD, St. Anthony Academy, Sulphur Bluff ISD, Sulphur Springs ISD, Throckmorton Collegiate ISD, Trenton ISD, Union Grove ISD, Universal Academy, UT Tyler University Academy, Van ISD, Waxahachie ISD, Wells ISD, West Allis-West Milwaukee School District, West Sabine ISD, Westwood ISD, Whitehouse ISD, Wichita Falls ISD, and Zavalla ISD 

Custom Solutions for your Organization

Your goals and challenges are unique. That’s why we don’t offer a one-size-fits-all approach. We work with you to determine the best way to support you and your organization’s work. Our programs include an array of didactic, experiential, individual, and team-based leadership experiences, all tailored to help you create the impact you desire.

To learn more, contact the Institute for Leadership Impact at leadershipimpact@smu.edu or 214-768-4539.