Emerging Leaders

Program Overview:

The program strives to inspire and empower Emerging Leaders through innovative professional growth opportunities and connect them with other passionate educators with diverse perspectives. The EL program is a 2-year commitment divided into two phases of learning. 

• Phase 1 of the Emerging Leaders program helps teachers to identify their leadership strengths. Phase 1 also introduces participants to multiple opportunities or “pathways'' to leadership, including advocacy, instruction, professional learning, and community partnerships.  Each and every pathway will be developed and studied through the lens of equity, diversity, and cultural competence.

• Phase 2 of the program helps participants develop their strengths in one or more of the teacher leadership pathways. Emerging Leaders select a leadership pathway aligned with their strengths and create a Pathway Project that serves the needs of our students, schools, and/or district. This allows teacher leaders to grow within the profession and have a larger impact on their students, schools, and community. A former Emerging Leader will serve as a Pathway Partner to guide and support the participant through this phase and to help execute and evaluate the Pathway Project.  

Commitment:

NHCS Emerging Leaders is a 2-year program. Participants have the opportunity to: 

• Engage in uncommon professional learning experiences: 

1. Four full days over the course of the two years (subs will be provided)

2. Monthly learning sessions (Approximately 1.5 hours after school)

3. 2-day immersive learning experience 

4. A 1-day immersive summer learning experience 

• Complete a “Pathway Project” 

5. Participants will select a leadership pathway aligned with their strengths and develop a Pathway Project to serve the needs of our students, schools, and/or district. Participants will be paired with a Pathway Partner, a former Emerging Leader, to support them in the development and execution of the project.

Who does the program impact and how?

Students -  Increase students’ academic growth, engagement, and attitudes about learning/school.

Teachers -  Build capacity among teachers through innovative professional growth opportunities.

                   Increase teacher collaboration across the district by connecting passionate educators with diverse perspectives.

Schools   -  Empower teachers to leverage their talents to actively serve the school community. and contribute to positive school culture. 

District  -  Reward and retain highly effective teachers.

                  Increase school and district initiatives led by teacher leaders. 

Community - Build intentional relationships with community partners to serve students, public education, and our local community. 

Equity, Diversity, and Cultural Competence:

The Emerging Leaders Program promotes equity, diversity, and cultural competence. The team prioritizes equitable access and opportunity through deliberate outreach, intentional communication, purposeful selection of candidates, culturally responsive coursework, and diverse presenters.

To learn more, please contact Elizabeth Felts (Elizabeth.Felts@nhcs.net) or Peter Hunt (Peter.hunt@nhcs.net). 

Use the following link to download the application directions 2023ELApplication

Applications:

Applications for 2023 are due April 4, 2023 by 5:00 pm.  Potential candidates are teachers with three or more years of experience who are positive, receptive, motivated, collaborative, and service-oriented. 

Applications are reviewed by administrators and teachers from New Hanover County Schools and include representation from elementary, middle, high school, and Senior Staff. Fifteen to twenty candidates will be selected and will reflect the diversity and demographics of the students in our district. Once your application is received, your principal will be notified and asked to give a recommendation.

Submit your application to: https://bit.ly/EmergingLeadersApplication23