Fostering Teacher Leadership
Join the ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú †.¯Teacher Leader Fellowship Academy (TLFA) ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú †.”a yearlong fellowship that helps teachers grow as leaders, inspire change, and strengthen school communities, all while remaining in the classroom. The goal of TLFA is to promote leadership that is meaningful to educators and support their work with their students in their schools, districts, and broader school community.
During this program, fellowship members will participate in four seminars designed to build leadership skills toward becoming agents of change within and beyond the classroom. Participants are encouraged to foster innovation among colleagues through leadership projects or other means of sharing the growth and impact of their leadership journey.
Examples of possible teacher leadership projects:
- Design and lead professional development initiatives
- Identify and address a challenge facing your school or school community
- Investigate and lead innovative, creative approaches to engage students in the learning process
More teacher leader project examples:
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2025-2026 Topics:
- Getting to Know the Fellows & Planning for Future TLFA Sessions (Dec 4, virtual, 4:30 ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú †.“6:00 pm)
- Responsible Tech & AI Use in Schools (Jan 15, virtual, 4:30 - 6:00 pm)
- Championing Neurodiverse Learners (Feb 11, virtual, 4:30 - 6:00 pm)
- Cultivating Communities of Care & Connection (Mar 19, in-person, 4:00 ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú †.“7:00 pm)
- Exploring Teacher Leadership in Finland, Canada & Italy (Apr 23, in-person, 4:00 ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú †.“7:00 pm)
- Teacher Leader Forum (May 21, in-person, full-day conference)
SAVE THE DATE: Teacher Leader Forum (Open to Public)
Date: May 21, 2026
Time: 9:00am to 3:00pm
Location: SCSU, School of Business
(10 Wintergreen Avenue, New Haven, CT)
Hosted by the Teacher Leader Fellowship Academy, the 10th Annual Teacher Leader Forum invites teacher leaders, educators, and administrators to come together for an inspiring day of learning, connection, and collaboration. Formerly known as the Teacher Leader Fellowship Academy Institute, this one-day professional learning event continues its tradition of elevating teacher voice, advancing leadership, and fostering meaningful professional dialogue. Registration opens April 2026.
Join us in person on May 21, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and explore innovative, research-informed strategies for navigating today ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú †.™s rapidly evolving education landscape. Through engaging conversations and shared experiences, participants will gain inspiration and practical insights to strengthen teaching and learning while building a powerful network of educator leaders.
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Notes:
- $125 per person. 20% discount for SCSU alumni and students! (SCSUED20)
- Current TFLA students and all presenters attend for FREE! ()
THEME: Thriving in Constant Change: Wellness, Wonder, and the Future of Teaching and Learning
This year ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú †.™s theme explores how educators can navigate rapid change ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú †.”such as emerging technologies and increasing student diversity ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú †.”while sustaining wellness, nurturing curiosity, and preparing students for the future.
FOCUS AREAS:
Leading Responsible Tech and AI Use in Schools
Explores responsible integration of AI and emerging technologies, including digital ethics, data privacy, and innovative instructional practices.
Championing for Neurodiverse and Multilingual Learners
Highlights inclusive approaches that support diverse learners through equitable practices, differentiated instruction, and culturally responsive teaching.
Cultivating Communities of Care and Connection
Focuses on building supportive school cultures that promote belonging, well-being, and resilience for both students and educators.
Exploring Teaching & Learning in Canada, Finland, and Italy
Examines global perspectives on education, drawing insights from international systems known for innovative policies and strong educational outcomes.
Call for Breakout Session Proposals:
We invite educators, teacher leaders, administrators, and scholars to submit proposals for breakout sessions that contribute to meaningful dialogue and professional learning. Proposals must align to one of the four areas of focus named above.
no later than Friday, March 27, 2026.
The ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú †.¯Teacher Leader Fellowship Academy (TLFA) ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú †.¯is celebrating its tenth year of empowering educators. Founded and directed by Dr. Betty J. Sternberg, this program is offered through ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú †.¯Ã¿ÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú †.™s Office of Workforce & Lifelong Learning ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú †.¯in partnership with the ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú †.¯College of Education and is proudly ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú †.¯endorsed by the Connecticut Education Association (CEA).
Mission: ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú †.¯To tap into the expertise of classroom teachers and provide an empowering, collaborative fellowship that builds leadership skills without leaving the classroom
Program Highlights
- Participants receive a digital badge and certification upon completion of the program
- Online classroom hub on Blackboard (opens October 25)
- Five core learning sessions (mix of in-person and virtual)
- Complimentary registration to the ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú †.¯Teacher Leadership Conference (May 19, 2026)
- Registration includes food, beverages, and supplies
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1 ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú †.“5 fellows: $1,540
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6 ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú †.“10 fellows: $1,390
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11 ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú †.“15 fellows: $1,250
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16+ fellows: $1,125
Early Bird Registration: Register by October 31 to receive a 30% discount or by November 15 to receive a 15% discount.
Districts will be invoiced after submitting the registration form.
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For Teachers:
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Gain confidence as a leader, even if you ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú †.™re unsure what your leadership path looks like today
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Build skills to design and lead a project that creates a meaningful impact
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Collaborate with like-minded educators across districts
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Earn a certified digital badge from SCSU
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For Administrators:
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Support teachers as leaders
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Strengthen school culture with empowered, collaborative educators
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Flexible enrollment ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú †.”reserve spots now, confirm teachers in November
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For Districts:
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Supports efforts to attract and maintain high-quality educators
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Provides professional development tailored to teachers' interests and needs
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Districts can reserve seats today ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú †.”no need to confirm teacher names yet.
Administrators: Reserve Your Seats:
Teachers: Share this opportunity with your administrator!