October 2025-June 2026
The Lead IDEA Center is excited to have launched the 2025-2026 Lead IDEA Leadership Academy — a dynamic leadership development experience for local early intervention (EI) program and PreK-Grade 12 school building administrators.
This year’s theme: Increasing Capacity to Lead Effective, Sustainable Systems for IDEA Implementation
Participants will engage in a free, yearlong, blended learning experience that includes:
- Two in-person events (fall 2025 and spring 2026)
- Monthly, 90-minute interactive virtual learning sessions
- Personalized coaching to support application of learning based on roles
- Flexible self-directed learning
“I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Academy. The information increased my knowledge and understanding of IDEA, helped me communicate with families, and allowed me to reflect on my practices when engaging with parents.”
Who Applied?
We looked for committed local leaders, including:
- EI program administrators (directors/coordinators) serving infants & toddlers birth – age 3
- School principals and assistant principals serving students in grades PreK-12
What Participants Will Gain
The Leadership Academy is designed to increase local leaders’ capacity to build effective, sustainable systems that support the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Grounded in the Center’s six IDEA Leadership Essentials, the Academy helps local EI program and school building administrators:
- Deepen their understanding of IDEA and implement it effectively
- Strengthen knowledge and skills related to their role in IDEA implementation
- Establish policies and procedures that support effective IDEA implementation, including the provision of appropriate specially designed instruction and developmental services for children with disabilities
- Address pressing challenges within the EI and special education landscape
- Apply tools for reflection, planning, implementation, and continuous improvement
- Engage with a national network of peers and subject matter experts
Applications for the 2025-2026 Leadership Academy Have Closed - Thank You!
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Academy Features
Differentiated by Age Band
Content tailored for EI program, grades PreK–5, and grades 6–12 school building administrators
Blended Learning
In-person, virtual, and asynchronous formats
Data-Driven
Use Leadership Assessments to guide your growth & system enhancements
Collaborative Problem-Solving
Tackle real leadership challenges with peers
Academy Impact
In Cohort 1 of our PreK-12 Leadership Academy, participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive:
- 100% of principals strongly agreed that they were satisfied with the overall quality of the Academy experience.
- 100% of principals reported that the content was directly relevant to their professional role and day-to-day responsibilities
- 100% of principals expressed satisfaction not only with the quality of the resources shared throughout the Academy, but also indicated their intent to share those materials with colleagues and staff – extending the impact beyond their own learning…
FAQs
- Is there a cost to participate?
No, the Academy is a free professional learning activity supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs. While the Lead IDEA Center does not charge registration fees, you will need to work with your district office and/or supervisor to ensure your participation time is covered/supported. - Are travel costs covered?
Yes. Travel, lodging, and per diem for the in-person convenings are fully reimbursed. - Do I have to attend/complete all sessions and activities?
Yes. Participation and active engagement in all in-person and virtual sessions is required and essential for meaningful learning. We will also ask you to complete activities in-between sessions to support your application of learning. - Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Participants who attend all learning sessions and complete the required activities throughout the Academy will receive a certificate of completion documenting time spent on leadership development. - When will the in-person and virtual learning sessions take place?
Event dates will be announced once the application window closes and participants have been selected. You will have an opportunity to review the event dates upon confirming your participation in the Academy. - When will I be notified of my application status?
Applicants will be notified of their selection by September 5. Selection decisions will consider readiness and availability to engage in the full Academy series with documented supervisor approval and support, as well as a proven commitment to advancing outcomes for children with disabilities. - What role will my supervisor play?
In addition to supporting your time, participation, and learning throughout the Academy, we will also ask you to work with your supervisor and school/program leadership team to complete an organizational capacity assessment. - Will all applications be accepted?
Please note that capacity is limited and not all applications will be accepted. The selection process will consider factors such as geographic representation to ensure a broad range of perspectives and contexts are included.
Still have questions?
Contact us at LeadIDEA@air.org and a member of our team will follow up with you!