The Leaders in Education Apprenticeship Program (LEAP), in collaboration with the New York City Leadership Academy, launched in 2009 and is a 12-month, cluster-based, on-the-job leadership development program focused on developing individuals who have demonstrated leadership capacity and readiness to engage in school leadership positions. LEAP is a unique model that develops school leaders within their existing school environments and creates opportunities to harness existing relationships including those with current principals and school communities. The LEAP curriculum differentiates learning based on individual needs and creates a pathway for the development of professional learning communities. The LEAP model is aligned with the DOE's instructional initiatives and priorities, and is grounded in research and leadership-based competencies.
The 6 Distinct Components of LEAP:
- Summer Intensive
The LEAP summer intensive consists of full day sessions where participants engage in intense leadership development activities of self-discovery and reflection.
- Residency Experience & Mentorship
The residency experience and mentor principal are critical components of the LEAP program. Throughout the residency, the mentor enhances the curriculum by connecting theory and practice.
- After School Weekly Sessions
Weekly sessions provide an opportunity to engage in theoretical discourse and problem solving to continuously enhance the apprentice's instructional and leadership capacity.
- Coaching & Support
LEAP faculty members conduct residency visits to provide one-on-one coaching, feedback, and observation. LEAP faculty members also collaborate with mentor principals in support of the apprentice's development.
- Sustainability Project
The yearlong sustainability project engages the apprentice in the cycle of inquiry to support and improve student learning and teacher practice. The project is designed by the apprentice with support from the LEAP faculty member and mentor principal.
- Professional Series
Based on the curriculum and needs of the LEAP cohort, educational experts share leadership strategies, DOE priorities, and research-based practices that challenge existing mental models in order to enhance apprentices' instructional and management skills.
LEAP Eligibility:
- Current DOE employee with satisfactory rating
- Current principal willing to serve as mentor
- Minimum of three years in the DOE as a teacher or other applicable role that meets State requirements for the principalship
- Experience with leading teacher teams, including inquiry work, at the school level
- Master's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA
Key dates:
- Application process just closed on January 31, 2013. Stay tuned for information regarding next year's cohort.
Contact:
LEAP@schools.nyc.gov
http://schools.nyc.gov/Offices/DHR/TeacherPrincipalSchoolProfessionals/ProfessionalDevelopment/leap.html