Fostering Teacher Leadership
Join the Teacher Leader Fellowship Academy (TLFA)—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 project examples:
Click: Reserve Seats for Your District
2025-2026 Topics:
- Getting to Know the Fellows & Planning for Future TLFA Sessions (Dec 4, virtual, 4:30–6:00 pm)
- Responsible Tech & AI Use in Schools (Jan 15, virtual, 5:30 - 7:00 pm)
- Championing Neurodiverse Learners (Feb 11, virtual, 5:30 - 7:00 pm)
- Cultivating Communities of Care & Connection (Mar 19, in-person, 4:00–7:00 pm)
- Exploring Teacher Leadership in Finland, Canada & Italy (Apr 23, in-person, 4:00–7:00 pm)
- Teacher Leader Institute (May 19, in-person, full-day conference)
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 Teacher Leadership Conference (May 19, 2026)
- Registration includes food, beverages, and supplies
The Teacher Leader Fellowship Academy (TLFA) is celebrating its tenth year of empowering educators. Founded and directed by Dr. Betty J. Sternberg, this program is offered through Southern Connecticut State University’s Office of Workforce & Lifelong Learning in partnership with the College of Education and is proudly endorsed by the Connecticut Education Association (CEA).
Mission: To tap into the expertise of classroom teachers and provide an empowering, collaborative fellowship that builds leadership skills without leaving the classroom
-
1–5 fellows: $1,540
-
6–10 fellows: $1,390
-
11–15 fellows: $1,250
-
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.
-
For Teachers:
-
Gain confidence as a leader, even if you’re unsure what your leadership path looks like today
-
Build skills to design and lead a project that creates a meaningful impact
-
Collaborate with like-minded educators across districts
-
Earn a certified digital badge from SCSU
-
-
For Administrators:
-
Support teachers as leaders
-
Strengthen school culture with empowered, collaborative educators
-
Flexible enrollment—reserve spots now, confirm teachers in November
-
-
For Districts:
-
Supports efforts to attract and maintain high-quality educators
-
Provides professional development tailored to teachers' interests and needs
-
Districts can reserve seats today—no need to confirm teacher names yet.
Administrators: Reserve Your Seats:
Reserve Seats for Your District
Teachers: Share this opportunity with your administrator!