The School Leaders Fellowship (SLF) is an exhilarating program designed to equip emerging leaders with the tools, knowledge, and strategies to lead a successful and thriving charter school. This dynamic program brings together experienced charter school leaders and field experts who offer a unique blend of practical advice, powerful resources, and cutting-edge concepts that Fellows can implement immediately in their schools. Each session is laser-focused on a Florida Leadership Standard, delivered in highly engaging and interactive ways that inspire Fellows to turn theory into actionable plans—so they can make an impact on their campuses.
In the December 2024 SLF session, Cohort 4 Fellows delved deep into crucial leadership standards: School Operations, Management and Safety; Vision and Mission; and Professional and Ethical Norms.
Jay P. Drag, Jr.,Vice President of Operations for Charter School Associates led the discussion on School Operations, offering invaluable insights on the logistics and safety elements that keep schools running smoothly. Click Jay’s rules for success to see a slide from his presentation. Cametra Edwards and Jennifer Hines with Accelerate Education tackled the Vision and Mission standard, guiding Fellows through the process of aligning their school’s core values and goals with their day-to-day operations. Throughout the session, Fellows were encouraged to contribute their thoughts and ideas in real-time, sparking dynamic discussions. This collaborative atmosphere ignited fresh perspectives on the importance of crafting a clear, compelling vision and mission. As Fellow Zanetta Robinson aptly pointed out, “Just like a car with misaligned wheels, a misaligned school vision/mission can and will pull things off course.” This reflection underscored the power of a unified direction in guiding a school toward success. Click here to learn about Accerate Education. Carlos Capellan with the Florida Charter Institute discussed Professional and Ethical Norms (Standard 1). Using real-life scenarios, the Fellows were asked to identify potential ethics violations, outline actions they would have taken as a leader, and discuss lessons learned. The Think Pair Share slide resonated with Fellows, explained Leicha SanMiguel, SLF program coordinator. “The magnifying glass is symbolic. Everything we do as school employees is seen by our public…professional and personal integrity must be the forefront of actions.”
The School Leaders Fellowship, developed by the Florida Charter Schools Alliance (FCSA) and funded by a generous grant from the Florida Department of Education, is a cornerstone of leadership development for Florida’s charter school community. The Fellowship provides ongoing resources, training, and mentorship to individuals committed to making a lasting difference in education. With the graduation of Cohort 4 Fellows this spring, the program will have proudly graduated 60 future charter school leaders, many of whom are already stepping into impactful leadership roles across the state. This transformative experience is not just about preparing leaders for today—it’s about shaping the visionaries who will drive the charter school movement forward tomorrow.