Overview
The Charter Center's ELF program is a rigorous, yearlong program designed to take exceptional teachers and train them to become outstanding secondary leaders, i.e. assistant principals and deans of students in NYC charter schools. Looking to your own best and brightest, the ELF program empowers emerging leaders to take on larger roles in promoting engaging learning environments and higher student achievement.
THE UPSIDE
Through ELF, school leaders will be able to build and maintain a viable pipeline of talented administrators who are deeply rooted in their school’s mission and culture and have the respect of their colleagues.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
ELF provides a mix of practicum-based initiatives and seminars that focus on the cornerstones of effective schools. Rotation topics include:
- Leadership development
- Creating a culture of data
- Classroom observations
- Community engagement
- School finances and budgeting
Fellows are required to:
- Participate in three-hour training sessions that meet every other week
- Meet weekly with their school leader who serves as a mentor
- Complete four leadership projects explicitly aligned to the school's improvement plan
- Monitor their progress against a Leadership Development Plan outlining specific goals and benchmarks
- Have a 10% reduced teaching load to accommodate the program's workload
"The ELF program gave me a forum to discuss both the triumphs and challenges I faced as an emerging leader. Working with other fellows also gave me a sense of support because we shared ideas and practices with each other."
- Bola Disu-Olaiya, Our World Neighborhood Charter School
Mentors commit to:
- Participating in weekly one-hour sessions with their fellow
- Supporting their Fellow in completing the four projects
- A consistent time slot to work on their practicum
- Attend quarterly training sessions with their mentees
Ideal Candidates
- Possess a relentless drive for excellence
- Have a history of setting new standards for student performance
- Communicate a strong desire to become charter school administrators
- Display a passion for NYC charter schools
ELF CONTRIBUTORS
ELF rotations are taught by outstanding charter school leaders who have consistently raised achievement standards in their schools. ELF rotation leaders have included:
- Anne Lackritz, Principal, Girls Prep
- Charlene Reid, Principal, Bronx Charter School for Excellence
- Joshua Morales, Organizational Leader, Bedford Stuyvesant New Beginnings Charter School
- Gregory Speranza, School Leadership Coach, MindStream Consulting, Inc.
- Professor Heidi Brooks, Yale School of Management
"Through the ELF program, I have been able to simultaneously coach my emerging leader and reflect upon my own practices, ultimately improving the academic program at my school.”
- Charlene Reid, Bronx Charter School for Excellence
ELIGIBILITY
Candidates must:
- Have a track record of excellence in teaching
- Have taught in the school for at least two full years at the time of application
- Describe their commitment to growing into the leadership position described by the school leader
- Provide two letters of recommendation from colleagues
- Have the approval of the school leader, who also agrees to serve as a mentor
COST (NEW THIS YEAR)
There is a $1,000 program fee.
TO APPLY
Candidates must submit completed applications by noon on Friday, June 8, 2012. Final decisions will be made by Friday, June 29, 2012.
Apply Now