A Series of Papers

Reshaping Educational Leadership for the Future

Now is the time to diversify.

As the diversity among our nation’s public school students grows, so must the diversity among the education leaders serving them. All students benefit from seeing diverse leaders and teachers working together to advance equity and excellence.

From district leaders building diverse principal pipelines to teachers of color stepping into more leadership, we can build more equitable representation and reshape the future for our nation’s children. Learn how.

“Districts that prioritize diverse talent pipelines see the greatest return on investment.”

Dr. Michael Hinojosa

Superintendent-in-Residence, Council of Great City Schools

“Everywhere I looked, leadership didn’t look like me but our students did.”

Danielle Edwards

School Leader, Los Angeles

“You can’t do the same thing and expect different results.”

Dr. Kettisha Jones

Senior Leadership Coach, Hutto, TX
Invest in Leadership - New Leaders Images
District Leaders, September 2022

Invest in Leadership: Five Actions District Leaders Can Take to Increase School Leader Diversity

Strategic investments are needed to develop the next generation of school leaders who better reflect the communities they serve. Building a diverse pipeline of school leaders who are well prepared and supported enables districts to develop and retain the kind of talent that ensures all students thrive. Here are five actions district leaders can take to shape the future of educational leadership in their districts.
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Equity Focused Leadership - New Leaders Images
School Leaders, August 2022

Equity-Focused Leadership: How School Leaders Can Accelerate Student Learning (and Keep Great Teachers)

Research shows that all students benefit from seeing diverse teachers and school leaders working together to replace inequitable practices with school cultures anchored in high expectations, respect, and inclusivity. This kind of leadership also creates the conditions in which high-quality teachers want to stay. Here are five proven equity-focused practices that principals can start implementing in schools today.
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Lead from the seat you're in - New Leaders Images
Teacher Leaders, July 2022

Lead From the Seat You’re In: How Teachers of Color Can Step Into Leadership

It’s time to abandon the idea that educational leadership is the job of the few at the top. Here are four ways educators can start leading today. Amplify your impact on students, elevate diverse voices and teacher perspectives, and create lasting solutions by stepping into more leadership and the principal role. Here's how educators can begin.
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front cover Closing the Gap - New Leaders Images
Executive Summary, July 2022

Closing the Representation Gap: A Series of Papers on Reshaping Education Leadership for the Future

The face of education leadership is changing, but not fast enough. Representation—the ability to see yourself reflected in the leaders around you—is invaluable when half of all K-12 public school students identify as people of color. By diversifying our teacher and school leader pipelines, we empower more students to realize their futures as the next generation of leaders.
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