2026-2027
Arkansas Leadership Academy Cohort Program Application Now Open!
The Arkansas Leadership Academy (ALA) is excited to announce that applications are now open for our 2026-2027 cohort programs! We invite educators from all roles to take advantage of our free professional learning opportunities, designed to help you grow in your career and leadership potential.
Participation in all sessions is expected for acceptance into the program, and all program offerings are provided at no cost to participants. Applications will be evaluated based on the relevancy of content to the applicant’s role, as well as geographic and district representation across the state. Acceptance decisions will be communicated to applicants by August 9.
The Department of Education is currently evaluating proposals for program funding. Acceptance and participation are dependent on grant funding.
Submit Your Arkansas Leadership Academy Cohort Program Application Now
Program Descriptions & Dates
Teacher Leader Program
For classroom educators seeking to enhance their leadership skills, this program also provides a pathway to the Lead Professional Designation on the DESE Career Continuum. More details, including session dates, will be announced soon.
Program Lead: Jessica Wright (jwright@apsrc.net)
Lead Facilitator: Dr. Jenni Donohoo
Instructional Leader Program
This program, designed for educators in leadership roles such as instructional facilitators, coaches, and assistant principals, focuses on teaching, learning, assessment, and collegial support. More details, including session dates, will be announced soon.
Program and Lead Facilitator: Jeana Williams (jwilliams@apsrc.net)
School Team Empowerment
In this program, teams of 4-8 educators, guided by an administrator, collaborate in a “Problem of Practice” model to develop sustainable solutions for challenges facing their school or district (e.g., attendance, literacy services, behavior supports). More details, including session dates, will be announced soon.
Program Lead: Bradley Webber & Jeana Williams
Lead Facilitator: Dr. Peter Dewitt
Executive Leader Empowerment
This program is designed for Superintendents, Deputy Superintendents, and District Directors who are looking to enhance their leadership skills in teaching, learning, finance, resource allocation, and staff support. More details, including session dates, will be announced soon.
Program Lead: Nick Hill (nhill@apsrc.net)
Master Principal Program
For principals with at least one year of experience (preferably three or more years), this program can lead to designation as an Arkansas Master Principal and offers financial incentives. More details, including session dates, will be announced soon.
Program and Lead Facilitator: Bradley Webber (bwebber@arkansasleadershipacademy.org
Phase 1: School mission, vision, and instructional leadership
Phase 2: Stakeholder supports (students, staff, parents, communities)
Phase 3: Sustainability systems for continued improvement
Teacher Leader Program
For classroom educators seeking to enhance their leadership skills, this program also provides a pathway to the Lead Professional Designation on the DESE Career Continuum. More details, including session dates, will be announced soon.
Program Lead: Jessica Wright (jwright@apsrc.net)
Lead Facilitator: Dr. Jenni Donohoo
Instructional Leader Program
This program, designed for educators in leadership roles such as instructional facilitators, coaches, and assistant principals, focuses on teaching, learning, assessment, and collegial support. More details, including session dates, will be announced soon.
Program and Lead Facilitator: Jeana Williams (jwilliams@apsrc.net)
School Team Empowerment
In this program, teams of 4-8 educators, guided by an administrator, collaborate in a “Problem of Practice” model to develop sustainable solutions for challenges facing their school or district (e.g., attendance, literacy services, behavior supports). More details, including session dates, will be announced soon.
Program Lead: Bradley Webber & Jeana Williams
Lead Facilitator: Dr. Peter Dewitt
Executive Leader Empowerment
This program is designed for Superintendents, Deputy Superintendents, and District Directors who are looking to enhance their leadership skills in teaching, learning, finance, resource allocation, and staff support. More details, including session dates, will be announced soon.
Program Lead: Nick Hill (nhill@apsrc.net)
Master Principal Program
For principals with at least one year of experience (preferably three or more years), this program can lead to designation as an Arkansas Master Principal and offers financial incentives. More details, including session dates, will be announced soon.
Program and Lead Facilitator: Bradley Webber (bwebber@arkansasleadershipacademy.org
Phase 1: School mission, vision, and instructional leadership
Phase 2: Stakeholder supports (students, staff, parents, communities)
Phase 3: Sustainability systems for continued improvement