“District Leadership Fellows gave me the gift of time.”
Dr. Kermit Ward
Superintendent, Vernon ISD
Education
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"Dr. Eric Bing is a leader among leaders. It has been an honor to be exposed to his knowledge, expertise, wisdom, and wit."
Dr. Keena Bradley
Executive Director of Employee Services and Experience
Aldine ISD
"I found myself looking forward to each Friday's session and eager to learn from the incredible people I have met through this process."
Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent
Coppell ISD
"District Leadership Fellows helped to equip me with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to effectively lead and manage others."
Dr. Darwin Spiller
Executive Director of Title IX Compliance & Investigations
Richardson ISD
"Above all, the SMU District Leadership Fellows program offered me an opportunity to heighten my leadership effectiveness to better serve my students, staff, and community."
Dr. Bryan Taulton
Superintendent of Schools
Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD
"District Leadership Fellows expanded my network of colleagues as well as my knowledge of effective leadership."
Mrs. Taylor Williams
Superintendent
Slidell ISD
District Leadership Fellows Program
Leaders of school districts occupy complex roles. They're responsible for setting a vision, executing a strategy, and motivating those around them. To help superintendents and district leaders enhance their leadership capacity in these areas and beyond, the Institute for Leadership Impact developed the District Leadership Fellows program. This hybrid in-person and online strengths-based leadership development program enhances the leadership abilities of fellows through an intensive year-long cohort. To date, 134 leaders from 115 districts in seven states have participated in the program.
for the 2025-2026 cohort. Established and emerging district leaders who are collaborative, motivated to create change, and who have a strong desire for personal leadership growth are .
Fellows will apply their learning from cohort meetings, peer group meetings and interactive tutorials to a real-world challenge in their districts. Through personal and professional development, they will build their leadership skills, enabling them to develop the capacity of upcoming leaders and better serve all stakeholders in their districts.
for the 2025-2026 cohort. Established and emerging district leaders who are collaborative, motivated to create change, and who have a strong desire for personal leadership growth are .
Fellows will apply their learning from cohort meetings, peer group meetings and interactive tutorials to a real-world challenge in their districts. Through personal and professional development, they will build their leadership skills, enabling them to develop the capacity of upcoming leaders and better serve all stakeholders in their districts.
Tools
- Receive individual coaching
- Participate in dynamic in-person and online sessions
- Learn from SMU faculty and education experts
- Engage with in-house interactive training modules
Takeaways
- Enhance your leadership skills
- Better align your work with your personal mission
- Apply your learning to a real-world challenge in your district
- Expand your network and collaborate with a diverse cohort of peers
More information on the application process, along with highlights from the current cohort, are available in our . Additional information is available in the program flyer or by contacting Christine Ferguson at cjferguson@smu.edu or 214-768-1073.