More About the Program

The National Charter Schools Institute's #LEAD: Charter School Leaders Program is designed to inspire, educate and equip charter school leaders to achieve their potential and to lead with excellence. Previously known as the Aspiring Charter School Leaders Program , #LEAD provides a broad overview of the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully lead a charter school in Michigan. Through participation in this program, you will be connected to school leaders, experts, resources, and organizations that will ensure your school’s success. This program is designed to meet the unique needs of each participant. We understand that every charter school leader comes with their own background, skills and abilities. Through the use of a participant readiness assessment, we are able to better understand your leadership strengths and the areas in which you could benefit from additional knowledge, training and mentorship. It is our commitment that participation in this program will meet your specific leadership goals and cover important topics areas such as system leadership, instructional leadership, school operations and communications.

Charter school leaders are busy, so carving out time to participate in additional training and leadership development opportunities, while critical, can be difficult. With this in mind, this program is designed to build on the important work that you are already doing in your school. All the activities you will be asked to complete are grounded in real-life work-based experiences and will result in the creation of an online portfolio of practical resources that you can continue to use on the job. One of the most exciting aspects of the program is that you will be assigned a mentor who is an experienced school leader. You will have someone to encourage and challenge you as you take this journey of leadership development. As you communicate with your mentor, on a regular basis, you will have the opportunity to ask critical questions, brainstorm innovative ideas and work on solving important problems.

The Application process

The Institute invites you to apply for this competitive and rewarding year-long program. To be eligible to apply for this outstanding program, you must be currently employed in a Michigan charter school and have the support of school leadership and board of directors. As part of the application process you will submit a letter of support from the school in which you are, or will be, employed. Title II and ESSER funds may be used to help finance your participation in this program . If you are ready to improve your ability to lead and achieve outstanding results for Michigan kids, please take the next step and complete the combined participant readiness assessment and application.

For questions about #LEAD: Charter School Leaders Program , please contact Mark Weinberg at MWeinberg@CharterInstitute.org or call (248) 431-1110.

Mark Weinberg Archives - National Charter Schools Institute

Guest Spotlight – Part 2: Navigating Difficult Meetings

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Guest Spotlight – Part 1: Upping Your Game with More Effective Meetings

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National Charter Schools Conference (Alliance)

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Governing for Greatness Series Join board expert, Mark Weinberg, in the National Charter Schools Institute’s Board Network webinar, “Staying in Your Lane: How to Maintain Focus and Drive Impact.”

Revving Up for Renewal

Recorded August 31, 2023 | Governing for Greatness Series

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Building strong habits helps board chairs ensure highly effective board practice. Join Institute Partner Mark Weinberg as he shares the first of seven habits that boards can strive to implement to ensure productive meetings.

Board Network: Board Training & Community

Whether you’re a board member or someone who works with a board, this national community is for you. By joining, you’ll have access to specialized tools, resources and trainings, along with opportunities to engage and exchange ideas with experts and peers from around the country.

#LEAD: Charter School Leaders Program

This training and certification program provides a broad overview of the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully lead a charter school in Michigan, as well as on-going certification.

12 Board Responsibilities

Boards that govern for greatness understand management’s role is to execute, and the board’s role is to ensure. Be proactive, ask wise questions and focus on what truly matters. Ensuring your board fulfills these 12 responsibilities will help advance your school towards greatness.

Policies, Practices & Systems

Whether you’re looking for an external evaluation of your current practices or are new to authorizing and are looking to set up the best systems for your, our team of experienced experts are ready to help. Receive honest, professional, and insightful guidance and resources from experienced authorizers.

Why choose the #LEAD Charter School Leaders Program

#LEAD – We teach what leaders need to know

7 Habits of Highly Effective Board Chairs

Recorded August 31, 2023 | Governing for Greatness Series

Evaluating Leadership Virtually

Adjust practices for changing times.
While school buildings are closed, teaching, learning and leading continued. How should boards or management companies adjust their practices to reflect an environment where most of what the school leader does is accomplished remotely? Learn some tips and tricks from Stephanie Hargens and Mark Weinberg to ensure your evaluation process reflects the unique nature of leadership in this new and ever-changing environment.

#LEAD Program

Are You Ready to #LEAD? MICHIGAN ONLY PROGRAM Formerly known as the Aspiring Leaders Program, the #LEAD: Charter School Leaders Program provides a broad overview of the knowledge and skills necessary…

Board Policies and Procedures

If you are seeking best practices or looking for the policies your school must legally adopt, we have what you need. Our policies and procedures are being used on a daily basis in scores of charter schools. Our material is legally grounded, practically tested and user friendly.

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Successful schools have strong boards and great leaders. We believe the most important thing is to establish clarity about roles and responsibilities—especially between the chief executive and the board.