Teacher Leadership Academy Announces Expansion with Schuylkill Valley and Antietam

Teacher Leadership Academy Announces Expansion with Schuylkill Valley and Antietam

KUTZTOWN, Pa. - Kutztown University's Teacher Leadership Academy is a transformative initiative dedicated to nurturing and empowering the next generation of education leaders. This fall, the Academy is set to expand its current partnership with Schuylkill Valley School District while welcoming Antietam School District into the program.

The KU Teacher Leadership Academy is the university's latest commitment to advancing educational practices and fostering the development of educators who will lead with innovation and impact.

At the heart of the Teacher Leadership Academy is a revolutionary model of teacher leader preparation through partnership. This unique program places a strong emphasis on aligning graduate coursework with the specific needs of individual schools or districts. By tailoring the curriculum to address the real-world challenges faced by educators, the Teacher Leadership Academy aims to cultivate a cohort of teacher leaders capable of driving positive change within their school communities. Upon completion, teachers earn credentials that matter, positioning them for career advancement opportunities.

"Retaining high-quality teachers is one of the most urgent challenges facing education today," said Dr. Rebecca West Burns, dean, KU College of Education. "The Teacher Leadership Academy offers a sustainable model for retention - one that honors educators' expertise, supports their growth and positions them to lead change within their schools and communities.

"When teachers are given the opportunity to lead, they rediscover their passion and purpose. The Academy provides that spark - rejuvenating educators by recognizing their leadership potential and equipping them with advanced credentials that directly impact student success. By elevating teachers into leadership roles, we not only retain talent - we inspire it to grow."

Schuylkill Valley was the inaugural partner of KU's Teacher Leadership Academy when the program launched in January 2024. The district will have 48 teachers participate in the program this fall: 16 from Schuylkill Valley High School who will earn their Instructional Coaching Endorsement; and 32 from Schuylkill Valley Elementary School across two cohorts focusing on advanced coaching skills; and deepening instructional practices to support student learning.

Antietam School District joins the Academy this fall with 24 teachers from Stony Creek Elementary School.

"Antietam School District believes that the mission of educating children is one that requires constant collaboration between districts, families, communities and beyond," said Timothy Matlack, superintendent, Antietam School District. "Collective efficacy is a self-sustaining engine for continuous growth. By partnering with Kutztown University to implement a Teacher Leadership Academy, the district is relying on an already trusted partner in learning to help us build upon that collective teacher efficacy. We believe that Kutztown shares our dedication to invest in people ahead of programs and have seen first-hand how powerful collaboration between higher education and K-12 education can truly be. We are excited to embark on this journey together."

The Academy now grows to four school districts: Antietam, Methacton, Reading and Schuylkill Valley.

Key Features of KU Teacher Leadership Academy

• Onsite Learning: Courses are thoughtfully delivered directly at individual schools, as appropriate.
• Aligned Academic Calendar: The curriculum is strategically synchronized with the school's academic calendar.
• Relevant and Practical: Course content is designed to be immediately applicable to teachers' daily practice.
• Tailored to School Improvement Plans: The program is customized to align with the specific goals outlined in the school's improvement plan.
• Collaborative Planning: Courses are meticulously planned in collaboration with both school administration and university faculty, ensuring a holistic approach to teacher leadership development.
• Endorsement and Certificate Programs.

For more information about the Kutztown University Teacher Leadership Academy, please contact Dr. Rebecca West Burns, dean, College of Education, at [email protected] or 610-683-4300.