School Leadership Development Program
Note: The School Leadership Development Program is subject to legislative appropriation and USBE Administrative Rule changes. As such, there may be changes including but not limited to eligibility, selection criteria, program requirements, or funding.
The Application for Cohort 4 is now closed. Information for Cohort 5 will be available Spring 2026.
Application and Selection Process.
Per Utah State Code 53-E-5-309 and Board Rule R277-920, the Center for Continuous School Improvement provides the School Leadership Development Program, an in-depth professional learning opportunity for eligible principals and assistant principals to support school improvement efforts in Elevate or Springboard designated schools. Specifically, schools designated as Elevate or Springboard may participate.
The process for participation requires an application. A link will take you to the application. Please note, participation in the program is voluntary and competitive.
Applications for Cohort 5, starting fall of 2026 and ending spring of 2028 will be open Monday May 4, 2026. For full consideration, this application must be completed and submitted by the end of the day, Monday May 18, 2026. Selected participants will be notified on or before May 29, 2026.
The School Leadership Development Program Details
This leadership program is an in-depth professional learning opportunity. The program is aligned with Strand 6 of the Utah Educational Leadership Standards that include building capacity to support the implementation of quality, research-based instructional practice aligned to state standards as well as how to initiate, achieve and sustain school improvement efforts.
This two-year, research-based professional learning opportunity is a cohort model. The program includes six and a half days for training and coaching each year.
Participants in the School Leadership Development Program who meet all program requirements will receive incentive compensation at the conclusion of their cohort program as detailed in Utah Code 53E-5-309 and Board Rule R277-920.
Our partner in this effort is WestEd, a nonprofit research, development, and service agency with deep expertise in supporting the development of instructional leadership and addressing comprehensive school improvement.
Contact
Dr. Gregory Firn
School Improvement Specialist
Phone: (801) 538-7846 | Email