Teacher Leadership Academy 2026-2027

Teaching Doesn’t Have to Be Done Alone

The Teacher Leadership Academy is made possible through the generous, ongoing support of the Sun Family Foundation.

Build the Foundation for a Strong Teaching Career

As a new teacher, it’s easy to focus on managing your classroom and meeting immediate demands. But long-term success comes from connection, support, and a strong professional community. The Teacher Leadership Academy brings educators together to learn, reflect, and grow—without evaluation, pressure, or added burden.

  • Find Your People

    Connect with fellow educators who understand the challenges and joys of teaching, and build relationships that support you throughout your career.

    Join the COmmunity

  • A Space to Learn and Grow

    Participate in workshops, collaborative learning, and reflective practice in a supportive, non-evaluative environment.

    Explore the Academy

  • Build a Career That Lasts

    Teachers who build strong networks early grow with confidence, stay in the profession longer, and make a deeper impact on their students.

    APPLY

  • Designed to Support You

    The Teacher Leadership Academy fits alongside your work, offering connection and growth without added pressure.

    Learn More

Real Teachers. Real Impact.

JULY 16-19, 2026

A Year-Long Program Designed to Support New Teachers

The Teacher Leadership Academy supports early-career educators with the connection, mentorship, and professional learning they need to grow and stay in the profession.

By investing in teachers early, we strengthen classrooms, support retention, and create a better educational experience for students across California.

Learn from Experienced, Award-Winning Educators

Participants are paired with Carlston Award honorees—exceptional teachers who bring deep experience, subject expertise, and a commitment to going above and beyond for their students.

Mentors are matched by subject area and location and meet regularly with participants to offer guidance, share insights, and provide ongoing support.

What the Program Includes:

  • Year-long mentorship with an experienced educator

  • 4-day Summer Academy with hands-on workshops

  • Spring Conference focused on collaboration and reflection'

  • Virtual Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) throughout the year

  • Webinars and workshops based on participant needs

  • Optional university credit for continued professional growth

Built for the Realities of Early Teaching

The first years in the classroom can be both exciting and overwhelming. Many new teachers are balancing immediate demands while still developing their practice.

The Teacher Leadership Academy provides a space to reflect, ask questions, and grow—supported by a community that understands what you’re experiencing and is committed to your success.

Wondering if this is right for you?

Here are a few common questions from educators considering the Teacher Leadership Academy.

Register

  • The Teacher Leadership Academy is designed for early-career public high school teachers, as well as educators who want to strengthen their practice, connect with peers, and grow within a supportive professional community.

  • The Academy is a year-long experience that includes a 4-day Summer Academy, a Spring Conference, and ongoing professional learning throughout the year. Participants engage in hands-on workshops, collaborative sessions, and subject-specific learning opportunities.

  • The program is designed to support your teaching, not add unnecessary pressure. In addition to the Summer Academy and Spring Conference, participants engage in flexible virtual Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and optional opportunities throughout the year.

  • Participants are part of a collaborative, non-evaluative community and receive year-long mentorship, including one-on-one support with monthly check-ins focused on your goals and needs

  • No. The Teacher Leadership Academy is offered at no cost to participants, made possible through the generous support of the Sun Family Foundation.

  • Yes. Participants may have the opportunity to earn low-cost university credits and engage in ongoing professional learning through virtual PLCs and in-person events.

  • Teachers who build strong support networks early in their careers are more likely to stay in the profession, grow in confidence, and make a lasting impact on their students. The Academy provides an additional layer of support that complements existing district programs.escription

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