KU Expands Teacher Leadership Academy with New Agreements with Methacton and Reading

KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Kutztown University’s Teacher Leadership Academy launched in January as a transformative initiative dedicated to nurturing and empowering the next generation of education leaders. The Academy is set to expand this fall with new agreements with Methacton and Reading School Districts.

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.

“The expansion of the Teacher Leadership Academy is evidence of this powerful and innovative approach to teacher professional development and KU's commitment to strong school-university partnerships,” said Dr. Rebecca West Burns, dean, College of Education. “Together, we are thinking differently about graduate coursework, career advancement and trajectories for teachers that make an impact in schools and across school districts.”

Methacton School District will enter the Teacher Leadership Academy for Instructional Coaching, with a goal to launch a district-wide instructional coaching initiative. A cohort of 19 teachers will begin this fall and will earn their Instructional Coaching Endorsement across a two-year program. Methacton recognized the shifting dynamics within Pennsylvania’s K-12 educational system and the importance of establishing an instructional coaching program to prepare new teachers and continually develop their existing faculty.

“We could not be more excited about our future in the Methacton School District and with the rollout of the Instructional Coaching Certification program through the partnership with Kutztown University,” said Dr. Ché Regina, assistant superintendent at Methacton School District. “Not only will this coaching program support our teachers in perfecting their instructional practices, but it will provide an opportunity for our future teacher leaders to expand their career in ways they may not have previously considered.”

Reading School District will enter the Teacher Leadership Academy for Elementary Reading Specialists, with a goal to equip qualified, certified reading specialist in every elementary school in the district. The 18-month program is slated to have nearly 25 teachers enrolled.

KU launched the Academy in January with its inaugural agreement with Schuylkill Valley School District.

"When teachers work toward a common goal as a group, they are more likely to take risks, be more reflective and successfully implement change,” said Dr. Catherine McGeehan, professor and coordinator for the Instructional Coaching Endorsement. “As we at KU engage in these academies, we are able to focus our research on the impact of collective efficacy and the benefits of aligning coursework with district materials, resources and curriculum."

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 burns@kutztown.edu or 610-683-4300.