The University of Virginia’s Partnership for Leaders in Education (UVA-PLE) has announced its 21st cohort of school and district leadership teams. A joint initiative of the Darden School of Business and the School of Education and Human Development, UVA-PLE offers a unique multi-year program aimed at enhancing leadership in K-12 education through executive education and research-based strategies.
The UVA-PLE Core Partnership is the only research-validated program in the U.S. dedicated to advancing leadership development for K-12 educators. This program, which spans over two years, includes onsite visits and interactive professional development sessions in Charlottesville. It provides tailored support to help leaders identify and address critical gaps, develop data-driven action plans, engage stakeholders, and ensure accountability.
William Robinson, Executive Director of UVA-PLE, emphasized the program’s commitment to transformative leadership. “Transformative change starts with inspiring and empowered leaders,” Robinson said. “By focusing on the human components of change, we empower our partners to ignite action through a compelling vision and a willingness to disrupt the system.”
The new cohort for Summer 2024 through Spring 2026 comprises leaders from 17 districts across 10 states. These include districts such as Sierra Vista Unified in Arizona, Visalia Unified in California, Aurora Public Schools in Colorado, and Waco Independent School District in Texas.
Participants will tackle key challenges such as reducing absenteeism, strengthening instructional support, enhancing teacher recruitment, and expanding post-secondary opportunities. The program has historically demonstrated significant impact, with many districts achieving substantial gains in student outcomes, including increased proficiency in math and language arts.
For example, the School District of the City of York, Pennsylvania, successfully exited financial recovery, while Fulton County, Georgia, reduced its number of F-rated schools by 90% and improved college admissions rates. In Oklahoma City, underperforming schools decreased significantly, and Fond du Lac School District in Wisconsin achieved notable gains in academic performance.
Dr. Jeff Fleig, Superintendent of Fond du Lac School District, praised the partnership, noting, “Participating in UVA-PLE provides fresh insights and fosters collaboration and innovative ways to solve our district’s biggest challenges.” UVA-PLE’s core philosophy emphasizes that meaningful and lasting change begins with deliberate leadership development, equipping education leaders to think and act strategically.
