For More information on CLD Leadership Academy please read the following:

CLD Leadership Academy

Leadership Academy

CLD is committed to building the leadership capacity of professionals who are entering the special education field. Additionally, this support is extended to those who have been in the field and who now want to move into professional leadership roles. Participation in the Leadership Academy provides the opportunity to assume a leadership role on a local, state, and national level in service to students with learning disabilities and their families. Academy Leaders have the opportunity to network and receive mentoring from some of the most-highly regarded leaders in the field of Learning Disabilities. Additionally, Academy Leaders are eligible for nomination for CLD annual awards.

Each year, CLD selects a cohort of up to six emerging leaders who demonstrate potential and a passion for leadership in service of students with learning disabilities as well as all other learners who struggle academically.

Kyle Hughes, Leadership Development Committee Chair kyle.hughes24@gmail.com

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Who is eligible for selection? Leadership Academy candidates are members of CLD and can be nominated or may self nominate. There is no limit to the number of candidates an individual can nominate. Applications will be reviewed by the Leadership Development Committee (LDC) and the Executive Committee (EC).

Are there deadlines for applications and when does the new-class year begin? The application process is open year-round. The application deadline for the upcoming cohort is June 1 and the CLD chairperson will notify the new cohort members by email by July 1. The new cohort is introduced at the national CLD conference in October. Beginning November 1, the newly selected cohort will participate in the year-long program with the expectation that they will continue for a second year as peer mentors to new Academy Leaders. Also during year two, members will serve a one-year term as an ad hoc member of a CLD Standing Committee.

What are the benefits of participation in the Leadership Academy?

• A complimentary registration for the national conference for year one and a reduced registration for year two
• Visibility within the CLD community
• Assignment of a CLD mentor
• Various networking opportunities with other Academy Leaders, CLD leaders and staff
• Participation in the creation of professional-development offerings for CLD members
• Eligibility for prestigious CLD awards

What are the expectations of an Academy Leader? Academy Leaders will attend the CLD International Conference on Learning Disabilities. They will participate in a day-long orientation and planning session the day before the conference officially begins. They will be invited to attend a portion of the Board of Trustees meeting and the CLD annual business meeting. Priority seating will be provided for the General Session and selected conference sessions to be determined by the LDC. Academy Leaders also agree to serve on a CLD Standing Committee as one-year ad hoc members during their second year as Academy Leaders.

What are the expectations of the Leadership Academy Mentor? Academy Leaders are assigned a mentor based upon their identified interests. The mentor will create a personal mentoring/coaching relationship with the Academy Leader. These mentors are members of CLD, sharing CLD’s mission and beliefs, and are or have served in leadership positions within LD community. Mentors communicate regularly with their Academy Leader and help to design a Leadership Action Plan.