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 including Outstanding Teacher, Outstanding Pre-service Teacher, Outstanding Doctoral Candidate and Outstanding Researcher.

Each year, CLD selects a cadre of up to 8 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.hughes@yahoo.com )

• Leadership Academy Home Page
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Areas of Focus For Leadership Development
• Leadership Academy Application
• Leadership Academy Interest Inventory
• Leadership Action Plan

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. Potential candidates complete an online application that 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 class will end August 1 and the CLD chairperson will notify the new class members via email by September 1. The new cadre is introduced at the national CLD conference in October. Beginning November 1, the newly selected cadre will participate in the year-long program with to 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 one-year complimentary membership renewal for SCLD or CLD
• Visibility within the CLD community
• Assignment of a CLD mentor
• Various networking opportunities with other Academy Leaders, CLD leaders and staff
• Eligibility for prestigious CLD awards

What are the expectations of an Academy Leader?

• Commit to participation in the program for a minimum of one year, plus a second year as a peer mentor to new Academy Leaders.
• Complete an online interest survey
• Work with a mentor to develop a Leadership Action Plan

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. Academy Leaders will attend the CLD International Conference on Learning Disabilities, during which they will attend a portion of the Board of Trustees Meeting. The Academy Leaders will also attend the CLD Business Meeting. Priority seating will be provided for the General Session and selected conference session, 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 is a Leadership Action Plan? Academy Leaders are expected to work with their mentors to develop an action plan based on areas of focus for leadership development. A template is provided to guide the plan development. This plan is designed to maximize the academy experience through the achievement of measureable goals. Academy Leaders are encouraged to develop a plan that aligns with interests and a leadership pathway created from the categories and example activities listed below. Academy Leaders may choose from the suggested activities or create a plan and activities that more closely align with a desired leadership pathway.

Areas of Focus for Leadership Development

Local chapter affiliation and/or national involvement

• Join and become involved in a CLD Professional Chapter
• Join and become involved in a Student Council for Learning Disabilities (SCLD) chapter
• Become a member of a CLD standing committee
• Work with a local chapter to recruit new CLD members
• Nominate colleagues for CLD Leadership Academy and CLD awards

CLD Outreach (these activities may be a collaborative effort among the current Academy Leaders or be an individual focus)

• Create or support a CLD presence in your state or region. This may include maintaining a state or regional data base for networking and sharing information. Consider creating a clearinghouse for local conferences, local legislative updates, articles/commentaries by professors or doctoral candidates from regional universities or starting a blog for members. Develop ways to ensure this is a sustainable effort.
• Host local networking events for educators and/or parents
• Become involved with legislative advocacy and policy

Professional Development

• Present at local conferences or the annual CLD conference
• Facilitate or help with local professional-development opportunities or the annual CLD conference
• Present at a collaborative conference for educators who support struggling learners

Online Collaboration and Social Media

• Facilitate online conversations with other Academy Leaders
• Create and maintain your own blog

Writing and Research

• Write or contribute to the writing of an article for LD Forum (Research to Practice or 5 Ways to. . .)
• Inform CLD membership of Leadership Academy activities in an article for LD Forum
• Contribute to a CLD Infosheet
• Submit a manuscript for Outstanding Researcher Award
  

Leadership Academy Action Plan

Leadership Academy Interest Inventory

Leadership Academy Application

Contact: Kyle Hughes
Leadership Development Chair
kyle.hughes@yahoo.com