Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline and how do I apply?
The deadline for submitting all application materials is January 11, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. EST. You can find information for submitting an application at onedayallkids.org
How much is it? What do I have to pay? What does TFA pay?
The Rural School Leadership Academy is fully funded. This funding includes travel, lodging and session materials for all aspects of the RSLA.
Do I get my principal certification? Will I earn a Master’s Degree?
No. Participants will learn what steps are necessary to earn certification in their home state, but participation in the RSLA will not lead to certification or a graduate degree. It is designed as auxiliary training and exposure to some of the best practices in school leadership across the country.
Am I secured a position within my school and/or district?
No. Participants in the RSLA are encouraged to remain in their current positions AND seek formal and informal leadership positions within their school or organization.
I don’t work in a school right now. Can I still participate in the RSLA?
Yes, but you'll need to be able to be working closely with a school in the coming year. Participants will include teachers, administrators, and members of Teach For America’s staff as well as alumni working in education related fields.
I am a second year corps member. Can I still participate in the RSLA? Yes. Look here to find out more about the leaders we need.
When and where is the RSLA held?
The Summer Intensive of the RSLA will be held at the Gallup Cultural Center in Gallup, New Mexico on June 23-27. Dates and specific locations for the weekend retreats and leadership journey are forthcoming.
My region only has a few schools that are rural. Can I still apply to the RSLA?
Yes, if you are serving in one of the schools or areas considered rural. There are regions that serve urban and rural communities. You are allowed to apply to the RSLA but you must live or work in a rural school during the 2014-2015 school year. If you have specific questions or concerns about your situation, email us!
Do I have to attend every day of the Summer Intensive?
Yes. We also ask that you do not plan to work during the five days of the summer professional development, as our sessions and experiences will start early in the morning and last through the evening each day.
What will I learn?
Participants will learn in a hands-on, interactive environment to develop the competencies of a school leader, as well as values based leadership development. Scope and sequence, as well as guest presenters, will be provided with acceptance of the program. If you have questions, or would like to talk to a current participant, click here.
Why should I do this?/How will this help me become a principal?
Alumni principals in rural regions have cited a lack of professional development prior to assuming the role of principal. The RSLA is designed for alumni interested in eventually assuming the principalship and provides opportunities to learn the knowledge and skills needed to be a transformational leader.
If I complete this program, am I required to become a principal in a certain number of years? (i.e. Is there a contractual obligation after the RSLA?)
There is no contractual obligation to become a principal. RSLA participants will learn the skills necessary to be successful in a principal pipeline program, and will be encouraged and supported in entering a principal pipeline program within 2 years of completing the RSLA. However, no contractual obligation exists.
Is there travel involved? When and where?
Yes. Participants will be asked to travel to the summer intensive in Gallup, New Mexico, the fall and spring learning retreats, and be available for travel to meet with their principal in their regions. Dates and specific locations are forthcoming. All travel will be booked by and paid for by Teach for America.
What distinguishes this program as “rural-focused?"
School leadership is complex work that requires you to be your very best. Leadership in a rural school setting, however, presents unique challenges and opportunities that differ from urban schools and regions. The RSLA focuses specifically on applying best practices in school leadership with consideration to the challenges and opportunities common in rural schools. The RSLA staff has also focused on selecting faculty members that have direct ties to rural schools or community leadership in rural regions.
When does the Rural School Leadership Academy start and end?
The commitment begins with the summer intensive late June 2015 and lasts through spring of 2016
Can I nominate someone for the Rural School Leadership Academy?
Yes. Nominations and referrals are welcome and an important way we identify candidates for the RSLA. To nominate someone, please fill out the form or email [email protected] directly. You may (and are encouraged) to nominate multiple alumni. Your nomination(s) will remain anonymous.
Do I have to be nominated in order to apply?
No. The application is open to any alumni who wish to apply and will be working or living in a rural region for the 2015-2016 school year.
How do I apply?
Alumni who wish to be considered for the RSLA must apply online. For more information about the application, please see Application Process.
Who is eligible to apply for the RSLA?
Teach For America Alumni or staff members in a rural region with a track record of results and a strong desire to become a principal in a rural region.
How many Fellows will be admitted?
Our first cohort consists of 20 participants. We plan to admit the same number this year, and hope to have all rural Teach for America regions represented.
What one-on-one support will participants receive?
Each participant will have the benefit of working one-on-one with a principal or member of TFA’s staff for the duration of the RSLA. This work will include the creation of an individual development plan, on-site visits, and regular reflection and problem-solving phone sessions. Participants will also have access to Teach for America's Alumni School Leadership team.
Where should I go with questions?
For general inquiries about the Rural School Leadership Academy, please email [email protected].
The deadline for submitting all application materials is January 11, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. EST. You can find information for submitting an application at onedayallkids.org
How much is it? What do I have to pay? What does TFA pay?
The Rural School Leadership Academy is fully funded. This funding includes travel, lodging and session materials for all aspects of the RSLA.
Do I get my principal certification? Will I earn a Master’s Degree?
No. Participants will learn what steps are necessary to earn certification in their home state, but participation in the RSLA will not lead to certification or a graduate degree. It is designed as auxiliary training and exposure to some of the best practices in school leadership across the country.
Am I secured a position within my school and/or district?
No. Participants in the RSLA are encouraged to remain in their current positions AND seek formal and informal leadership positions within their school or organization.
I don’t work in a school right now. Can I still participate in the RSLA?
Yes, but you'll need to be able to be working closely with a school in the coming year. Participants will include teachers, administrators, and members of Teach For America’s staff as well as alumni working in education related fields.
I am a second year corps member. Can I still participate in the RSLA? Yes. Look here to find out more about the leaders we need.
When and where is the RSLA held?
The Summer Intensive of the RSLA will be held at the Gallup Cultural Center in Gallup, New Mexico on June 23-27. Dates and specific locations for the weekend retreats and leadership journey are forthcoming.
My region only has a few schools that are rural. Can I still apply to the RSLA?
Yes, if you are serving in one of the schools or areas considered rural. There are regions that serve urban and rural communities. You are allowed to apply to the RSLA but you must live or work in a rural school during the 2014-2015 school year. If you have specific questions or concerns about your situation, email us!
Do I have to attend every day of the Summer Intensive?
Yes. We also ask that you do not plan to work during the five days of the summer professional development, as our sessions and experiences will start early in the morning and last through the evening each day.
What will I learn?
Participants will learn in a hands-on, interactive environment to develop the competencies of a school leader, as well as values based leadership development. Scope and sequence, as well as guest presenters, will be provided with acceptance of the program. If you have questions, or would like to talk to a current participant, click here.
Why should I do this?/How will this help me become a principal?
Alumni principals in rural regions have cited a lack of professional development prior to assuming the role of principal. The RSLA is designed for alumni interested in eventually assuming the principalship and provides opportunities to learn the knowledge and skills needed to be a transformational leader.
If I complete this program, am I required to become a principal in a certain number of years? (i.e. Is there a contractual obligation after the RSLA?)
There is no contractual obligation to become a principal. RSLA participants will learn the skills necessary to be successful in a principal pipeline program, and will be encouraged and supported in entering a principal pipeline program within 2 years of completing the RSLA. However, no contractual obligation exists.
Is there travel involved? When and where?
Yes. Participants will be asked to travel to the summer intensive in Gallup, New Mexico, the fall and spring learning retreats, and be available for travel to meet with their principal in their regions. Dates and specific locations are forthcoming. All travel will be booked by and paid for by Teach for America.
What distinguishes this program as “rural-focused?"
School leadership is complex work that requires you to be your very best. Leadership in a rural school setting, however, presents unique challenges and opportunities that differ from urban schools and regions. The RSLA focuses specifically on applying best practices in school leadership with consideration to the challenges and opportunities common in rural schools. The RSLA staff has also focused on selecting faculty members that have direct ties to rural schools or community leadership in rural regions.
When does the Rural School Leadership Academy start and end?
The commitment begins with the summer intensive late June 2015 and lasts through spring of 2016
Can I nominate someone for the Rural School Leadership Academy?
Yes. Nominations and referrals are welcome and an important way we identify candidates for the RSLA. To nominate someone, please fill out the form or email [email protected] directly. You may (and are encouraged) to nominate multiple alumni. Your nomination(s) will remain anonymous.
Do I have to be nominated in order to apply?
No. The application is open to any alumni who wish to apply and will be working or living in a rural region for the 2015-2016 school year.
How do I apply?
Alumni who wish to be considered for the RSLA must apply online. For more information about the application, please see Application Process.
Who is eligible to apply for the RSLA?
Teach For America Alumni or staff members in a rural region with a track record of results and a strong desire to become a principal in a rural region.
How many Fellows will be admitted?
Our first cohort consists of 20 participants. We plan to admit the same number this year, and hope to have all rural Teach for America regions represented.
What one-on-one support will participants receive?
Each participant will have the benefit of working one-on-one with a principal or member of TFA’s staff for the duration of the RSLA. This work will include the creation of an individual development plan, on-site visits, and regular reflection and problem-solving phone sessions. Participants will also have access to Teach for America's Alumni School Leadership team.
Where should I go with questions?
For general inquiries about the Rural School Leadership Academy, please email [email protected].