The Dakota Dreams Teacher Leadership Academy offers teachers who have taught for three+ years an experience-based learning opportunity to further develop their educational leadership skills. Courses will be taught by Professor of Practice faculty (qualified retired superintendents of schools) and guest speakers. Among other things, participants will:

• Discover the areas of educational leadership that best fit them.
• Gain insight into what educational leadership entails.
• Learn about requirements for certification.
• Better understand themselves and how to lead all personality types.
• Develop strategies for building and maintaining effective teams.

The Teacher Leadership Academy will accept 60 students for the Spring 2025 cohort. These students will meet over three (3) two-day sessions during the school year (dates and locations below).

This academy is provided at no cost to teachers, thanks to funding provided from the South Dakota Department of Education. Teachers who successfully complete the course will earn three graduate credits that may be seamlessly applied to an advanced degree in education at a South Dakota public university. School districts will be reimbursed for substitute teacher expenses, teacher mileage, and per diem travel.

Complete the Supervisor Approval Form here to attach with your application. 

Class dates and locations are below.

Applications will be accepted through November 17, 2025. Applicants will be notified of their status by late November.

If you need additional assistance, please e-mail K12leadershipacademy@sdbor.edu.