A Professional Development Program for District Leaders

The First Ring Leadership Academy (FRLA) is a comprehensive year-long professional development and leadership training program designed for emerging leaders in the 16 school districts surrounding the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Through a strategic partnership with Cleveland State University's Center for Educational Leadership, FRLA empowers educational leaders to drive positive transformation in their districts.

Participants, nominated by their superintendents, engage in seven full-day sessions throughout the academic year, focusing on building capacity to identify and address the unique assets and challenges of First Ring Districts. The program creates job-embedded, experiential learning opportunities that help leaders differentiate management from leadership while developing crucial skills in communication, group dynamics, and change management.

FRLA participants benefit from a dynamic learning environment that includes presentations, discussions, readings, reflections, and district visitations. Through these varied experiences, they develop an expanded network of colleagues and gain exposure to international thought leaders in education. The program emphasizes research-based and future-focused leadership strategies, intentionally curated to elevate participants' skill sets and broaden their thinking around current, real-world educational challenges. Participants can earn up to 50 contact hours of professional credit toward licensure renewal requirements and have the opportunity to register for up to five college credits through Cleveland State University.

The Academy's curriculum addresses critical issues facing First Ring districts, including equity, poverty, mobility, cultural diversity, and opportunity gaps. By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices among district leaders, FRLA works to strengthen the educational landscape throughout Northeast Ohio and improve outcomes for students at all levels within Cuyahoga County.

2024-25 SCHEDULE