ESU 10 New Principal Cohort: Leading Through Learning We invite early-career principals—those in their first three years of school leadership—to participate in the New Principal Cohort Summer Institute, a focused two-day professional learning experience designed to build a strong foundation for effective and sustainable leadership. Throughout the institute, participants will engage in guided reflection, collaborative learning, and strategic planning to: Analyze the Current Reality of Their School Community Utilize both qualitative and quantitative data to assess school culture, identify areas of strength and need, and inform evidence-based decision-making. Develop a Compelling Vision for Learning Articulate a clear, student-centered vision that aligns with instructional priorities and inspires a shared commitment among staff, students, and families. Design a 90-Day Entry Plan based on Michael D. Watkin’s Work Create a targeted leadership plan that establishes immediate priorities, builds relational trust, and lays the groundwork for long-term success. Establish a Professional Network and System of Support Connect with a cohort of peer leaders to foster collaboration, share best practices, and build a sustained support system beyond the institute. Participants will leave the institute with a set of actionable tools, a personalized leadership roadmap, and a network of fellow principals committed to mutual growth and success.
ESU 10 New Principal Cohort: Leading Through Learning
We invite early-career principals—those in their first three years of school leadership—to participate in the New Principal Cohort Summer Institute, a focused two-day professional learning experience designed to build a strong foundation for effective and sustainable leadership.
Throughout the institute, participants will engage in guided reflection, collaborative learning, and strategic planning to:
Analyze the Current Reality of Their School Community Utilize both qualitative and quantitative data to assess school culture, identify areas of strength and need, and inform evidence-based decision-making.
Develop a Compelling Vision for Learning Articulate a clear, student-centered vision that aligns with instructional priorities and inspires a shared commitment among staff, students, and families.
Design a 90-Day Entry Plan based on Michael D. Watkin’s Work Create a targeted leadership plan that establishes immediate priorities, builds relational trust, and lays the groundwork for long-term success.
Establish a Professional Network and System of Support Connect with a cohort of peer leaders to foster collaboration, share best practices, and build a sustained support system beyond the institute.
Participants will leave the institute with a set of actionable tools, a personalized leadership roadmap, and a network of fellow principals committed to mutual growth and success.
This keynote session is grounded in the research and practice of Dr. Doug Fisher and Dr. Nancy Frey, this work centers on Leader Credibility as the foundation for effective leadership-recognizing that trust, clarity, and influence are built through intentional, observable leadership behaviors. This work is designed to help leaders grow their credibility in measurable ways so they can more effectively engage others, lead improvement efforts, and achieve shared goals. Participants will engage in authentic reflection, identification of opportunities, plan for deliberate practice and engage in deep learning on the key elements that contribute to a leader’s credibility with others. Outcomes: Learn how credibility is determined and its impacts on leader’s success Learn how to intentionally build credibility through trustworthiness, competence, dynamism, immediacy, and forward-looking practices Learn how to engage in accurate self-reflection and deliberate practice to build leadership credibility Participants will achieve success when they can: Identify their current practices that strengthen their credibility as well as diminish their credibility. Complete the REAL Reflections and determine actions that will build credibility Define and describe the impacts of each of the key practices for leader credibility Seek feedback from staff which reveals current credibility and act through the 5 practices to improve Lead schools with a positive climate where learning thrives This session can be attended as a stand alone training or as part of the 2 Day New Principal Cohort Summer Institute
This keynote session is grounded in the research and practice of Dr. Doug Fisher and Dr. Nancy Frey, this work centers on Leader Credibility as the foundation for effective leadership-recognizing that trust, clarity, and influence are built through intentional, observable leadership behaviors.
This work is designed to help leaders grow their credibility in measurable ways so they can more effectively engage others, lead improvement efforts, and achieve shared goals.
Participants will engage in authentic reflection, identification of opportunities, plan for deliberate practice and engage in deep learning on the key elements that contribute to a leader’s credibility with others.
Outcomes:
Learn how credibility is determined and its impacts on leader’s success
Learn how to intentionally build credibility through trustworthiness, competence, dynamism, immediacy, and forward-looking practices
Learn how to engage in accurate self-reflection and deliberate practice to build leadership credibility
Participants will achieve success when they can:
Identify their current practices that strengthen their credibility as well as diminish their credibility.
Complete the REAL Reflections and determine actions that will build credibility
Define and describe the impacts of each of the key practices for leader credibility
Seek feedback from staff which reveals current credibility and act through the 5 practices to improve
Lead schools with a positive climate where learning thrives
This session can be attended as a stand alone training or as part of the 2 Day New Principal Cohort Summer Institute
Nebraska Department of Education Federal Programs staff will provide an overview of the components in the 2026-2027 ESSA Grant application.
Key components of this meeting include: informing (regional and state initiatives), learning, collaborating, problem-solving, and networking. Join us for a day devoted to meeting the six tenets of the AQuESTT Accountability Framework and building level leadership. This meeting is intended for building Principals and Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Directors.
