Latino Educator and Administrator Development Program
About LEAD
The Alliance for Catholic Education and the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) partnered to establish the Latino Educator and Administrator Development (LEAD) in July 2020. Together we developed a program that is open to all and builds leadership capacity for participants who seek to improve the education of Latino students in Catholic elementary and secondary schools. LEAD is a year-long program that provides professional development and community mentorship rooted in Catholic faith. Since July 2020, 150 educators have been mentored through LEAD.
Research shows leadership is critical to improving the educational outcomes of Latino students, especially those for whom English is a new language. Now more than ever, students need well-prepared educators in their classrooms, schools, and dioceses.
Learn more about the lasting impact of an effective leader from LEAD 1 Fellow Viridiana Vargas, a former Catholic school student and current administrator in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Program Details
LEAD is a year-long leader formation program designed to form, advance, and retain educators in Catholic education who are committed to advancing the holistic development of Latino students by providing professional development and community mentorship rooted in Catholic faith.
The year officially begins with a virtual orientation in July. Starting in August and continuing through May, participants meet monthly with a professional learning community led by one of our LEAD mentors. Before each meeting, participants complete an online module that includes readings, reflection questions, and supplemental resources. Over the course of the year, the monthly modules follow this arc:
- Embrace LEAD fellows' personal histories and leadership trajectories
- Educate and form LEAD fellows in leadership qualities that are rooted in Catholic virtues with a particular focus on Latino culture and spirituality
- Empower LEAD fellows to identify and act upon a need in their school or diocesan community
If you have any questions, please contact LEAD Coordinator Jocelyn Smith at (jsmith89@nd.edu).