Rising Leaders Academy 2026-2027

Hopkins County Rising Leaders Academy (current certified staff only)

Professional Development Opportunity with Hopkins County Schools-not a paid position. A limited number of participants will be selected.

OVERVIEW

The purpose of the Hopkins County Rising Leaders Academy is to:

• Build leadership capacity in Hopkins County Schools and district
• Provide participants with an introduction to school leadership at both the building and district levels.
• Assist participants in preparing for a leadership role
• Provide professional growth opportunities through group discussion, job-shadow experience, and other active leadership activities.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Be a current HCS employee in good standing
• Minimum of three years teaching experience
• Possess a sincere interest in serving in a leadership role (i.e., Instructional Leader, Assistant Principal, Principal, School Counselor, etc.)

TIME COMMITMENT:

Participants must be willing and capable of investing a certain amount of their own time to the program. Over the course of the year, participants will be expected to participate in the following:

• Rising Leaders Academy Orientation and Meet and Greet
• Eight (8) after-school leadership seminars from 4:30pm-7:00pm
• Completion of administrative job-shadow day
• Summertime leadership experience and graduation
• Book study and other assignments

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS THAT MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH APPLICATION

• Professional Resume
• Cover letter explaining your desire and commitment to being a participant in the Hopkins County Rising Leaders
• List three references from professional colleagues (one reference should be your principal or supervisor)

DISCLAIMER

The Hopkins County Schools Rising Leaders Academy is not a pre-requisite to being considered for future administrative positions; rather it is intended to prepare individuals for the next step of leadership. Your participation will not result in any preferential treatment or influence when future vacancies arise, nor will your lack of participation disqualify you from being considered in future vacancies. However, it is our hope that the Rising Leaders Academy will better prepare participants in their pursuit of leadership positions.