Finding high-quality leadership development for cabinet-level educational leaders is difficult. The Forum is by far one of the best experiences that I've had. The content was high quality and delivered exceptionally well. I also enjoyed the intentionality behind the relationship-building with cohort members. I'm excited about growing my network

The Forum required me to step out of my comfort zone and catapulted me toward growth. The learning forced me to get real with myself, recognize my blind spots, and heightened my awareness of my own imposter syndrome. The Forum provided a space for me to broaden my network and foster sustainable relationships. I am looking forward to being able to map my "From" and "To" not just in words, but in action.

I have participated in several leadership development programs and none have compared to The Forum. Every activity and presentation is intentional. The learning from sitting and the successful experience of Superintendents is so valuable. Every segment is complemented by sage advice from our leaders Kyla, Julia, Robert, and Pete. Perhaps the best part, I walked away with a network of lifelong critical friends that I can call on at any time.

Participating in the Forum for Educational Leadership has truly been a transformative journey. Engaging with such a dynamic community of educators and leaders has broadened my perspective and enriched my professional practice. The Forum’s blend of insightful discussions, hands-on workshops, and real-world applications has equipped me with the tools to effect meaningful change in my institution. I highly endorse the Forum for anyone committed to advancing their leadership skills and making a lasting impact in the field of education.

This was hands down the best professional development training I ever attended in 23 years. Each minute was intentional & left me feeling inspired and ready to make a big step in my career path.

My experience at The Forum has been transformative. As a young woman leader, I often doubted my abilities to ascend to higher leadership roles. However, this experience has been a game-changer. Collaborating with other leaders and learning from the best of the best has taught me that I do have the expertise and capability to move into a chief or superintendent role. The supportive environment and wealth of knowledge shared here have empowered me to see my potential. I am now more confident and inspired to pursue my aspirations, knowing that I am well-equipped to make a significant impact in educational leadership.

There is no substitute for years and years of experience. Every Forum facilitator has the credibility of having done the work of Superintendent. They freely share their wisdom in the Forum sessions with candor and humor. Throughout, participants practice specific strategies so we’re ready to apply what we learn in our jobs immediately. By the end of session 3, we truly feel part of a network of ambitious colleagues whom we will support as we walk the transition into the next phase of our careers.

This growth opportunity has been like no other professional development that I have received. The content that was covered was practical and applicable. The cohort members were amazing partners to collaborate with to have deep, rich discussions as to how the information provided can impact me in my current leadership role in addition to my future leadership endeavors. After having completed this Leadership Forum, I feel better prepared and equipped to lead boldly and confidently. Throughout this experience, I have gained mentors and friends who believe in my success and ability to help students. This is definitely an experience of a lifetime!

My participation and involvement in The Forum has been a tremendous learning experience! The relationships, networking, quality of the professional learning, and the practical exercises were exceptional. The pacing of the training was appropriate and The Forum was very accommodating to the differentiated learning needs of all participants

The Forum has been a game changer in not only preparing me for the next level of leadership, but teaching me transferable skills and giving me tools to be successful in my current role. There is so much power being in a room that represents so many diverse experiences and schools of thought. I cannot think of another professional development opportunity in my career that has provided me with as much knowledge, support and tools as The Forum has in such a short time.

This has been one of the best professional development sessions that I have attended in years. The program is very intentional and has the very best leaders in the business not only preparing the content, but delivering it in a way that is real, makes sense, and practical to implement immediately. Says a lot about a program that is using the data and noticing that we need to increase the number of Latino, African-American, and female superintendents and actually doing something about it to make an impact at the national level. Would strongly recommend this to aspiring leaders!

The Forum for Educational Leadership has provided me with the practical knowledge and skills other programs have been unable to do. The format allows for learning, practice, and constructive feedback on topics that are critical to not only becoming a successful Superintendent but also to transitioning and maintaining the role.

I am now prepared and equipped to face challenges with confidence. It doesn't mean that the nuisances of leadership won't sting, but I will not be defeated. The forum definitely prepares leaders for policies, processes, and politics so that we can focus on student achievement, which matters most. "Stay ready so that you don't have to get ready!"

This experience is unlike any other capacity building opportunity I've had. The combination of camaraderie, inspiration, and real-world embedded support is simply unmatched. I feel like I have a whole new support network that just wants to see me succeed, and am now part of a group of champions for public education. I'm a more prepared and effective leader in the service of children as a result of the Forum. The Women in Educational Leadership strand is a long-overdue and transformative experience to elevate powerful women leaders. A stellar experience.

This is by far the best professional learning in which I have engaged - and like most leaders, I have engaged in many. After the first day I texted my supervisor with the message: "Thank you for sending me - this may be the best gift you have ever given me!"

This was one of the best professional development experiences I have had because it was rooted in practical application. The facilitators are individual rockstars and when together they are mind-blowing. The intentionality that went into curating the content, the flow of the sessions, cohort pairing, and guest speakers are data points illustrating why this is an exceptional program.

My experience at The Forum for Educational Leadership has been nothing short of transformative. This was, without question, the best professional learning experience I've had in many years. What made it so impactful was not just the content but the people—the inspiring leaders who shared their insights, the collaborative atmosphere, and the genuine sense of purpose that infused every session. I didn't just learn strategies or ideas; I gained a renewed belief in the power of leadership to create real, lasting change. The Forum reminded me why I chose this profession and reignited my passion for making a difference. I leave feeling more confident, more inspired, and more committed than ever to lifting others up, creating opportunities, and ensuring every decision I make as a leader is grounded in what's best for students. Ultimately, what I've gained is more than knowledge—it's a sense of clarity and direction for the kind of leader I want to be and the impact I want to have. I'm incredibly grateful for this experience, and I'll carry the lessons, connections, and inspiration with me for years to come.

The Forum has been profoundly impactful, providing both support and challenge from the start. Connecting with a diverse network of leaders has broadened my perspective and shaped my leadership. The events, resources, and alumni network have refined my skills through thoughtful discussions and meaningful connections. I’ve grown in empathy, strategic vision, and resilience, and I’m grateful for the continued support as I advance in my leadership journey.

The Forum was transformational for me. The research-based learning and practical strategies were immediately applicable, helping me navigate this new role with confidence. I left inspired, with a renewed focus on relationships, accountability, and psychological safety, and I highly recommend The Forum to leaders seeking to strengthen their leadership capacity.

Attending the Forum for Educational Leadership was an incredibly enriching experience that left a lasting impact on my professional journey. The sessions were thoughtfully curated and led by inspiring, knowledgeable leaders who brought both practical insight and visionary thinking to every conversation. What truly stood out was the opportunity to engage with fellow educators and administrators from across the state and beyond. The collaborative atmosphere fostered authentic dialogue, idea-sharing, and problem-solving around the most pressing challenges and opportunities in education today. I walked away from the Forum feeling energized, empowered, and better equipped to lead with purpose and innovation. It was a timely reminder of why we do this work—and how much stronger we are when we come together to learn, grow, and lead. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have participated and highly recommend this experience to any educational leader committed to excellence and continuous improvement.

Participating in the Forum for Educational Leadership (Cohort 8) has been a truly transformative experience for me—both personally and professionally. The intentional design of the program, the depth of conversations, and the caliber of leaders I was fortunate to learn alongside created an environment unlike any other. It challenged me to think more critically, lead more authentically, and connect more deeply—with others and with my own purpose. What stood out most was how the Forum encouraged real vulnerability in leadership. It wasn't just about strategies and frameworks, but about values, reflection, and growth. That space to be honest, challenged, and supported at the same time was powerful. It reshaped the way I show up for my team and for myself. I'm incredibly grateful for the experience and the continued sense of community I feel as an alum. This is not just a moment—it's a movement that stays with you, and I'm proud to be part of it.

My experience with The Forum for Educational Leadership has been truly transformative. Each session not only deepened my understanding of effective leadership practices but also gave me practical strategies I can apply immediately in my role. The balance of research, real-world application, and courageous conversations challenged me to reflect, grow, and lead with greater clarity and purpose. Beyond the content, the Forum connected me to a community of thoughtful, committed leaders who inspired me with their passion and vision. Having the opportunity to engage in candid dialogue and share leadership stories strengthened my confidence and broadened my perspective. Personally, this experience has given me a clearer roadmap for my career, sharpened my ability to connect accountability with student outcomes, and reinforced the importance of the TFFEL supportive network -- it truly takes a village to lead successfully. I leave the Forum not only better prepared to pursue the superintendency, but also more grounded in the belief that leadership is about inspiring others to achieve more together than we could alone. I am deeply grateful for the impact this experience has had on my leadership journey.

Participating in Cohort 9 of The Forum for Educational Leaders was an affirming and transformative experience. The sessions sharpened tools I already carried while introducing new ones, and more importantly, they taught me how to use my full toolkit with greater intention and versatility. The facilitators were deeply knowledgeable, passionate, and current with data and trends in the field. They curated a powerful lineup of guest speakers who were high-performing practitioners whose insights were both relevant and actionable. The structure of the Forum fostered meaningful connections with fellow cohort members, expanding my professional network in ways that will continue to enrich my leadership journey. 10 out of 10, highly recommended.

Participating in The Forum on Educational Leadership was one of the most transformative professional experiences of my career. As a deputy superintendent, I value learning that is both grounded in research and immediately applicable — and this cohort delivered precisely that. I deeply appreciated the intentional sequencing of the sessions, which thoughtfully guided us from the micro to the macro: beginning with strengthening my own leadership toolkit and culminating in building the processes, structures, and systems that set an entire organization up for sustainable success. On a personal level, the experience pushed me to reflect more intentionally on how I lead, how I communicate, and how I empower others. The tools and frameworks we explored not only clarified my leadership stance but also helped me operate with greater confidence, purpose, and alignment. I walked away with a deeper understanding of how to navigate complex challenges while staying grounded in core values. Equally impactful was the community of leaders in the cohort. Learning alongside such thoughtful, committed colleagues expanded my perspective and reminded me of the power of shared learning. Their insights and experiences enriched my own, and the relationships built will continue to support and inspire my leadership journey.

This was by far one of the most valuable conferences I have attended for both learning and practical application. The content was precisely aligned with the areas in which I needed to build confidence as I prepare to pursue a superintendent position. I have often subscribed to the belief that I must 'do my time' at every organizational level to establish credibility and to be able to say, 'I have done that job as well.' Over the course of these three sessions, I realized that the greatest barrier to advancing was not the system or the people around me, but myself. The mental gymnastics I have engaged in regarding my leadership capacity are beginning to shift—moving away from a turbulent roller-coaster mindset toward a clearer, more grounded understanding that I do possess the skills and capabilities necessary for the next step. Now, it is simply a matter of finding the right district.