NSBA Policy Leadership Cohort Web Banner

Now Accepting Applications · July 2026 Start

NSBA Policy Leadership Cohort

A six-month professional learning experience for school board members ready to lead on Special Education governance and Educator Recruitment & Retention. Applications must be completed no later than midnight, June 15, 2026.  

Apply Now Learn about the program ↓
6 Months of Learning
2 Cohort Tracks
6 Expert Policy Labs
1 In-Person NSBA Event

About the Program

Built for board members. Designed for impact.

School districts across the country face two governance challenges that demand more than good intentions — they demand informed, strategic leadership. The NSBA Policy Leadership Cohort equips board members with the expertise, tools, and national peer network to drive meaningful change in their districts.

Over six months, participants move from learning to action: developing a Board-Ready Capstone Policy Action Plan and a personalized Advocacy Roadmap they can take directly to their district, state legislators, and beyond.

A central component is the collaborative development of a Capstone Policy Action Plan, built alongside peer board members from districts across the country who share a common Problem of Practice.

🎓

Expert-Led Policy LabsSix monthly virtual sessions with national experts, case studies, and peer collaboration.

🗺️

Personalized Advocacy RoadmapConnect your district's priorities to state and federal legislative opportunities.

🤝

National Peer NetworkBuild lasting relationships with board leaders navigating the same challenges.

📋

Board-Ready Capstone PlanA co-developed, immediately actionable policy plan for your district.

🏅

NSBA Policy Leadership FellowParticipants may be recognized upon successful program completion.

Cohort Tracks

Choose your focus area

Participants select one of two tracks for their intensive study, peer working group, and capstone project.

📘

Special Education (SPED) Governance

Strengthen board oversight under IDEA, advance inclusive practices, and use data-driven insights to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

  • Board governance responsibilities under IDEA
  • Fostering inclusive learning environments
  • Equitable access to services and supports
  • Systemic monitoring and program evaluation
  • Data reporting and compliance dashboards
📗

Educator Recruitment & Retention

Address teacher shortages through strategic workforce planning, grow-your-own pipelines, and board-level policy levers.

  • Strategic workforce planning and forecasting
  • "Grow-your-own" educator pipeline programs
  • Compensation and working conditions as levers
  • Teacher leadership and retention pathways
  • Board-level recruitment and retention dashboards

Program Structure

Program Structure & Timeline

A structured program journey from orientation to a board-ready policy action plan.

Summer 2026
Virtual Virtual Kickoff

Half-day orientation, goal setting, and national policy briefings. Participants identify their district-specific Problem of Practice.

Ongoing
Virtual Monthly Policy Labs

6 virtual sessions (60–90 min) with expert insights, case studies, and peer collaboration.

TBD
In-Person In-Person Session

Half-to-full day workshop with cross-district policy design, capstone development, and peer networking.

Ongoing
Virtual Peer Working Groups

Ongoing cross-district collaboration. Peer groups refine shared Problems of Practice and co-develop policy strategies.

Q1 2027
Virtual Advocacy Coaching

Media engagement guidance, legislative meeting prep, and optional mock testimony practice. Deliverable: Personalized Advocacy Roadmap.

Q1 2027
Milestone Culmination

Completion of your Board-Ready Capstone Policy Action Plan. Participants may be recognized as NSBA Policy Leadership Fellows.

What You'll Take Home

Concrete tools. Real outcomes.

Board-Ready Capstone Policy Action PlanCo-developed with peer districts, immediately actionable in your district with sample resolutions, data dashboards, and oversight frameworks.

Personalized Advocacy RoadmapConnects your local board policies to state legislative engagement strategies and federal funding opportunities.

National Peer NetworkLasting relationships with board leaders navigating the same challenges — a community of practice beyond the six-month program.

Governance Frameworks & Data ToolsReady-to-use board resolutions, oversight frameworks, compliance dashboards, and monitoring tools for your district.

Advocacy & Media SkillsExpert coaching in media engagement, legislative communication, and optional mock testimony practice to speak confidently on complex issues.

NSBA Policy Leadership Fellow RecognitionParticipants who complete the program may be recognized as NSBA Policy Leadership Fellows.

Who Should Apply

This program is designed for:

School Board Members
Board Chairs & Vice Chairs
Policy or Legislative Committee Chairs
State Association Leadership

Ideal candidates are board leaders ready to move beyond reactive compliance to proactive, strategic governance — and who are committed to bringing actionable policy solutions back to their districts.

Program Commitment

What participation requires

  • Virtual Kickoff Convening in July (half-day)
  • Six monthly virtual Policy Labs (60–90 min each, Aug–Dec)
  • One in-person session at a national NSBA event (Oct/Nov)
  • Ongoing peer working group collaboration
  • Completion of a Personalized Advocacy Roadmap
  • Completion of a Board-Ready Capstone Policy Action Plan

Ready to apply?

Space in the cohort is limited and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The program begins in July 2026. We encourage you to apply early. Applications must be completed no later than midnight, June 15, 2026.  

Start Your Application


Questions? Contact Dr. Phelton Moss at the National School Boards Association.

© 2026 National School Boards Association. All rights reserved.  |  nsba.org