Leadership Academies
Statewide Transition Leaders Academy
The Virginia Department of Education, in partnership with the Center on Transition Innovations at Virginia Commonwealth University, is announcing the launch of the third cohort of its Statewide Transition Leaders Academy (STLA). This initiative is designed to be responsive to recent legislation and reporting requirements from the Virginia General Assembly and to enhance special education leadership and implementation in secondary transition by providing comprehensive professional development and technical assistance. The aim of these activities and compressive plan is to improve postsecondary outcomes for students with disabilities across Virginia for successful transition to higher education or trade/technical training, career/work, and community life.
The Academy will begin with a three-day workshop in August 2026 followed by monthly two-day seminars through May 2027. These sessions will provide professional learning for participants, equipping them with necessary knowledge and skills to excel in instructional leadership roles and to coordinate, implement, and monitor evidence-based practices for transition planning and services.
Cohort III STLA Application
To apply for the program, download and complete the STLA Application. All candidates must submit their applications through their school division’s director of special education. Applications are due May 15, 2026.
Use the Checklist for Complete Statewide Transition Leadership Application when completing your application to ensure all required documents and information are included. Please note that only completed applications will be considered.
Application packets must be submitted to the attention of Katherine Willis, Senior Administrative Assistant, Center on Transition Innovations.
Candidate Requirements
Applications from a diverse range of professionals who have demonstrated leadership in postsecondary transition program planning and services or aspire to attain leadership roles are encouraged. Administrators who offer support to secondary special educators, career and technical education teachers, and transition professionals are also encouraged to apply.
Selection Criteria
Approximately 20 participants will be selected for Cohort III. To be considered, candidates must be endorsed by the school division’s superintendent or designee and director of special education.
The selection process is competitive, and a committee will review applications and select participants based on the following criteria:
- Strength of candidate’s written statement as included in the application;
- Experiences in secondary special education as reflected in a resume;
- Strength of recommendation by the candidate’s supervisor;
- Endorsement by the school division’s superintendent or designee and director of special education; and
- Balanced school division and regional representations.
Costs
The VDOE will fund costs associated with lodging, breakfast, and lunch during the professional learning sessions, and relevant materials and supplies. However, school divisions or other sponsoring agencies will be responsible for covering the mileage reimbursement, dinner on each meeting day for selected participants, and professional leave and coverage.
Aspiring Special Education Leaders Academy
The Aspiring Special Education Leaders Academy is designed for educators who aspire to be in a leadership position and who are not currently a director of special education. Individuals must be nominated and complete an application to be considered for selection into this Academy.
The Academy is a program established to assist school divisions and state-operated programs with succession planning and is designed to help prepare potential leaders for future administrative positions in special education.
This is a year-long program that will include workshops, seminars, observations, assignments, and field experiences. Participants will have opportunities to gain knowledge, skills, and experiences that will help them excel in positions of special education leadership.
2026-2027 Academy for Aspiring Special Education Leaders
Cohort 19 Application
One application per school division, state-operated program, regional program, and training/technical assistance center for Academy participation may be submitted. Before submitting an application, candidates must first obtain the endorsement from their director of special education who will obtain the endorsement from the division superintendent.
Application packets must be submitted electronically by April 17, 2026. Candidates and nominators will be notified of selection outcomes.
Candidate Requirements
Candidates for the Academy may include administrators holding entry-level positions, teachers, student services staff members, and related services staff members who have demonstrated leadership. All candidates must possess at least a master’s degree or be near completion of such and be endorsed by their director of special education and division superintendent or designee.
Selection Criteria
Approximately 20 participants will be selected for Cohort 19. Preference will be given to those school divisions who have not had participants in past cohorts. The selection process is competitive, and a committee will review applications and select participants based on the following criteria:
- Strength of candidate’s written statement as included in the application;
- Experiences in special education and accomplishments as reflected in a resume;
- Strength of recommendation by the candidate’s supervisor or program manager;
- Endorsement by the director of special education and division superintendent or designee;
- Balanced representation in the Academy, including regional representation.
Costs
The VDOE will fund costs associated with lodging, breakfast, and lunch each meeting day and relevant materials. School divisions or other sending agencies will be responsible for costs related to mileage reimbursement and dinner on the meeting days, as well as professional leave and coverage, if applicable.