Executive Learning
Executive Learning
SCL provides professional development focused on the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to lead for transformational change in education.
We offer a suite of state-of-the-art executive learning opportunities, drawing on expertise across Harvard’s professional schools and our partners, to strengthen local superintendent leadership as well as the leadership of their boards and their teams in rural, suburban, and urban communities.
Over the past ten years, the political landscape in education has become more complex and polarized, putting efforts to reduce inequality and increase student performance at risk. Even the most experienced education leaders need guidance in order to balance the expectations of families, community groups, and school boards while ensuring compliance with educational policies, implementing long-term strategies, and managing personal stress.
Superintendent as Civic Leader is an advanced institute designed to help superintendents hone their proactive political leadership skills. With three initial days on campus followed by six monthly live Zoom sessions, you’ll learn the diplomatic skills you need to move your agenda forward and make positive change for your students, especially those positioned furthest from opportunity. The program welcomes interest and applications from all practitioners in the field.
This institute engages local civic leaders, such as superintendents, mayors, county executives, and community partners, around a shared problem of practice at the intersection of schools and broader child well-being. Through cross-sector examples and frameworks from across Harvard, participants will explore how to build and sustain civic coalitions that protect and reimagine public education. Ongoing follow-up will provide a forum for collaborative problem-solving on implementation, helping leaders translate ideas into durable community action.
Expected launch: TBD.
If you are interested in a custom institute, please contact megan_campion@gse.harvard.edu.
Designed for school boards and their key partners, this institute centers on a locally defined governance problem of practice, such as navigating conflict, rebuilding trust, or setting a coherent vision. Participants will learn from cases and tools informed by Harvard’s schools of education, business, and government to strengthen democratic decision-making and board–superintendent partnership. Follow-up sessions will support boards as they apply new approaches, problem-solve implementation challenges, and monitor progress over time.
Expected launch: TBD.
If you are interested in a custom institute, please contact megan_campion@gse.harvard.edu.
This institute is built around each district team’s real problem of practice, using it as the anchor for learning, reflection, and planning. Drawing on cross-university expertise in education, business, and government, teams will examine concrete strategies for leading system-level change amid political and civic turbulence. Structured follow-up support will help participants troubleshoot implementation, refine their strategies, and sustain momentum back home.
Expected launch: TBD.
If you are interested in a custom institute, please contact megan_campion@gse.harvard.edu.