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​Aspiring CAO Cohort

 Too often, systems preach equity while sidelining Black and Brown leaders from real decision-making power—that stops with the CAO Cohort. Designed for those who’ve led classrooms and schools and are now ready to lead at the system level, this program offers the tools, community, and clarity needed to step into or thrive in roles like Chief Academic Officer, Chief of Schools, or Regional Superintendent. We start with Belonging for Leaders, then dive into the essential functions of the CAO role, building equity-driven PD plans and strategic roadmaps that drive real change. You’ll learn from sitting CAOs, engage in hands-on learning at our live Collaboration Summit, and grow in community with other instructional leaders. Powered by Teach Like a Champion, the program delivers elite, evidence-based content that accelerates your career.

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Image by Alessandro Bianchi

Why Sponsor A Fellow?

Invest in your school’s future by supporting the development of a current or rising leader. This cohort prepares participants to:

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  • Lead inclusive teams rooted in Belonging for Leaders

  • Understand the key functions of the CAO role

  • Build and execute strong strategic plans

  • Design year-long PD scope and sequences

  • Learn from sitting CAOs through interviews and case studies

  • Engage in an in-person CAO Collaboration Summit​​

Image by Cytonn Photography

How The Cohort Works

Fellows participate in four 90-minute virtual learning sessions and a culminating in-person Chief Academic Officer Summit.

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  • Study video of impactful teaching and executive leadership practices

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  • Analyze and design guidance documents and tools used by CAO's

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Fellows receive access to:

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  • Organize key documents, artifacts, and impact data

  • Video clips and case studies

  • Strategic planning templates

  • Sample year-long PD scopes and sequences

  • Protocols and reflection tools

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What Schools Gain

  • A leader equipped to drive instructional strategy

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  • Tools brought back to build staff capacity

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  • Insight from real-time planning and implementation

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  • A stronger academic leadership pipeline

Ideal Candidates.

01

Black and Latino Males

02

Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Network, or Operations staff not yet in leadership roles.

03

Grade Level and Department Chairs

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