FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Department of Education celebrated the graduation of 70 educators who completed the nationally recognized National Institute for School and System Leadership program during the 2025-2026 school year, continuing a more than 14-year partnership designed to develop transformative school leaders across the state.

The NISL program, offered through a partnership between KDE and the National Center on Education and the Economy, equips school and district leaders with skills needed to drive meaningful change in their learning communities. The 70 graduates represent a slight increase from the previous cohort, which included 68 educators in the 2024-2025 school year.

Todd Tucker, KDE educational recovery leader and NISL facilitator, praised the participants for their dedication. "Over ten months, these leaders sharpened their thinking, strengthened their commitment to students and proved that sustainable change starts with bold leadership," Tucker said. "They leave with systems thinking, vision and the courage to lead lasting change in the schools and districts they serve."

The NISL program consists of three key courses designed to develop strategic, instructional and operational leadership skills. These include "World-Class Schooling: Vision and Goals," which focuses on global education trends and rigorous instructional systems; "The Research on Learning and Effective Leadership," which applies the science of learning to foster engagement; and "Sustaining Transformation Through Capacity and Commitment," which builds a culture of continuous improvement and ethical leadership.

The program draws from the world's top-performing education systems and emphasizes strategic thinking, data-informed decision-making, a clear vision for student-centered learning, and ethical leadership. Participants engage in robust learning sessions held in Frankfort and Lexington, along with monthly interactive experiences focused on building leadership capacity.

KDE is now inviting new applicants interested in joining the program for the next cohort. School and district leaders interested in the transformative professional learning experience are encouraged to apply, with the opportunity to join what KDE describes as a "growing community of Kentucky leaders making a lasting impact on education."