Central States Leadership Academy

Date, Time & Location

The Central States Leadership Academy will take place on Thursday, March 12th from 8:30am to 4:00pm at the 2026 Central States/ICTFL Conference in Chicago, Illinois.

Format

The term “academy” implies on-going learning and mutual support within a selected cohort group. There will be both virtual and in-person components to our 2026 academy.  Following the workshop, participants can expect follow-up meetings to support them through their the development and execution of their leadership goals.

Who may apply 

This workshop is designed: 1) to meet the needs of classroom teachers and other emerging leaders who hope to take on specific leadership and supervisory roles, 2) to support the continuing leadership needs of world language educators who currently occupy a leadership role (including current curriculum coordinators, department chairpersons, supervisors, and project coordinators), and 3) to support the needs of future leaders in state language associations.

How to apply

• All participants must apply in advance by completing the application on the Central States website using the link above or below..

• Each state association may enroll up to two participants; participation in the Leadership Academy is one of the benefits of a state association’s membership in Central States' Advisory Council.  If your state has not yet joined the Advisory Council for 2026, please visit the Advisory Council tab on our website. 

• Participants may also self-nominate and will be accepted on a space-available basis.

  1. Although participation in the academy is offered at no additional charge, all participants must also register for the conference.

  2. Only fully-registered conference attendees who have been formally accepted to be part of the academy may participate in this professional development experience.  

Goals and Activities

The Leadership Academy offers participants a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and sharpen their leadership skills. This year’s workshop centers on Everyday Advocacy—exploring practical ways to make our voices heard and champion world languages everyday. Together, we’ll collaborate, exchange ideas, and design an action plan to strengthen support for world language programs in our schools, districts, and communities—and beyond to the state, regional, and national levels.

Activities will be designed and led by Central States Board members.

To learn more, please contact leadership@csctfl.org