Animated presenter gesturing toward laughing workshop attendees
Rob McAdams, director of Partners in the Arts, leads a workshop during the Next Generation Leadership Academy (NGLA), a program of the Center for Leadership in Education.

Center for Leadership in Education update

April 21, 2025

Next Generation Leadership Academy (NGLA)

The Center for Leadership in Education celebrated the conclusion of its 19th Next Generation Leadership Academy in March. In partnership with eight regional school divisions, 57 current and aspiring leaders from the counties of Amelia, Caroline, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, and the City of Richmond successfully completed this yearlong leadership exploration.

Monthly session themes included the following:

  • That Leader Is on Fire with Dr. Michelle McQueen-Williams (VUU)
  • Writing Your Leadership Story with Dr. Kim Bridges (VCU)
  • Trauma Responsive Leadership with Dr. Erik Laursen (UR)
  • Supporting High-Quality Instruction through Literacy Leadership with Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson (Longwood)
  • Coaching Conversations to Promote Change with Dr. Dana Jackson and Dr. Kate Cassada (UR)

As a culminating activity, participants enjoyed an unconference model with engaging, timely, and relevant discussions led by our expert education faculty and regional division leaders. Topics included the following:

  • Unpacking the Census: Understanding Changing Demographics in the Region led by Dr. Tom Shields
  • A.I. Tips and Tricks for School Leaders led by Peyton Anderson, Coordinator of Professional Learning, Chesterfield County Public Schools
  • How Leaders Can Promote Creativity in Instruction and Assessment led by Rob McAdams
  • Leading Change led by Dr. Autumn Nabors, Director of Secondary Education, Caroline County Public Schools

We remain grateful for these rich, lasting partnerships and celebrate the impact our NGLA graduates have on their schools and divisions as they serve teachers, children, and families throughout the region! Looking ahead, we excitedly anticipate the 20th Anniversary of the Center for Leadership in Education during the 2025-2026 academic year! Stay tuned for more details in the fall.