- Draft Model and Concept by Dana Jarvis

TEACHFORAMERICATFA Leadership Academy

June 16, 2008(Draft Model and Concept by Dana Jarvis)

The TFA Leadership Academy has been created as a draft model and concept to stimulate thought and discussion with Teach For America. It has been created based on significant research on leadership models and preliminary knowledge about TFA.

- Draft Model and Concept by Dana Jarvis

- Draft Model and Concept by Dana Jarvis

TFA LEADERSHIP ACADEMYDraft Model and Concept

TFA Mission and Approach

At Teach For America, we are working with a great sense of urgency to build the movement to eliminate educational inequity by enlisting our nation's most promising future leaders in the effort. We recruit aggressively to attract outstanding recent college graduates of all majors and career interests to commit two years to teach in urban and rural public schools, and we invest in the training and professional development necessary to ensure their success as teachers in our highest-poverty communities. Our teachers, also called corps members, go above and beyond traditional expectations to lead their students to significant academic achievement, overcoming the challenges of poverty despite the current capacity of the school system.

We cannot, however, expect teachers alone to compensate for all the weaknesses of the system. We believe our best hope for a lasting solution is to build a massive force of leaders inside and outside education who have the conviction and insight that come from teaching successfully in low-income communities. We need such leadership working at every level of our school system, working outside the system to address the socioeconomic factors that contribute so significantly to the problem, and working in policy and the sectors such as journalism and business which influence policy. After our corps members complete their two-year commitments, we continue to foster their ongoing commitment to and leadership in effecting the fundamental changes necessary to expand educational opportunity.

TFA CORE VALUES

Relentless Pursuit of Results – We assume personal responsibility for achieving ambitious, measureable results in the pursuit of our vision. We persevere in the face of challenges, seek resources to ensure the best outcomes, and work towards our goals with a sense of purpose and urgency.

Sense of Possibility – We approach our work with optimism, think boldly, and greet new ideas openly.

Disciplined Thought – We think critically and strategically in search of the best answers and approaches, reflect on past experiences and data to draw lessons for the future, and make choices that are deeply rooted in our mission.

Respect and Humility – We value all who are engaged in this challenging work. We keep in mind the limitations of our own experiences and actively seek out diverse perspectives.

Integrity – We ensure alignment between our actions and our beliefs, engage in honest self-scrutiny, and do what’s right for the broader good.

Source: www.teachforamerica.org and TFA Core Value document

- Draft Model and Concept by Dana Jarvis

TFA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY PHILSOPHY

TFA is committed to providing learning opportunities to enhance staff member skills in areas including operations and management, strategic thinking and reasoning and interpersonal skills. As a strategic approach, these learning areas can be integrated into a comprehensive leadership model, known as the Leadership Academy. The more staff members who have leadership qualities, the stronger the TFA mission will be. Through this leadership lens, staff members will grow personally and professionally. Staff members will go beyond course work to define a Leadership Legacy, have stretch assignments, engage with mentors, apply skills, and measure results. TFA will be changed forever for the better, with a newfound appreciation and energy for the mission of eliminating educational inequities.

PROPGRAM DESCRIPTION

The TFA Leadership Academy will provide participants the opportunity to become stronger leaders. It will be open to all staff members, individually, in teams and/or in cross-functional teams. The program has been designed by utilizing the best practices of world-class organizations (e.g. GE, 3M, Home Depot, United Way, Goodwill, among others) and cutting edge scientific research. By understanding and analyzing key elements of course work, participants will be prepared to take on “stretch” assignments and apply what they have learned. Participants gain leadership competencies, allowing them to excel personally and professionally. Key to the LDA will be interactions with leadership inside and outside TFA. Participants will have mentors who will contribute their growth and development. Along their leadership journey, participants will learn from each other and spend time in multiple programs and departments. It will also be important for participants to have self-assessments conducted, which will highlight their strengths and development opportunities. Each participant will have an Individual Development Plan (IDP) to assist them in becoming stronger leaders. For this example, the leadership experience covers a one-year period in which participants will learn more about themselves and discover new and creative ways to make an impact on the TFA mission. Through this process, leaders will benefit from accelerated professional development, leadership skills development, specific competency development and organizational networking and mentoring.

TFA LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY BEST PRACTICES

Senior Leadership Ownership – Executives need to be involved and own the program

Mentoring and Coaching – to help leaders understand culture, strategy, goals, development

Training & Business Alignment – training must be in sync with TFA goals Assessment Focus – leaders receive evaluation to improve their skill sets Skills Enhancement – skills based on TFA Core Skills Model with additional

insights Leadership Communication – leaders share their "Leadership Journey" with

others Values Integration – leadership training will be based on TFA Core Values

- Draft Model and Concept by Dana Jarvis Blended Learning – use multiple training including on-the-job, retreats, stretch

assignments Alumni Network – graduates become teachers, mentors, coaches and leaders for

other staff Succession Planning – prepare staff members and leaders for future TFA

opportunities Collaborations – partner with Universities, Board members,

educational/community leaders

TFA Leadership Academy Goal Overview

Goal Learning Objective“Participants will…

Measurement Technique

1.      To become aware of personal strengths and weaknesses which play a role in personal and leadership success.

Conduct a self-assessment focused on personal leadership attributes

Apply results of leadership assessment to goals, interactions and day-to-day activities

Coursework Discussions Case Studies Exercises Written

Assignments Leadership Self-

Assessment 360-Degree

Feedback Individual

Development Plan

2.      To recognize and understand key leadership principles and practices of leadership and methods for use.

Improve abilities to recognize and identify specific leadership issues as they relate to the program, department and TFA challenges and opportunities

Discover leadership models that align with personal traits, personalities and approaches

Coursework Discussions Case Studies Mentoring Program Stretch

Assignments Action Learning

Model

3.      To apply leadership practices, behaviors and strategies on a day-to-day basis.

Take opportunities to practice leadership

Apply leadership practices in real world TFA situations that require a range of competencies to deal with

Coursework Discussions Job Shadowing Exercises Stretch

Assignments Action Learning

Model

4.      To evaluate personal leadership practices in conjunction with ability to achieve goals.

Enhance ability to assess leadership approach

Gain insight on applying best practices to managing challenging leadership situations

Coursework Discussions Case Studies Exercises Stretch

Assignments Leadership Journal

- Draft Model and Concept by Dana Jarvis5.      To continuously

improve leadership approach in meaningful and significant ways that impact TFA mission.

Utilize TFA Core Values in alignment with leadership competencies to be creative

Enhance program quality and increase growth initiatives to play a significant role in TFA’s future

Coursework Discussions Case Studies Exercises Stretch

Assignments Leadership Case

Study

TFA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY EXPECTATIONS

It is expected that participants will:

1. Attend face-to-face sessions regularly.2. Complete assignments based on course work.3. Become familiar with other programs and departments.4. Engage others in leadership discussions.5. Live the TFA Core Values.6. Achieve program, department and individual goals.7. Maximize a mentorship opportunity.8. Actively work to apply key leadership practices.

EDUCATIONAL DELIVERY METHODS

Based on a review of world-class organizations, it is clear that a blended educational delivery approach is most effective to enhance mission achievement. A blended approach allows for participants to learn and apply skills in a variety of settings.

Delivery Methods DescriptionFace-to-Face and Online Courses

Participants will have full and half day sessions as well as webcasts from senior TFA leaders and others.

Action Learning During the Leadership Experience, participants will apply skills to real world strategic problems faced by TFA.

Stretch Assignments Participants will have opportunities to work on challenging TFA problems in teams and individually.

Job Shadowing By spending time in different programs and departments, participants will gain new insights into TFA.

External Speakers TFA Alumni, Board Members and community and educational leaders will speak on key topics.

Panel Discussions Participants will hear panel discussions comprised of TFA and community leaders in education.

- Draft Model and Concept by Dana JarvisBoard & Committee Meetings Participants will attend TFA Board and Committee

Meetings to expand their network and gain insights.

Mentoring & Coaching Each participant will have a mentor from TFA who will work with them on their development.

Field Trips Participants will visit other organizations to learn about their culture, leadership and strategy (School of Leadership Initiative Alumni, government, community and educational partners).

TFA Leadership Academy Training Matrix

Date Leadership Competency Major ConceptsJuly 2008 Leadership Foundations The Leadership Challenge

Vision and Culture with TFA President Leadership Assessment

August 2008 Strategic Planning Developing a Vision Statement Setting Goals and SMART Objectives Monitoring the Strategic Planning Process Executing a Strategic Plan for Success

September 2008 Operations Management Understanding All TFA Operations Conduct SWOT Analysis of TFA Operations Defining Efficiency, Quality and Management Brainstorm and Apply Improvements

October 2008 Financial Management Basics Creating a Budget Managing a Budget Day-to-Day Problem Solving on a Budget

November 2008 Managing Interpersonal Relations Communication Basics Maximizing Two-Way Communication Applying DDI’s Key Principles Creating “Win-Win-Win” Situations

December 2008 Essentials to Team Management Leveraging Diversity as a Strategic Asset Keys to High Performing Teams Taking a Strengths-Based Approach Recognizing Team and Staff Performance

January 2009 Becoming a Change Agent Keys to Innovation Experimentation and Risk Taking Kaizen and Continuous Improvement Developing a High Growth Mindset

February 2009 Strategic Thinking and Reasoning Steps to Problem Solving Shirt Pocket Analysis Apply Skills to Real World TFA Problem Developing Decision-Making Criteria

March 2009 Values-Based Leadership Putting Values into Action Engaging Others in the Values Building and Sustaining a Values-Based

CultureApril 2009 Strengthening Facilitation Skills Developing a Presentation

Effective Presentation Skills Quick Tips for Developing Audience Rapport Lessons Learned and Improving Facilitation

- Draft Model and Concept by Dana JarvisMay 2009 Valuing Diversity Competitive Advantage of Diversity

Leveraging Diversity for Organizational Success

Building and Maintaining Diverse Relationships

June 2009 External Relationship Building Keys to Building Strong External Relations Aligning External Relationships with Goals Sustaining Long-Term Relationships

July 2009 Leadership Legacy Powerful Strategy to Move TFA Forward Moments of Greatness at TFA

- Draft Model and Concept by Dana Jarvis

TFA Leadership Academy Application (Optional, depending on program design)

Name: Title: Program or Department:

Years with TFA: Years in Current Position: Phone:

Email:

CommitmentsWhat commitments are you willing to make to improve as a leader? (Check all that apply)

Self Development: Contribute a portion of your own time to study Increased Workload: Accept special developmental assignments Stretch Assignments: Work on challenging assignments Mentoring: Actively participate in a mentoring relationship Action Learning: Apply skills to problem solving activities Course Work: Attend face-to-face trainings to enhance skills Job Shadowing: Cross train to learn more about TFA External Seminars: Attend outside trainings in leadership development Networking: Spend time with key TFA Stakeholders (e.g. Board, Alumni, Leaders)

Current ResponsibilitiesDescribe current duties and responsibilities.

TFA AchievementsList achievements you have made at TFA over the last 12 months.

Living the TFA Core ValuesList the ways in which you have brought the TFA Core Values to life. (Please be specific.)

- Draft Model and Concept by Dana Jarvis

TFA Leadership Academy Application (Optional, depending on program design)

Motivation to be in the TFA Leadership AcademyWhat is your primary motivation for applying to participate in the TFA Leadership Academy?

Leadership Skills EnhancementsWhat specific leadership knowledge and skills do you hope to acquire or enhance?

Personal StrengthsWhat personal leadership qualities and skills do you bring to the TFA Leadership Academy?

Skills ApplicationHow do you plan on applying leadership skills at TFA?

My signature below indicates that I understand the purpose and commitments of the TFA Leadership Academy. If I choose to participate, I will devote the required time to attend all functions of the program while continuing to meet the normal expectations of my job, and my supervisor supports my involvement. I understand attendance, preparation and participation are required, and if I fail to meet the obligations of the program, I maybe asked to withdraw or many not complete the program.

Name_____________________________________________________________________Date_____________

Signature___________________________________________________________________________________

Supervisor’s Signature_________________________________________________________________________