This nationally recognized leadership development program designed to help you transform your schools into high-performing learning environments. Built on decades of research into the world’s highest-performing and most rapidly-rising education systems, NISL equips leaders with the skills, strategies, and vision to drive meaningful and sustainable change.

NISL combines insights from education, cognitive science, and business leadership to create a comprehensive, evidence-based program. You’ll learn from the systems across the globe with lessons drawn from research by the National Academies, OECD, and leading education systems like Finland, Singapore, and Estonia.

The NISL program consists of three key courses designed to develop strategic, instructional, and operational leadership skills:

• World-Class Schooling: Vision and Goals – Explore global education trends, set a clear strategic vision, and design rigorous instructional systems.
• The Research on Learning and Effective Leadership – Apply the science of learning to foster equity, engagement, and instructional excellence.
• Sustaining Transformation Through Capacity and Commitment – Build a culture of continuous improvement, ethical leadership, and long-term school success.

Each course includes action learning cycles, where you’ll apply your learning to real challenges in your schools, ensuring immediate impact and long-term sustainability.

NISL uses a blended learning model, combining:

• In-person and virtual sessions for flexibility and collaboration.
• Expert-led case studies, best-practice simulations, and diagnostic tools for hands-on learning.
• Cohort-based learning to foster networking and shared problem-solving.

Independent research confirms that NISL strengthens school leadership and improves student outcomes:

• Higher Student Achievement – Schools led by NISL-trained principals see measurable gains in performance, especially in underperforming districts.
• Stronger Leadership Capacity – Graduates develop strategic decision-making, data-driven improvement strategies, and instructional leadership skills.
• Sustainable School Improvement – Leaders learn to embed long-term reforms that withstand leadership transitions and external challenges.

With over 12,000 school and district leaders trained nationwide, NISL is shaping the future of education leadership. Join us to build the skills, vision, and capacity to drive meaningful change in your schools.