Create high-performing education systems and schools using global best practices and strategic leadership principles.
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, NISL24 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 NISL24 program consists of three key courses designed to develop strategic, instructional, and operational leadership skills:
- Creating a Vision for Education and Leadership Success – Examine the current realities of education and define a bold, future-focused vision for student and system success.
- Leading for Learning – Deepen understanding of how people learn and what it takes to prepare students for long-life learning.
- Leading High-Performing Systems – Build and sustain learning organizations that drive continuous improvement and instructional excellence.
Each course includes cycles of inquiry, where you’ll apply your learning to real challenges in your schools, ensuring immediate impact and long-term sustainability.
NISL24 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.
The next evolution of one of the most widely adopted leadership programs in the country, NISL24 is shaping the future of education leadership. Join us to build the skills, vision, and capacity to drive meaningful change in your schools.

University Partners
Our partnerships with leading universities allow NISL24 participants to receive advanced credit or degrees. NCEE also works with states and districts to offer professional learning credit toward locally-required professional development. Read more about NCEE’s university partnerships including a list of programs offering credit for NISL24 in this flyer.
Audience(s)
District and school-level leaders
Duration
24 non-consecutive days of cohort-based learning
Delivery Method
Hybrid: in-person and virtual