The Power of Our Cohort Model and its Embedded Networking
Why do we use a Cohort Model? One of the key factors in learning is the impact of community-the people with whom we learn and from. After all, the smartest person in the room, IS the room. Our Cohort Model provides an active, interactive, and dynamic setting for leaders to grow their knowledge and skills. We bring leaders together to build community, foster creativity, hone their leadership skills, and encourage personal growth. The cohort model is the togetherness model. As participants study together, they develop strong relationships, which transcends course material into life skill training, valuable networking, and professional friendships.
Research on principal preparation and development programs indicate that five program features are essential to the development of effective school leaders. “Evidence indicates that effective programs are (1) research-based, (2) have curricular coherence, (3) provide experience in authentic contexts, (4) use cohort groupings and mentors, and are (5) structured to enable collaborative activity between the program and area schools.” Leadership Partners professional development offers all five of these program qualities. (Davis, Linda-Darling Hammond, LaPoint & Meyerson, 2005).
Furthermore, Research also informs us of five main benefits for using a cohort model to professionally develop leaders:
1. Enhanced Peer Learning and Collaboration: Cohort models foster a collaborative learning environment where leaders can share experiences and learn from one another, leading to deeper insights and stronger problem-solving skills (Barnett & Muse, 1993).
2. Increased Retention and Engagement: Participants in cohort-based programs are more likely to remain engaged and complete the program, as the shared journey with peers creates a supportive and motivating community (Saltiel & Russo, 2001).
3. Development of Long-Term Professional Networks: Cohort models help leaders build lasting professional relationships that extend beyond the program, providing ongoing support and opportunities for collaboration (Grogan & Roberson, 2002).
4. Stronger Sense of Identity and Purpose: The cohort model encourages reflection and collective identity formation among leaders, helping them clarify their roles and align their personal values with their professional goals (Browne-Ferrigno & Muth, 2004).
5. Effective Application of Learning to Practice: The cohort structure allows for immediate application of learned concepts in real-world settings, as peers support and challenge each other to implement new strategies effectively (McCarthy, 2002).
To create the cohort model, we are intentional about everything. It is all the little things done with fidelity that help to build the model. It is also the big things that become “the way we do business.” We are excited to offer you an exceptional cohort model that will enhance your leadership and your life.
What our leaders are saying about our Cohort Model:
“I feel as though I’ve made lasting connections with individuals who will help me to grow as a campus leader.” — Elementary Principal
“I have a wider network of colleagues that I can use as partners…I have a better understanding of myself and my impact of leadership on others. I have a better sense of my own personal goals.” -Secondary Principal
