FCS LEAD Academy FAQs

Any FCS certified school- or district-based staff member --- teacher, MTSS coordinator, counselor, grad coach, instructional coach, behavioral coach, etc. --- who has shown an interest in learning more about leadership and has demonstrated leadership skills and attributes in their present position.

The LEAD Academy application is accessible electronically via the link in the LEAD Academy flyer, and is due no later than Thursday, March 5th. Two optional LEAD Academy Information Meetings for applicants have been scheduled on:

These meetings will provide more specific information about the application, the selection process, and the program, as well as providing an opportunity for potential applicants to ask individual questions.

There are four parts to the application: (1) information about the applicant, (2) leadership experiences,

(3) two written responses to prompts regarding the FCS Leader Profile, and (4) principal’s recommendation. All parts will be submitted electronically. The principal of an applicant will automatically be sent a confidential, electronic recommendation form to complete and submit by Friday, March 6^th.

There are two phases to the LEAD Academy selection process. Phase 1 consists of evaluating candidates’ two written responses using a rubric by a committee of school leaders and scoring the principal’s recommendation using a rubric by the LEAD Academy instructor. Those applicants who proceed on to Phase 2 will be invited back for in-person interviews by school and district-level leaders. At the end of each phase of the selection process, letters will be sent to each applicant letting them know if they are continuing on or were selected/not selected for the program.

No. This is not a “gateway program” for those aspiring to become an AA or AP. However, educators who have the desire to pursue these positions are encouraged to and may find it helpful to complete this program in order to grow and strengthen their leadership skills, abilities, and attributes.

The LEAD Academy program is a yearlong commitment (2026-2027 school year) and is comprised of 10 monthly learning sessions that run August until June, with a shorter, early-evening Orientation session in April. Each regular session requires a day-long commitment: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Attendance at all meetings is expected. The costs of substitute teachers will be covered by the district.

The focus for this program centers on the five tenets of the FCS Leader Profile, with one or two sessions devoted to each tenet. Invited school and district leaders present and share information at some sessions. Small group and large group discussions, problem solving school-world scenarios, reading current professional articles, video-based discussions, and exploring and focusing on one’s leadership core values are some of the engaging activities cohort members will participate in each session.

Members of this fourth cohort will also participate in mock interviews and a community partnership field trip during two of the sessions.

Yes. Each cohort member will be asked to design, develop, and implement a Capstone Project based on their school’s needs throughout the 2026-2027 school year. Principals must sign off on a member’s project and the LEAD Academy instructor must approve it. A project such as this allows one to experience firsthand what it means to develop and implement a project in a school, and to lead others in such an initiative. There is so much value for growing one’s leadership skills and attributes in carrying out the process of such a project. At the end of the program, each member will present their Capstone Project to a group of district leaders.

Feel free to contact Terri North, LEAD Academy Instructor, at tnorth@forsyth.k12.ga.us or at 404-310-3501 (cell phone)