Applications for Cohort 14 of RSLA close August 13th.
Apply here: https://tfarsla.smapply.io/prog/lst/
Nominate yourself or another incredible rural leader!
A yearlong career development accelerator for rural educators committed to growing—and staying—in the places they live and lead.
Program Overview
The Rural School Leadership Academy (RSLA) is a fully funded, yearlong leadership accelerator for educators in rural schools and systems. RSLA is open to non-alumni of Teach For America.
Whether you’re stepping into leadership for the first time or growing your impact as a school or system leader, RSLA is designed to help you lead where you are—rooted in your community, with the tools and support to go further.
Through a blend of virtual learning, in-person convenings, immersive school visits, and personalized coaching, RSLA provides:
- Practical, role-specific leadership development you can apply immediately
- A national network of rural educators and leaders
- Clear pathways to expand your career and influence
RSLA is about building momentum—in your leadership, your school, and your community—so that the work you’re already doing can go further, faster.
Sponsorship
RSLA is a fully funded program. All costs associated with travel, lodging, development and meals are at no cost to participants.
Who Should Apply?
RSLA is open to all educators working in rural PK–12 school settings for the 2026-27 school year. You do not need to be a Teach For America alum.
We welcome:
- Track 1 – Aspiring Leaders: Teachers seeking to grow into adult-facing leadership roles within the next 1–3 years.
- Track 2 – Emerging Leaders: Educators in roles such as APs, Deans, or Coaches actively preparing for principalship.
- Track 3 – Current Principals: School leaders and principals looking to sustain and expand their leadership in place.
- Track 4- District Level Roles: District level staff, assistant superintendents, and superintendents.
- Track 5- Rural School Leadership Academy Alumni: Former participants who are looking to come back as program mentors or apply for the program again if they are in a different track.
We welcome school-based teams to apply together. Each individual must submit a separate application. Full participation in each learning cycle including virtual and in-person learning engagements is required for Cohort Participation.
- To apply: https://tfarsla.smapply.io/prog/lst/
Nominations
RSLA is committed to identifying, connecting, and elevating the leaders and learning environments that are doing remarkable work to serve students and strengthen their communities. If you know of an outstanding rural school leader or rural school creating meaningful impact in the communities in which they serve and lead, we invite you to share their name and story with us.
- To nominate a great candidate, please complete this form
- To nominate a great school, please complete this form
For questions, please reach out to Casey.DeFord@teachforamerica.org