In Search of Leaders is a program for school system leadership identification and development. It was created in 2007 by Pioneer RESA to aid systems in their attempt to bring transparency to the process of leadership selection.

 

Each superintendent who brings In Search of Leaders to their system sets the parameters by which an educator can nominate themselves to become a participant. For example, one system may ask that an educator have a Masters degree, while another system may ask that an educator have at least three years of teaching experience. After parameters are set by the system, an invitation is extended to all system educators to come to an informational meeting where simple applications are distributed.

 

In Search of Leaders applicants must supply a resume and letter of interest for a "leadership position." They must also supply evidence that illustrates their effectiveness in their current position. They and their associates will answer a survey reflecting perceptions about their current leadership ability. Pioneer RESA then conducts filmed mock interviews.

 

Lastly, the interview tapes, three commendations and three recommendations, along with comments on the resume, letter of interest and evidence submitted are given to the school system. Each candidate is then invited to discuss the contents of their file with the superintendent.

 

This process gives systems more information so that they can more accurately tap people into leadership positions. Some systems have also offered their In Search of Leaders cohort additional professional development in other areas of leadership, such a finance or human resources.

 

In Search of Leaders brings transparency to this process of successful leadership selection.