Learning Cohorts: Rural Leadership

Investing in the Leadership of Rural Schools and Districts

Are you a rural superintendent or principal navigating the challenges of leading in districts where every role matters? This cohort is designed specifically for leaders in Colorado’s rural and remote communities.

Together, we’ll tackle persistent issues like staffing shortages, student engagement, professional isolation, and program sustainability. This is a space to connect with peers who understand your context, share best practices, learn from leaders with lived rural experience, and develop practical, locally relevant strategies that strengthen your schools and communities.

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Our Approach | Lead with Local Knowledge. Build with Statewide Support.

Through short-cycle goal setting, expert insights on rural best practices, and collaborative problem-solving, participants will deepen their leadership capacity and strengthen local systems. This cohort highlights the innovation, resilience, and resourcefulness of rural schools by focusing on sustainable strategies that enhance teaching, learning, and student outcomes across Colorado’s rural communities.

Learning Cohort Facilitators

The District Improvement Strategy Office Team and cross-office partners from the Colorado Department of Education.

Participants

We invite school, district, and BOCES leaders serving Colorado’s rural communities. This cohort is designed for individual leaders navigating the unique demands of rural education systems. Whether you're wearing multiple hats or leading across multiple schools, this space is built to connect you with peers who understand your context. Returning participants are welcome and will have opportunities to build on previous learning, reflect on new challenges, and apply strategies within evolving local contexts.

Common Roles Include:

District: Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, Executive Directors, and Coordinators
BOCES Executive Directors and Directors
School: Principals, Assistant Principals, and multi-role leaders (e.g., Principal/Superintendent

District, BOCES, and School Administrators

Apply Here

Session Schedule

Session 1 - 9-4-25 | 9:00-12:00 | Virtual
Session 2 - 10-2-25 | 9:00-12:00 | Virtual
Session 3 - 11-6-25 | 9:00-12:00 | Virtual
Session 4 - 1-8-26 | 9:00-12:00 | Virtual
Session 5 - 2-5-26 | 9:00-12:00 | Virtual
Session 6 - 3-5-26 | 9:00-12:00 | Virtual

Session FAQs

CDE licensure credit is available
Participants register for individual sessions
In-person events include light breakfast & lunch
Locations shared in August, tied to enrollment
Limited travel reimbursement for participants traveling 100+ miles
We ask that participants notify supervisors to ensure support and system alignment

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