Join the Lead for Learners Steering Committee
KnowledgeWorks seeks four learner-centered educators to join its Lead for Learners steering committee. Through virtual and in-person collaborations, steering committee members partner with KnowledgeWorks to set priorities, design solutions and grow the reach and impact of the Lead for Learners network.
Apply by July 27
Current priorities
Through a two-year term starting in September 2026, selected educators will serve alongside continuing members of the steering committee to advance the following priorities:
- Leadership Development and Learning: Design programs and resources that support current and emerging leaders in personalized, competency-based systems
- Network Development and Sustainability: Grow and sustain a national professional learning community focused on leading in personalized, competency-based systems
What will steering committee members do?
Members of the Lead for Learners network steering committee will:
- Advise on network growth strategies and leadership development programming in alignment with the Portrait of a Leader
- Co-design strategies and solutions that support district-, school- and classroom-level leaders who are driving learner-centered systems change
- Gather insights and co-facilitate design sessions with fellow educators to inform ongoing decision-making and action-planning
- Develop action plans in response to the evolving needs of education changemakers
- Share lessons learned and build community with other personalized, competency-based learning leaders from across the country
The committee has fed my vision as a leader and confirmed best practices that I should have in my toolbox, even if they are not traditional.
Casey Lefler
Rock Hill School District, South Carolina
2023-25 Lead for Learners Steering Committee Member
What is the commitment?
Members of the 2026-28 steering committee cohort will commit to the following activities from September 2026 through September 2028.
- Attend three in-person collaborations per year hosted at school/community sites, including a kick-off convening scheduled for September 15-17 in Westminster, Colorado (travel costs to be reimbursed by KnowledgeWorks)
- Join monthly two-hour virtual collaborations with fellow steering committee members and KnowledgeWorks (scheduling based on cohort availability)
- Co-facilitate at least three network engagements
- Support the implementation of committee-developed action plans
- Contribute to personalized peer coaching, speaking engagements, insight gathering, content review and/or network growth initiatives
- Act as an ambassador of the network by engaging educators within your sphere of influence
- Support onboarding of future steering committee member cohorts
How will steering committee members benefit?
- Personal leadership development and coaching from KnowledgeWorks and peers
- $2,000 stipend from KnowledgeWorks
- Peer network: Build lasting connections and shared learning through regular virtual meetings, in-person convenings and online discussions
- Opportunities to connect and collaborate with steering committee alumni
- Professional field trips: Paid travel for three in-person convenings and site visits per year to schools/districts to learn from educators and/or visit learner-centered classrooms
Selection considerations
Ideal applicants will meet most or all the following criteria:
- At least three years of experience working in a school or district that is pursuing sustainable education systems change through personalized, competency-based learning
- Recent experience working in teacher leadership, instructional coaching, school leadership, district administration or other instructional leadership roles focused on supporting the advancement of learner-centered systems and practices
- Connections with local, regional or state-level educator networks with a focus on advancing personalized learning or related learner-centered practices
- Demonstrated commitment to education equity
- Experience with at least one of the following areas: learner-centered professional development, leadership development, adult learning design, competency implementation or network development
How to apply
Complete the form below to apply for the Lead for Learners steering committee. Selection of new steering committee members will take place mid-August.