The Leaders in Teaching (LIT) Institute is a six-month professional learning program designed for experienced educators working in Type III Centers in the New Orleans early childhood community. LIT develops leadership and mentoring skills and, through a mix of in-person and virtual meetings, provides collaboration and peer support. The Institute’s signature final project offers real-world opportunities for participants to gain experience in planning and overseeing actionable change in their centers.
Upon completion of the Institute, participants will be awarded a stipend of $1,000, will earn recognition as a LIT Master Teacher, and a substitute support stipend will be available to participants’ employing centers.
The 2027 Spring cohort will run from January through June 2027. Applications open October 2nd and close October 23rd.
Click here to apply to the Leaders In Teaching Institute
Please see the FAQs below for more details and information.
Who is eligible to participate?
To be eligible to participate in the LIT Institute, applicants must meet the following requirements
- Be employed at least half-time (20 hours per week) at Type III licensed Orleans Parish early childhood programs.
- Hold a position of teacher, lead teacher, curriculum specialist, coach, mentor teacher, professional development specialist, or other role with a majority of duties directly connected to classroom interactions. Directors and Assistant Directors are not eligible for LIT.
- Have a minimum of three years of experience as a classroom teacher.
- Commit to attending all monthly in-person meetings, virtual meetings, check-ins with LIT Staff, and scheduled field experiences.
- Commit to completing a practice-based project.
- Provide a letter of support from the applicant's Director.
*All eligible candidates may apply, but only one participant will be selected from any early childhood program site. Former LIT graduates are ineligible to participate.
When and where will LIT take place?
Applications for LIT will open on October 2nd and will be accepted through October 23rd. Selected participants will be notified in November 2026. From January through June 2027, participants will meet monthly in-person at the Agenda for Children office at 8300 Earhart Blvd, Suite 103. Please note the session dates and their unique times below. Additional online and onsite experiences may be provided.
- Program Timeline:
- 01/28/27 Orientation, Foundations of Leadership, 3-5PM
- 02/25/27 Professional Advancement, 3-5PM
- 03/18/27 CLASS Intro to Interactions, FULL DAY 9AM-4PM
- 03/25/27 - Virtual Session, 12-2PM
- 04/22/27 A Space for Everyone, 3-5PM
- 05/27/27 Self-Care in Leadership, 3-5PM
- 06/03/27 - Virtual Session, 12-2PM
- 06/24/27 Final Presentation & Graduation Ceremony, 3-6PM
How do I apply for LIT?
Click here to apply to the Leaders In Teaching Institute. The application window is open from October 2nd- October 23rd, 2026.
