Welcome to the 2026–2027 Rural School Leadership Academy (RSLA) Application
The Rural School Leadership Academy (RSLA) is a fully funded, yearlong leadership accelerator for educators working in rural schools and systems across the country.
RSLA is designed to support leaders in growing their impact while remaining rooted in the communities they serve. Through a combination of virtual learning cycles, in-person convenings, applied leadership experiences, and a national network of peers, participants strengthen their leadership practice, expand their perspective, and build pathways to broader school and systems leadership.
Whether you are leading from your classroom, stepping into school leadership, or currently serving in a school or district role, RSLA provides differentiated support aligned to your leadership journey.
What to Expect
To complete your application, you will be asked to:
- Provide basic personal and professional information
- Upload a current resume or CV
- Respond to four short-answer questions
- Complete three brief video responses
- Submit contact information for two references (one should be a current or recent supervisor)
The application typically takes 1–2 hours to complete. You may save your progress and return at any time before the deadline.
Our Commitment to You
We are committed to making this process affirming, humanizing, and worthwhile for every applicant.
Our goal is that, regardless of selection, you leave this process with greater clarity about your leadership, your impact, and your next steps.
After submission, you will receive a confirmation email. Reference checks will follow, and final decisions will be shared in early to mid August.
How to Use This Application Portal
You will complete your RSLA application by working through a series of tasks listed on the next screen.
- Click on each task to begin
- Mark each task as “Complete” once finished
- Save your progress and return at any time before the deadline
- Once all tasks are complete, the “Submit” button will appear
- Click “Submit” to finalize your application
Cohort 14 Rural School Leadership Academy Application
Welcome to the 2026–2027 Rural School Leadership Academy (RSLA) Application
The Rural School Leadership Academy (RSLA) is a fully funded, yearlong leadership accelerator for educators working in rural schools and systems across the country.
RSLA is designed to support leaders in growing their impact while remaining rooted in the communities they serve. Through a combination of virtual learning cycles, in-person convenings, applied leadership experiences, and a national network of peers, participants strengthen their leadership practice, expand their perspective, and build pathways to broader school and systems leadership.
Whether you are leading from your classroom, stepping into school leadership, or currently serving in a school or district role, RSLA provides differentiated support aligned to your leadership journey.
What to Expect
To complete your application, you will be asked to:
- Provide basic personal and professional information
- Upload a current resume or CV
- Respond to four short-answer questions
- Complete three brief video responses
- Submit contact information for two references (one should be a current or recent supervisor)
The application typically takes 1–2 hours to complete. You may save your progress and return at any time before the deadline.
Our Commitment to You
We are committed to making this process affirming, humanizing, and worthwhile for every applicant.
Our goal is that, regardless of selection, you leave this process with greater clarity about your leadership, your impact, and your next steps.
After submission, you will receive a confirmation email. Reference checks will follow, and final decisions will be shared in early to mid August.
How to Use This Application Portal
You will complete your RSLA application by working through a series of tasks listed on the next screen.
- Click on each task to begin
- Mark each task as “Complete” once finished
- Save your progress and return at any time before the deadline
- Once all tasks are complete, the “Submit” button will appear
- Click “Submit” to finalize your application