After hitting numerous career milestones, many late-stage professionals find themselves wondering what’s next, realizing that a pivot in a different direction or retirement may soon be in their future. Many people wish to continue working to make a positive impact in their communities but may need the framework to figure out how to make the next move. The Experienced Leaders Program (ELP) at Teachers College, Columbia University was created to meet leaders at this crossroads, providing a uniquely thoughtful space to consider goals and new avenues with structure and support from The Klingenstein Center.
The program was developed under the leadership of Nicole Furlonge, Executive Director of the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College, Columbia University, a center that’s been focused on the professional development and training of educational and non-profit leaders, teachers and educators at the forefront of social change since 1977. The Klingenstein Center had long supported both early-career educators and heads of school, but Furlonge saw something missing: a space dedicated to those further along in their leadership journey.
“I had heads of schools who had retired or were about to retire telling me they wished they could come back to the Klingenstein Center for support but there was no program for them,” says Furlonge. “Others reached out who knew about our work but felt it was too late for them. They weren’t looking for a degree; they were looking for reflection, connection, and guidance in their next career chapter.”
With support and collaboration from TC Academy, Furlonge wasted no time in developing The Experienced Leaders Program to address this need. The program aims to support seasoned professionals across educational and non-profit sectors, like those who reached out to Furlonge, who wish to prepare for a significant transition and further their social impact in their next chapter. Among a cohort of peers, participants are guided through reflection exercises, one-on-one coaching, and collaborative workshops to clarify their values and assess their strengths. Then, with the assistance and guidance of the Klingstein Center, participants determine an intentional and structured path forward, both during the program and once it commences.
The program kicks off with a playful three-day immersive in New York City. In structured sessions, participants are encouraged to explore the city, drawing inspiration from New York’s diverse cultural and professional landscape. The program then continues over several months as participants meet with each other virtually.
Whether a participant’s goals involve launching a new initiative, joining a board, consulting, volunteering, or redefining their leadership in another capacity, The Experienced Leaders Program offers the mentorship to make those dreams a reality with a focus on future thinking and systems thinking.
“This program isn’t about telling leaders what they should do next,” Furlonge explains. “It’s about giving them the space and support to define that for themselves—and finding the confidence to pursue it.”
Registration for the Experienced Leaders Program is now open. If you are ready to explore your next professional chapter with more structure and a dedicated cohort of peers, visit the program landing page to learn more and register. For more information about upcoming programs at TC Academy, we welcome you to browse the offerings on our website. For additional leadership development opportunities for educators and school leaders, visit the Klingstein Center.