​ iTeach School Leaders Academy
Fast-Tracking Equity-Focused School Leaders
What is iTeach School Leaders Academy?
At its core, the iTeach School Leaders Academy is a four-month Intensive School Leadership Development Program designed to fast-track the journey of equity-driven leaders into school leadership roles. This program equips participants with the skills, mindsets, and practical experience needed to serve as transformative School Leaders in low-income, under-resourced communities— immediately upon graduation or within two
years of graduating from the program.
Watch our School Leaders talk about their journey:
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India’s education reform movement is at an exciting juncture, with growing networks of schools serving high-need students. These schools face
a significant challenge: finding mission-driven School Leaders ready to effectively lead and drive transformation. iTeach Schools is committed to addressing this gap by preparing high-impact leaders for high-need schools.
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With a decade of experience building a high-quality network of schools across 4 municipal corporations, iTeach is uniquely positioned to share
key insights and empower equity-driven leaders to step into impactful school leadership roles.
Why is iTeach Schools starting a School Leaders Academy?
Who is the iTeach School Leaders Academy for? What are the eligibility criteria?
​The SL Academy is tailored for highly mission-driven leaders to step into a School Leadership role. Over four months (February to May), participants can upskill and prepare for this critical role while continuing their current full-time work.
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You’re a great fit for this Academy if you:
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Have worked full-time in a school or school-centric setting for at least 4-5 years.
Are currently serving as a leader or mid-level manager in any school-centric setting. For eg. as a Program Manager, Instructional Specialist, Lead Teacher or Assistant School Leader/Vice-Principal.
Looking to fast-track your journey into a larger school leadership role within the next 2 years.
Educational equity driven leadership is non-negotiable for you. You are deeply committed to serving in underserved communities.
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If you’re unsure about meeting the eligibility requirements, we’d love to chat and help you explore if this opportunity is a great fit for you. Please write to tanvi.metre@iteachschools.org if you’d like to set up a 1-1 chat.
What happens when? How long does the programme last? When do applications open?
The iTeach School Leaders Academy combines cohort-based virtual learning, hands-on performance tasks, and immersive in-person experiences to equip participants with the most essential knowledge, skills, and mindsets needed to become high-impact school leaders in under-resourced communities.
What are the key focus areas of this program?
What does the Summer School experience in May look like?
What career paths open up to me immediately upon graduation?
​The Summer School is the heart of the SL Academy experience. Over three weeks, you will co-lead a school in Pune with a peer, managing approximately 100 students and six teachers. This immersive experience allows you to apply and refine competencies from the program’s five focus areas, with live feedback from a School Coach to prepare you for your role as a School Leader.
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The movement of equity-focussed schools is gathering momentum India-wide (eg: iTeach Schools, Akanksha Foundation, Circle-supported schools, Teach For India TrustEd schools, Peepul India, and many others). The SL Academy is intended to significantly boost the participant's skill set and chances of selection, when they apply for roles in School Leadership. The intended outcome of the Academy is for candidates to:
Be strong applicants for School Leader or Assistant School Leader roles in the Upcoming Academic Year (2025-26), OR
Choose to continue in their current roles and leverage the program's learnings to get more proficient, with an eventual goal to move towards School Leadership in the next 1-2 years.
What does the selection process look like?
How can I apply?
Step 1:
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Submit your online application form here
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Time Commitment: 2 hours
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Step 2:
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Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a Virtual Interview Day
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Important Application Timelines:
Round 1
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Last Date to Apply: 5th January, 11:59 PM IST
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Virtual Interview Day: 11th January
Round 2
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Last Date to Apply: 15th January, 11:59 PM IST
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Virtual Interview Day: 18th January
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Don’t miss the chance to fast-track your journey to school leadership - apply here now!
How much does this program cost? What are my options for funding?
Program Enrollment Fee
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The program fee is subsidized at INR 25,000, with the remaining costs covered by our donor partners.
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This fee can be paid by your employer school network / organization as part of their investment in your training or can be paid out-of-pocket by participants.
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Residential Bootcamp Costs and Summer School Costs
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All accommodation and food expenses for the 3-day in-person boot-camp in Pune, are included in the enrollment fee. Participants must arrange their own travel to and from Pune.
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For the Summer School practicum in Pune (three weeks in May), accommodation and food expenses will be covered for participants traveling from other locations. Participants must arrange their own travel to and from Pune.
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We are committed to ensuring this program is accessible to all eligible participants, regardless of financial constraints. If you have any questions about the enrollment fee or need assistance, please contact us at tanvi.metre@iteachschools.org to discuss scholarship opportunities.