In 2005, ASCD debuted the Emerging Leaders Program. Designed for young educators with approximately 5–15 years of teaching experience, the program provides them opportunities to not only network, but also gain advocacy and leadership training to enhance their capacity in schools and districts. Candidates do not have to be ASCD members, but they must be nominated by ASCD leaders who have recognized them to be dedicated, passionate, and true to the Association's core values. After being nominated, candidates submit applications that demonstrate their pursuit of excellence and desire to make their best better.

The leadership program supports educators to advance ASCD positions; strengthen ASCD's voice influencing policy and practice; become involved in ASCD governance; and explore multiple pathways toward ASCD leadership.

"ASCD provides a supportive community and wide-ranging opportunities for the Emerging Leaders to tap into to create their unique paths to leadership," says Gail Clark Dickson, ASCD director of constituent services and head of the program. "We're excited to work with this class of Emerging Leaders to build ASCD's capacity to improve learning, teaching, and leadership."

The 2008 class is a diverse group of energetic leaders ready to move to the forefront of educational advocacy. "I am looking forward to looking at the big picture of education, on a national scale, and being part of those conversations," says new Emerging Leader Peter Holtz.

Mentors Make a Difference

Once the participants are chosen, they make a list of future career goals. ASCD uses those lists to match each Emerging Leader with an affiliate member who has achieved the goals these leaders aspire to accomplish. Previous Emerging Leaders also act as mentors and help form a support community for the new participants. "My mentor was an inspiration to me," says 2005 Emerging Leader Hilda Baca. "She believed in me, and I trusted her to guide me in the right direction by giving me practical advice from the field."

Arpine Ovsepyan, a 2007 Emerging Leader, encourages the leaders to "be active in working with their mentors, and be passionate about making a difference in the lives of future generations."

Leaping into Leadership

At ASCD's Leadership for Effective Advocacy and Practice (LEAP) Institute, Emerging Leaders have a chance to realize the role they play in education reform. The LEAP Institute goes beyond normal conferences and takes participants to Capitol Hill, where they discuss education issues with policymakers. During the LEAP Institute, Emerging Leaders also get a chance to network and discuss the challenges they face in their schools and districts.

The 2008 Emerging Leaders Class: Melissa Askren Edgehouse, Pamela Bell, LaQuanda Brown, Ruben Carmona, Angela Chamness, Carolyn Collazo, William Duffy, Margarita Gonzalez Amador, Kristopher Harrison, Peter Holtz, Dwan Jordon, Gary Kiltz, Jennifer King, Jennifer Morrison, Johnny Nash, Kim Pearson, David Scott, Bhavna Sharma-Lewis, Tarol Page Wells, and Deirdra Grode, the 2008 Outstanding Young Educator Award winner.

To learn more about the Emerging Leaders Program, go to www.ascd.org/emergingleaders.