September 15, 2021
Kansas Educational Leadership Institute celebrates 10-year anniversary
The Kansas Educational Leadership Institute, or KELI, a partner with the Kansas State University College of Education, celebrated its 10-year anniversary this month.
On Sept. 8, the institute hosted its programs orientation for the first time since 2019. The orientation was held virtually, with more than 240 participants ready to be mentored and welcomed by the college leadership and key players in the creation of KELI.
The institute also partners with the Kansas Department of Education, Kansas Association of School Boards, United School Administrators of Kansas and Kansas School Superintendents Association. This orientation welcomed new building leaders, district leaders and special education leaders into the KELI program.
"Even though the annual KELI orientation meeting was moved to Zoom, the learning that occurred was obvious," said Rick Doll, an associate professor and executive director for KELI. "New leaders from across the state connected with their mentors, learned new content, and networked with other new leaders."
The mission of KELI is separated into two parts: the first is the introduction of the mentees to the program, and the second is the ongoing professional learning opportunities. Each mentee and mentor participated in general professional learning opportunities about three topics; Communications and Culture, Strengthening Social-Emotional Awareness, and Engaging Families and Communities. Each session about the topics provided knowledge and opportunity for everyone in the program to grow in their professional learning, discussion and networking skills with other mentees and mentors.
Over the last 10 years, the institute has provided support for hundreds of new leaders while training veteran leaders to coach and mentor using a research-based approach. Thanks to the support of Kansas State University and the College of Education, new leaders have the support they need to effectively lead schools and positively impact student growth.