Teacher Leader Masterclass
Empower your highest-impact teachers to lead from the classroom.
A 12-month, Christ-centered leadership journey that principals trust, built for teachers who lead without leaving the classroom.
High-impact teachers are ready for more. They need developement that matches their potential.
These high-capacity educators thrive on growth. They’re the ones shaping school culture, mentoring peers, and going the extra mile for students and families. But they deserve development that matches their level: training designed not for beginners, but for builders.
They choose to stay in the classroom because they know their presence matters. Their leadership, consistency, and deep relationships make a lasting difference.
Now is the time to invest in them the way they invest in everyone else.
The heartbeat of Christian schools deserves investment.
Created to grow teachers, not just students.
Education has long centered around student growth, but thriving schools start with thriving teachers.
Invest in teachers as leaders, not just practitioners.
The best educators lead from within, shaping culture, mentoring peers, and carrying the mission forward.
Christ-centered community depends on strong teacher-leaders.
In Christian schools, teachers do more than teach. They disciple, model, and carry the Gospel into every classroom.
Teachers influence classrooms, culture, and the school community.
High-capacity teachers drive spiritual formation, academic excellence, and staff alignment. They are the ones others follow.
Teacher Leader Masterclass is a Christ-Centered Journey in Leadership Formation.
This is more than a conference. Teacher Leader Masterclass is a yearlong experience that blends professional growth with spiritual renewal. Through shared worship, intentional prayer, faith-based peer partnerships, and a meaningful commissioning ceremony, participants are formed as leaders who serve with humility and conviction. Designed specifically for educators who remain in the classroom, the program builds up those already shaping school culture, equipping them to lead with wisdom, resilience, and a deep dependence on Christ.
Summer Kickoff - June 16-18, 2026
Des Moines Christian School
Day 1: Leadership Foundations
Dr. Tim Elmore
Best selling author and
founder of Growing Leaders
Explore what makes leaders worth following and how to apply these principles in your role as a teacher.
Day 2: Purposeful Communication
OneBody3
Former educator turned executive leadership coach
Learn how to communicate effectively with students, colleagues, and parents while staying aligned with your mission.
Day 3: Leading as a Teacher
Cory Nikkel
Head of High School
at Des Moines Christian School
Get practical insight and vision for leading from within the classroom, where the mission lives every day.
Monthly Virtual Sessions (July - May)
Cohort-Based Learning
Join a small, supportive group of like-minded educators for accountability and encouragement.
SMART Goal Coaching
Set and pursue meaningful goals, in partnership with your principal, tied to your leadership growth and school context.
Q&A and Expert Development
Engage with thought leaders and practitioners who understand your world and are invested in your impact.
Multiply your mission without losing your best teachers.
When you invest in your strongest teachers, you're affirming their value and expanding your leadership capacity from within.
Here's what school leaders can expect:
A teacher equipped to lead from within
Influence without a title, grounded in mission, and aligned with your vision.
Increased staff retention
Talented teachers stay when they feel invested in, seen, and supported.
Better delegation and team alignment
Empower teacher-leaders to champion initiatives and reinforce your culture.
A stronger leadership pipeline
Develop the next generation of leaders without removing them from the classroom.
This is an opportunity to honor your top educators and equip them to multiply their impact.
Here's what we ask of principals:
- Provide 60 minutes/month coverage for virtual sessions during the school day.
- Brief monthly 1:1 with your teacher on goals and implementation.
- Fuel the visions and dreams of your best high-impact teachers.
Who to send
Nominate teachers who:
- Are the go-to person in their department or hallway.
- Influence culture through consistency, compassion, and Christlikeness.
- Are ready to be sharpened, stretched, and supported in a community of like-minded educators.
- Lead Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), departments, committees, or other teams.
School leaders, this is for the impact players on your team - the ones you hope never leave.
"This program isn’t just professional development. It’s professional devotion—designed for those who know that mastery isn’t a destination, but a discipline."
Monica Remer, Ph.D.
Associate Head of School for Academics
King’s Ridge Christian School
Not another professional development session.
The Teacher Leader Masterclass isn't a stepping stone out of the classroom.
It's an investment for those who want to stay and serve in a meaningful way.
This experience is not a fit if:
- You need a one-and-done PD with quick takeaways.
- The teacher resists reflection, feedback, or accountability.
- You’re just checking a PD requirement box. This is a year-long formation journey.
Equip. Empower. Engage.
Each element of the Teacher Leader Masterclass is designed to strengthen leadership,
deepen calling, and sustain a teacher's impact in the classroom.
Here's what teachers receive:
3-Day In-Person Masterclass
An immersive kickoff experience with national and local leaders.
11 Virtual Cohort Meetings
Monthly connection, coaching, and growth alongside like-minded, high-impact teachers.
Equipping from Leadership Experts
Hear from experienced leaders in education, communication, and spiritual leadership.
Real-World Goal Setting and Support
Set SMART goals that matter to the school and a teacher's own growth, and receive support to meet them.
License Renewal or Graduate Credit Option
Complete the experience with tangible professional benefits (pending approval).
A Network of Like-Minded Christian Teachers
Be part of a community that challenges and encourages you for the long haul.
Simple investment. Significant impact.
The Teacher Leader Masterclass is intentionally designed to be accessible for schools while delivering meaningful, lasting growth for the educators you count on most.
Program Cost:
$1,500 per teacher
(plus travel and lodging for the 3-day kickoff event)
What's Included:
- Monthly in-person sessions led by respected voices like Tim Elmore, OneBody3, Cory Nikkel, and other surprise guests
- A Christ-centered leadership journey with worship, prayer, and a commissioning ceremony
- Principal-partnered Action Plan to launch a new initiative at your school
- Small cohort community for support, collaboration, and connection
- Ongoing access to a private online platform for sharing ideas and encouragement
- Opportunities to earn CEUs and optional graduate credit
- A few fun surprises along the way (think leadership curriculum, swag, resources, and more)
- The confidence of knowing your teacher's leadership is seen, valued, and being developed
Spots are limited. Apply early to secure your place for the 2026 cohort.
Are you ready to invest in your teachers?
The Teacher Leader Masterclass is a $1,500 investment per teacher. Travel and lodging for the 3-day kickoff event are not included, giving schools the flexibility to choose accommodations that fit their needs and budget. We will offer discounted hotel block pricing for participants, as well as transportation to and from the conference and hotel while in Des Moines.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Don't wait! Your teacher's next season of growth starts here.