In partnership with
Truist Leadership Institute, the South Carolina Department of Education has developed and implemented a rigorous, institute designed to equip veteran principals from districts across the state with the insight, knowledge, and competencies necessary to lead innovative and successful schools.
What does it look like?
SLEI is a seven-month professional development opportunity that includes one (1) four-day session at the Truist Leadership Institute in Greensboro, NC, and four (4) two-day sessions facilitated by the Office of Leadership Effectiveness. Specifically, participants will explore beliefs, behaviors, and factors that shape personality; develop intentional approaches to leading change; and examine how leadership influences stakeholder engagement.
The cohort will include strategies like small and large group discussion, teamwork, Socratic seminars, simulations, scenarios, self-reflection, 360° feedback, problem solving, inquiry cycles, coaching teachers, human capital, case studies, study teams, and networking. With Instructional Leadership at its core, participants will leverage key strategies to address challenges and shifts in the field of education.
What are people saying?
- “Since completing SLEI, I have been reflecting more on my motivations. I have also used the strategies I have learned to implement change within my building."
- My cohort was a fantastic group of administrators who have tremendously impacted my professional life. Engaging with diverse, like-minded leaders across the state allowed me to collaborate, problem-solve, and continuously improve my leadership skills."
- "I am so thankful for this department at the SCDE. The leaders and information that was shared and completed helped add to my support and gave me more refreshing ideas that I could immediately apply to my job criteria."
- "Truist was such an eye-opening experience. Truly unforgettable. I wish all leaders could experience it."
- "The SLEI lead facilitator was fabulous. Our conversations were valuable and heartfelt. He has a true passion for school leadership."
- "The School Leadership Executive Institute is a remarkable program I wish I had earlier in my administrative career. Through my experience in the program, I learned more about the quirks that have shaped and molded my leadership style and methods to leverage my abilities to be a transformational leader to a greater extent than a transactional leader."
What do you need to know?
SLEI is a seven-month professional development opportunity with 1 one-day session and 3 two-day sessions facilitated by the Office of Leadership Effectiveness (locations TBA) and four days at the Truist Leadership Institute in Greensboro, North Carolina. Each session runs from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm with an hour for lunch. Participants are required to have permission from their superintendent or designee prior to session one and attendance is required for all sessions.
The following are required for successful completion: 1) Participants choose among multiple instructional and equity tools to identify an area in their school in which they want to improve and collect data and 2) Participants collect feedback from staff using a school culture survey to reflect on working conditions, and staff, student, and community relations. Participants are eligible for 120 renewal credits upon completion of all sessions and required work. There is a fee associated with this course; however, the participant/school/district are responsible for travel. Lunch will be served on site to maximize learning and opportunities to network with participants.
South Carolina Department of Education memo
Contact: Dr. Gerard Edwards,
gedwards@ed.sc.gov, 803-896-0224
Cohort 56 Registration Link
SLEI Cohort 56 Class Dates
September 3–4, 2026 (Orientation)
September 13–17, 2026 Greensboro, NC at Truist Leadership Institute
October 22–23, 2025, Columbia, SC
December 3–4, 2025, Columbia, SC
January 12–13, 2027, Columbia, SC
Cohort 57
Cohort 57 Registration Link
Date Location Experience
January 12, 2027 Virtual Virtual Orientation
January 25-28, 2027 Greensboro, NC Truist Leadership Institute
February 18-19, 2027 West Columbia, SC Office of Leadership Effectiveness
March 22-23, 2027 West Columbia, SC Office of Leadership Effectiveness
April 29-30, 2027 West Columbia, SC Office of Leadership Effectiveness
