1. UNT Dallas
  2. School of Education
  3. Graduate Programs
  4. Future Leaders Academy

Future Leaders Academy

FLA Cohort 6 is forming now for Fall 2021!

The University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) is excited to partner with Dallas Independent School District for continuation of its Future Leaders Academy. The goal of this partnership is to increase and develop future administrators to lead Dallas ISD schools.

Dallas ISD educators will work to earn a Master’s in Educational Leadership degree provided through UNT Dallas. In collaboration with Dallas ISD, specialized curriculum has been developed to capture the district’s specific strategic initiatives, data, mission, vision, values, and needs into the degree coursework.

This program is ideal for secondary educators who are excited and energized by the opportunity to engage in a rigorous course of study, preparing them to lead in one of Dallas ISD's P-TECH high schools. 

Earn Your Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership with Principal Certification

The UNT Dallas’ Educational Leadership department offers a robust 30-semester hour Master’s degree program that provides students with the skills and knowledge required for leadership careers at campus or central office administration positions. Graduates will also earn their Advancing Educational Leadership (AEL) certification and will be prepared to earn their Texas Principal Certificate after completion of this program.

Leadership for the 21st Century

The UNT Dallas School of Education is committed to training effective leaders to advance 21st century schools. We recognize that educational leadership is a challenging and rewarding career path that requires unique skills and competencies. The Master’s in Educational Leadership program emphasizes real-world understanding and practical application of leadership principles with a specialized focus on:

  • Multicultural Education
  • Urban Community Schools
  • Social Justice

Flexible Scheduling

UNT Dallas courses meet online, face-to-face, and in a hybrid format depending on the course. All face-to-face courses will meet at a Dallas ISD location.

Affordability and Entrance Requirements

The only public, four-year university in Dallas, UNT Dallas is the most affordable university in DFW. Our graduate courses average $911 per course – the lowest tuition cost in north Texas!

Candidates must meet the admission requirements of the UNT Dallas Graduate School. Requirements include a 3.25 GPA in your final 60 hours of undergraduate course work and an application to the UNT Dallas Graduate School through ApplyTexas.org. Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended.

There is a $50 application fee.

Features of Dallas ISD Future Leaders Academy

  • Tuition Reimbursement
    • Dallas ISD offers 50% reimbursement of UNT-Dallas tuition
    • Submission of grades, employment verification, and proof of tuition payment required
  • Employee Agreement
    • Remain with the district for a minimum of three years post-graduation
    • Complete all coursework and remain in good standing with the university
    • Maintain an A or B in all courses 

View Our Online Info Session

Application Process and Timeline

Step 1: Launch Cohort 2 Advertising Campaign (March 1- March 5)

UNT Dallas will launch an advertising campaign to promote the cohort. We will send emails to teachers in the district to target potential candidates for the program. Candidates should have an interest in working on P-Tech campuses with a special interest in stakeholder engagement and community support.

Step 2:  Information Sessions for Potential Candidates

NEW SESSION ADDED:  Thursday, April 1 at 5:30 pm

UNT Dallas will host an information session via Zoom for candidates who are interested in the cohort.  UNT Dallas will explore the entrance requirements, timeline for selecting candidates, and the proposed degree plan. View a recorded session

Step 3: Submit an Interest Application to the Educational Leadership Program

Program (March 1 - April 15)

Potential candidates will submit an interest application to the Educational Leadership program.  This interest application will designate the candidate is part of the Cohort 2 program.  Interest applications are due March 19, 2021 at 5:00 pm. 

Step 4: Apply to the UNT Dallas Graduate School (March 1 - April 15)

Candidates who express interest in the cohort should also apply to the UNT Dallas Graduate School. Candidates must request transcripts from all colleges that they have attended and submit a $50 application fee. Once the file is complete, the UNT Graduate School will forward the application to the Educational Leadership program. Applications must be submitted on or before April 15, 2021 at 5:00 pm.

Step 5: Program materials sent to candidates/Submit Educational Leadership Program Documents (March 1-April 15)

Once the application to the Graduate School is complete, candidates will receive Educational Leadership program documents via email.

These documents include: EDLE Program Application, Code of Ethics, and an essay form along with the completed UNT Dallas Graduate Application with transcripts and application fee. These documents are due to the Educational Leadership program on or before March 21, 2021 at 5:00 pm.

Step 6: Complete the EDLE Program Interview (April 15 – April 30)

A program interview with the UNT Dallas Educational Leadership department is required. Invitations will be sent to set up appointments for the interview via Zoom.  Candidates can expect to spend 30 to 45 minutes working through various scenarios, questions, and other tasks. Interviews will be completed by April 30, 2021.

Step 7: Candidates Notified for Advancement to Second Round with DISD (April 30, 2021 @ 3:00 pm)

Candidates will receive an email from the Educational Leadership program with notification of their acceptance or denial to the program.

Step 8:  Dallas ISD LEAD Program Interviews (April 30 – May 15)

Candidates who advance to the second round will be interviewed by a panel of professional from the Dallas Independent School District.  Candidates will be notified of the date and time for their interview from DISD.

Step 9:  Finalists are Notified (May 17 – May 21)

Candidates will receive an email from DISD with notification of their acceptance or denial to the FLA6 Cohort.

Step 10:  FLA6 Member Orientation (June 8 @ 5:30 pm)

Candidates who are accepted into the program will attend a mandatory orientation for UNT Dallas. The orientation will include a welcome to the program, information about registration, and other details for students.

PLEASE NOTE:  Candidates who miss deadlines may be eliminated from consideration to the EDLE program. Deadlines may be adjusted due to unintentional delays caused by COVID-19.

For More Information…