The ECIS DEIJ Leadership Development Cohort is a year-long, participant-driven professional learning community for international school leaders and educators committed to deepening their leadership in diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ). A professional learning cohort, where dedicated international school leaders and educators gather monthly to advance DEIJ practices. This carefully curated group provides a consistent, supportive environment for meaningful collaboration and professional growth.

Across ten monthly online sessions (August to June), along with two 2-on-1 check-ins, the cohort offers space for connection, collaboration, and critical reflection. Participants shape the direction of their learning journey by sharing challenges, exploring key questions, and drawing on each other’s expertise. The cohort model ensures deeper connections than one-off workshops, allowing relationships and initiatives to develop sustainably over time. Each monthly gathering builds on previous discussions, creating a continuous learning journey tailored to members’ evolving needs.

WHY JOIN THE COHORT?

Connect with like-minded leaders across the international school landscape.

Co-create learning that is relevant to your context and challenges in the current climate.

Learn from others through facilitated dialogue on DEIJ themes, peer-led sessions, and guest contributors.

Build a network of supportive, action-oriented DEIJ leaders.

Deepen your impact by exploring practical, sustainable approaches to change in your school.

Keep meaningful change in mind by working towards an actionable initiative within your school context.

OBJECTIVES OF THE COHORT

Foster a collaborative community of practice among international school DEIJ leaders and educators for ongoing knowledge exchange and mutual support.

Develop context-specific strategies for implementing sustainable DEIJ initiatives that respect each school’s unique cultural environment.

Enhance leadership skills for guiding DEIJ work.

Explore practical frameworks for measuring and evaluating the impact of DEIJ initiatives within diverse international school settings.

Design and implement school-specific DEIJ action plans that address identified needs and leverage existing resources.

Build capacity for systemic, sustainable DEIJ transformation that goes beyond isolated initiatives to create lasting institutional change.

COHORT DESIGN

Monthly Sessions: Ten 3-hour sessions (held on Sundays 12 – 15 London) with rotating themes shaped by participant input and feedback.

2:1 Check-Ins: Participants will engage in two individual sessions with the lead cohort facilitators prior to the start of the cohort year and again at the end.

DEIJ Action and Support Groups: monthly meetings with a small group leadership learning circle integrated within the cohort session guided by an ‘Action & Support Roadmap’.

Co-Facilitated Community: Sessions will include a mix of facilitators, cohort-led contributions, and external guests

Participant-Driven Design: Topics are shaped by the needs, experiences, and expertise within the cohort (Past topics included different practices strategies across varying schools, identity and belonging series, social justice standards and HR practices etc.).

APPLICATION PROCESS

To submit an application click here.

Applications will close on Monday – May 26th, 2025.  

Twenty-five participants will be selected for the 4th ECIS DEIJ Leadership Cohort 2025-2026.

To maintain a strong, intentional learning community, participation is limited to a maximum of 25 cohort members.

Applicants will be notified during the month of June on the status of their applications.