What is the New President's Cohort?
Are you a newly elected local president or within your first three years of leadership? The Indiana State Teachers Association’s New Presidents Program is designed to help you build the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to lead your local more effectively.
Through engaging workshops and collaborative discussions, participants will learn practical strategies for organizing local activities, develop a master calendar, create structures that promote member engagement and build systems for effective delegation. The program also focuses on strengthening local associations through membership growth, member retention and advocacy initiatives that elevate your local’s voice and visibility.
Whether you are navigating leadership for the first time or looking to strengthen your foundation, this program provides valuable tools, resources and peer connections to support your success.
Join us to enhance your leadership skills, strengthen your local association and make a lasting impact on your members and public education.
Time Commitment
During the 2026-27 academic year, the cohort is scheduled to convene for three overnight sessions in Indianapolis, in addition to four virtual meetings conducted via Zoom.
MEETING DATES
In-Person Meeting Dates
- Aug. 28 - 29
- Jan. 22 - 23
- April 30 - May 1
Zoom Dates
- Sept. 10
- Nov. 12
- Dec. 10
- Feb. 11
Attendance at all three in-person gatherings is expected. Please note that overnight accommodation expenses will be covered by ISTA.
Questions?
Reach out to UniServ Director Jenny Whitaker for more information.
Q: How long is the program?
A: The program lasts for one year, beginning in August and ending in May. During this time, we will meet on three weekends. Each of these weekends includes a Friday night group dinner and a fun activity open to everyone in the program. On Saturday, the focus will be on training sessions and opportunities for cohort collaboration.
Q: Am I required to attend the Friday night dinner/activity?
A: Participation is highly encouraged, though not mandatory. These events are valuable opportunities to strengthen your cohort community, build connections, and develop your leadership support network. We understand that schedules and work commitments can make Friday attendance challenging, which is why we’ve planned relaxing and enjoyable activities outside of the core sessions. Please note that Saturday trainings are required.
Q: What are the Saturday training start and end time?
A: We start at 9 a.m. and do our best to end at 2 p.m., ET.
Q. What accommodations are provided?
A: Overnight double occupancy accommodations are covered by the ISTA New Presidents program for all participants. Friday night dinner and activity is also covered by the program.
Q: Is it a one year or a two-year commitment?
A: It is a one-year commitment; however, we have added a second-year portion of the program to work on the skills and concepts graduates of the first year have expressed they would like to work on.
Q: What is the difference between NP1 and NP2?
A: NP1 are presidents within their first year of the program. NP2 are presidents who have elected to complete a second year.
The NP2 curriculum is an extension of the NP1 curriculum, designed to provide participants with a deeper and more comprehensive exploration of the program's core elements. While NP1 focuses on New Presidents in their first year, NP2 is tailored for those who have chosen to continue their development by participating in the program for a second year. This allows experienced participants to build upon their initial learning, dive more deeply into key topics, and further refine their leadership skills.
Q: Who are the trainers of the program?
A: ISTA UniServ Directors, who have a variety of experience with ISTA but were all once presidents of urban, suburban, and rural locals.
Q: What is the expected time commitment?
A: Three in-person Saturday meetings. Beyond that, your level of commitment is determined by you and what you need to enhance your skills as a local leader.
Q: Who is this program intended for?
A: This program is designed for teacher and ESP local presidents who are within their first three years of serving as president. However, we recognize that leadership development is valuable at any stage, and we welcome interest from presidents with more experience as well. If you are interested in participating, we encourage you to reach out so we can discuss whether the program is a good fit for your needs.