Since 1996, The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod has conducted School Leadership Recruitment and Training processes through the School Leadership Development Project (SLED).  Its purpose is “To identify and recruit thirty leadership participants serving in Lutheran schools and train them through two national SLED events conducted by LCMS School Ministry.” As a result, over 450 potential administrative candidates have been prepared for leadership in Lutheran schools.

District Education Executives identify and nominate outstanding educators currently serving in Lutheran schools for participation in SLED. Candidates are then selected by the SLED Project Management Team and trained over the course of a year at two national SLED events with an online component throughout the year.  At these events, candidates receive leadership training designed specifically for school leaders serving in Lutheran schools, are mentored by well-respected, experienced administrators, and complete a major project that will benefit the schools where they currently serve.  At the conclusion of the year, participants receive the School Leadership Endorsement from the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, enhancing their eligibility for placement as Lutheran school administrators. Additionally, participants can select the option to complete SLED for three hours of graduate credit from Concordia University.

You can’t, but here is how the nomination process works! LCMS District Education Executives identify and nominate outstanding educators currently serving in Lutheran schools for participation in SLED. Candidates are then selected by the SLED Project Management Team.

The cost to each individual SLED participant is $500. Travel, housing and meals are covered for the individual by the SLED program through generous grants from local and national agencies associated with the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.

Any questions related to the School Leadership Development (SLED) Program should be addressed to Dr. Rebecca Schmidt (Rebecca.Schmidt@lcms.org) in the LCMS School Ministry Office. Additionally, your local LCMS District Office will be able to assist you with questions related to the nomination process.