Wayne-Finger Lakes Leadership Institute approaches 20 years

Warner School Professor is one of the Founders of the Regional Institute

For nearly 20 years, the Wayne-Finger Lakes (WFL) Leadership Institute has provided professional learning, support, and experience necessary for educators to cultivate and expand their K-12 school leadership skills. Stephen Uebbing, professor and director of leadership development for the Center for Professional Development and Education Reform at the Warner School of Education, is one of the original founders of the Leadership Institute roughly two decades ago.   

The incoming cohort of fellows convened for a kick-off event in January that featured an inspiring guest presentation from Uebbing. Every year, Uebbing continues to bring extensive school and district experience, knowledge, and work in supporting local school districts to the events and trainings of the Leadership Institute.
 
“Steve has indeed left a legacy by starting this Leadership Institute nearly 20 years ago, when he was the superintendent of the Canandaigua City School District,” says Holly Manaseri, associate professor and chair of the educational leadership program at the Warner School. “We are grateful for his continued service, support, and commitment to the growing success of the Leadership Institute over the years.” 
 
The WFL Leadership Institute, a cohort-based learning experience, is a partnership between WFL BOCES, its 25 component school districts, three colleges, and the University of Rochester's Warner School. The purpose of the Leadership Institute is to identify educators in the region who exhibit strong leadership skills to enter the field of school administration and provide mentorship, a prequel course, and a year-long internship. The Leadership Institute also provides an annual scholarship to one of the participants through a selective process based on the individual's proven history of educational excellence.
 
Since its inception, the WFL Leadership Institute has attracted and trained more than 200 leadership fellows, who are innovative and effective certified administrators assuming leadership roles and working in the region for an additional three years. The Leadership Institute employs a powerful model for school leadership that reflects the changing and diverse needs of districts in the region. 
 
Leadership fellows are accepted into the educational administration graduate programs at the Warner School of Education, St. John Fisher College, The College at Brockport, and SUNY Oswego. The Warner School’s K-12 school leadership programs prepare leaders who take the initiative and develop the skills to inspire and lead change in K-12 schools. Learn more about the Warner School’s programs preparing K-12 leaders.