THE INSTITUTE FOR MIDDLE LEVEL LEADERSHIP
New Orleans, LA • June 28 – July 1, 2026
Join Us for This Year’s Exclusive Leadership Institute
For more than 25 years, the Institute for Middle Level Leadership has served as the marquee event for aspiring and current middle grades leaders and teams. Join us individually or as a team for an unparalleled learning retreat that will leave you ready and energized to transform your school. Tailored for principals, administrators, and all leaders in middle level education, this institute isn’t just about learning; it’s about transforming your school culture.
In 2026, we’re bringing all our energy, expertise, and inspiration together for one extraordinary Leadership Institute — in New Orleans!
Only 300 spots are available, and they’re expected to go fast! Don’t miss your chance to join this powerful, hands-on professional learning experience.
What makes the Institute special?
For more than 50 years, AMLE has studied the evidence-based practices that work best for leading middle grades schools and educating young adolescents. At the Institute, we weave those essential structures throughout the Institute. You can expect:
Personalized Learning:
Dive into workshops designed with your needs in mind. Engage with expert faculty who tailor content based on your feedback, ensuring relevance to your daily challenges.
Embedded Middle Grades Essentials:
Delve deep into the characteristics of successful middle schools and the young adolescent development, guided by the landmark text on the middle grades best practice, The Successful Middle School: This We Believe.
Community Building:
Connect with like-minded leaders. Our unique Homebase teams provide a supportive environment for shared learning and collaboration, fostering connections that last beyond the event.
Immediate Impact:
Gain actionable strategies from leading experts, including opportunities for one-on-one consultations to discuss your individual challenges and opportunities. From implementing master schedules that serve all students, addressing social-emotional needs, to creating impactful advisory programs, leave with a toolkit to enhance your school’s environment.
Designed as a summer retreat experience, we take advantage of each host city to embed some fun and local culture along the way.
Mentor Faculty Approach
AMLE’s Leadership Institute faculty are experts in middle grades education, handpicked for their innovative approaches and dedication to the field. Comprising award-winning district leaders and educators from AMLE Schools of Distinction, these faculty members bring a wealth of practical experience and thought leadership to the Institute. Their backgrounds span diverse educational environments, ensuring a broad perspective on the unique needs and developmental stages of young adolescents. These professionals are not only committed to advancing middle level education but also actively engage in continuous improvement and advocacy for young adolescents, making them invaluable resources for aspiring and current middle school leaders. Topics typically include:
- Exploring Evidence-Based Characteristics of a Successful Middle School: A deep dive into research-backed traits that drive excellence in middle-level education.
- Positioning Middle School Administrators as Instructional Leaders: Strategies to lead teaching and learning with confidence and impact.
- Building a Collaborative Team: Techniques to unite staff and align efforts for school-wide success.
- Enhancing Student Engagement and Classroom Management Strategies: Proven methods to captivate students and maintain a productive learning environment.
- Guiding Emerging Leaders: From Classroom to Principalship and Beyond: Essential insights for educators new to school leadership roles.
- Leveraging Data-Driven Decision Making: Tools and approaches to use data for informed, impactful choices.
- Designing an Effective and Personalized Middle School Master Schedule: Practical steps to create a schedule tailored to your school’s unique needs.
- Empowering Student-Centered Leadership: Inspiring a culture that prioritizes student growth and well-being.
- Implementing a Middle School Master Schedule That Works for All Stakeholders: Balancing the needs of students, staff, and families for optimal outcomes.
- Fostering Strong Partnerships Between School and Home: Building trust and collaboration with families to support student success.
- Crafting a Responsive, Effective Advisory Program: Developing a program that meets students’ social-emotional and academic needs.
- Strengthening Community Partnerships to Support Your School: Connecting with local resources to enhance opportunities and support systems.
- Cultivating a Culture of Belonging to Support Classroom Management and Academic Outcomes: Creating an inclusive environment that boosts engagement and achievement.
- Designing Effective Discipline Interventions for Every Challenge: Tailored strategies to address behavior and maintain a positive school climate.
You’ll have the opportunity to learn from leaders like:
Katie Powell
AMLE Director of Middle Grades Programs and Author of Boredom Busters and Frustration Busters
Laurie Barron
Superintendent and Author of The Successful Middle School: A Place to Belong and Become and We Belong
Todd Brist
Schools of Distinction Principal
Paul Destino
Director of Human Resources-Classified Staff and Director of Business Operations
Cedrick Gray
Principal and Author of The Successful Middle School Leader
Jessica McGuire
Principal and Host of Middle School Walk & Talk Podcast
Paul Romanelli
Superintendent of Schools
Dave Shaffer
Schools of Distinction Principal
Sample Institute Schedule
| Sunday | |
|---|---|
| Registration | 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM |
| Welcome Networking Reception | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM |
| Monday | |
| Breakfast | 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM |
| Homebase Meeting 1: Exploring the Characteristics of Young Adolescent Development | 8:10 AM - 10:15 AM |
| Deep Dive Workshops | 10:25 AM - 12:55 PM |
| Breakout Sessions | 10:25 AM - 11:35 AM |
| Breakout Sessions | 11:45 AM - 12:55 PM |
| Lunch | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM |
| Homebase Meeting 2: Defining the Culture and Community of a Successful Middle School | 2:10 PM - 3:00 PM |
| Breakout Sessions | 3:10 PM - 4:20 PM |
| Tuesday | |
| Breakfast | 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM |
| Deep Dive Workshops | 8:10 AM - 10:40 AM |
| Breakout Sessions | 8:10 AM - 9:20 AM |
| Breakout Sessions | 9:30 AM - 10:40 AM |
| Homebase Meeting 3: Diving into Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment | 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Lunch | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM |
| Breakout Sessions | 1:10 PM - 2:20 PM |
| Team Work Time/Faculty Check In/Networking | 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | |
| Breakfast | 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM |
| Speed Learning | 8:10 AM - 9:10 AM |
| Breakout Sessions | 9:20 AM - 10:30 AM |
| Homebase Meeting 4: Leading a Successful Middle School and Next Steps! | 10:40 AM - 11:25 AM |
| General Session | 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM |
Institute Registration
Member
On or Before May 1 – $1,199.99
After May 1 – $1,299.99
Non-Member
On or Before May 1 – $1,399.99
After May 1 – $1,499.99
Download PDF Registration Form
Registration includes meals referenced in the Institute schedule and a copy of The Successful Middle School: This We Believe. Attendance is capped at 300 attendees per location and is likely to sell out, so be sure to save your spot early.
Substitution and Cancellation Policies
- Substitutions must be made by mail, fax, or email at least seven days prior to the event.
- Cancellation must be made by mail, fax, or email at least seven days prior to the event and will be refunded in full, less a $200 non-refundable processing fee. No refunds will be granted for cancellations received after the deadline.
- Memberships purchased at the time of registration will be cancelled only if specifically requested. Refunds may be pro-rated based on the portion of member benefits you have received.
- Refunds will be issued in the same form as the payment that was received.
- Refunds will be processed no later than four weeks after the conference.
