THE INSTITUTE FOR MIDDLE LEVEL LEADERSHIP

New Orleans, LA • June 29-July 2 | Scottsdale, AZ • July 13-16

Where Middle School Leaders Meet to Innovate, Inspire, and Impact.

For more than 20 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.

Registration is now open for both 2025 locations. Attendance is capped at 200 attendees per location and fills quickly, so be sure to save your spot early.

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

Our faculty is composed of innovative middle grades thought leaders from diverse school settings around the country. They are active practitioners who share your passion for middle grades education. Working as a team, they survey attendees in advance of each Institute to ensure the content reflects your actual needs. Topics typically include:

  • Understanding and implementing the characteristics of a successful middle school.
  • The middle school master schedule
  • Creating an impactful advisory program
  • Addressing the social and emotional needs of students
  • Promoting staff morale and care
  • Implementing middle grades teams and integrated instruction
  • Fostering seamline transitions into and out of middle school
  • Confronting equity issues
  • Implementing technology into the school/classroom
  • Family and community engagement

You’ll have the opportunity to learn from leaders like:

Laurie Barron

Dr. Laurie Barron

Superintendent
2012 National Middle School Principal of the Year, Author

Todd Brist

Dr. Todd Brist

Middle School Principal
2023 AMLE School of Distinction Recipient, NAESP Fellow, Author

Stephanie Patton

Dr. Stephanie Patton

Area Superintendent
Former Turnaround Specialist with the U.S. Department of Education

Katie Powell

Katie Powell

AMLE Director for Middle Level Programs
Former Middle School Teacher, Author

Sample Institute Schedule

Sunday
Registration3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Welcome Networking Reception4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Monday
Breakfast7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Homebase Meeting8:10 AM - 10:15 AM
Deep Dive Workshops 10:25 AM - 12:55 PM
Breakout Sessions10:25 AM - 11:35 AM
Breakout Sessions11:45 AM - 12:55 PM
Lunch1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Homebase Meeting2:10 PM - 3:00 PM
Breakout Sessions3:10 PM - 4:20 PM
Tuesday
Breakfast7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Deep Dive Workshops 8:10 AM - 10:40 AM
Breakout Sessions8:10 AM - 9:20 AM
Breakout Sessions9:30 AM - 10:40 AM
Homebase Meeting10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Lunch12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Breakout Sessions1:10 PM - 2:20 PM
Team Work Time/Faculty Check In/Networking2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
Breakfast7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Speed Learning8:10 AM - 9:10 AM
Breakout Sessions9:20 AM - 10:30 AM
Homebase Meeting10:40 AM - 11:25 AM
General Session11:30 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

RegistrationDownload 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 200 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 $100 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.

Locations

The same Institute experience is offered in two beautiful locations.

JW New Orleans

JW Marriott New Orleans

June 29-July 2 | New Orleans, LA

From $230/night

JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa

July 13-16 | Scottsdale, Arizona

From $209/night (including resort fee)