MSEA Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA) Application

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for your interest in the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA) Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA).

ELA is a year-long, cohort-based program designed to empower early career and emerging educator leaders, especially diverse educators, with leadership opportunities within the Association at local, state, and national levels.

Cohort members will embark on a learning journey to deepen their leadership skills, grow as transformational leaders, and drive movements for equitable, inclusive schools and communities. They’ll also help strengthen the Association to win the schools our students and education employees deserve.

All members who haven’t attended the Emerging Leaders Academy and don’t currently hold an elected office (delegates excluded) in a local association, MSEA, or NEA are eligible to apply.

Application Deadline: June 12, 2026

COMMITMENTS:

Applicants selected for the cohort must commit to attending all ELA cohort training sessions (virtually and in person). The dates for the sessions are as follows:

Part 1 (Maritime Conference Center): Summer Leadership Conference, July 28-30, 2026

Part 2* (Virtual): November 14, 2026

Part 3* (MSEA Headquarters in Annapolis): March 6, 2027

*Please be aware that Parts 2 and 3 are tentative; however, you are still required to review and affirm the proposed dates.*

Cohort members will be required to participate in every component of the program. Your signed commitment is required because, if selected, you will fill one of a limited number of spots in the cohort that another interested applicant would otherwise have an opportunity to fill.

Please note: This training is open to members who identify as emerging leaders. Further, when possible, at least 35% of those selected will be new activists to the work of the union.

A cohort member’s absence from any training session is subject to the participant being invoiced for any resulting expenses incurred by MSEA and potentially being removed from the cohort training program.

Housing & Meal Plans:

– All overnight plans include housing & meals, starting with dinner on the 28th through lunch on the 30th.
– Check-in begins 3 p.m. Please note that the hotel does not permit early check-in.
– Checkout is 11 a.m. on July 30.
– For non-overnight plans, please see the commuter rates.

**Due to bundled housing and food prices, payment for individual nights is not permitted**

FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE
Option 1: Double Occupancy Room (2 Queen Beds) ($361)
Option 2: Single Occupancy ($501)
MSEA pays the double rate only. If a member selects a single room and is attending on a MSEA Scholarship, it will be up to the member or local to pay the difference ($140).
Option 3: Commuter ($201) Lunch + Dinner Only

*Option 1 & 2: The Maritime Insititute

All housing options are given on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to limited quantities, we cannot guarantee your selected option, but we will do our best to accommodate.

All roommates listed must be registered to be considered.

Solidarity in Action

As we gather for this year’s Summer Leadership Conference, we recognize that our collective power lies in our unity. Solidarity in Action is a powerful way to show that when one of us is impacted, all of us are impacted. Whether we are standing with workers, advocating for fully funded schools, or fighting for racial, social, and economic justice in our communities, our voices are stronger together. This summer, we are taking action to uplift and support each other — because solidarity isn’t just a value, it’s a practice that fuels our movement forward.

This organizing experience will come with training before this action on best practices, what to expect, and other relevant items.

To make this event truly special, we are asking every member to actively participate. Your unique perspective is valuable, and together, we’ll create a more engaging and enriching experience for all! MSEA also understands that this experience may require physical mobility. If you have concerns, please email us at [email protected] and we’ll follow up. There are plenty of ways to be involved!

If driving is required, please indicate below whether you are willing to drive yourself and others.

***You must participate in the Solidarity in Action to receive your certificate at the end of this conference!***