Due to the ever-changing demographics in schools, leaders must be able to shape a vision for academic success, create a high-performance learning culture, foster leadership in others, enhance instruction, and effectively manage people, data, and processes in an era of accountability. Leadership is a key driver of organizational success, and research consistently shows the significant impact that strong leaders have on student achievement. The principal’s effectiveness as an instructional leader is often cited as the most influential factor in improving student outcomes. To be effective, leaders need knowledge, skills, and talents that cannot be fully developed through college courses alone; they require hands-on learning opportunities under the guidance of exceptional professional leaders.
Incorporating LeaderSims into your school leader development program provides both current and aspiring leaders with a safe space to practice handling complex scenarios. These simulations can be used in group settings, asynchronously, or a combination of both. Simulations have been shown to enhance judgment and decision-making, ensuring that when aspiring leaders step into leadership roles, they are prepared for the challenges ahead.
Below, you can read more about how current and aspiring school leaders across the country are relying on simulations for their professional development and higher education curriculum.
Both current and aspiring leaders require practical leadership experience to truly understand the complexities of their roles. SchoolSims offers immersive, real-world scenarios that help leaders develop critical skills and gain insights into the challenges they will face. These simulations are designed to mimic authentic situations, allowing participants to engage in decision-making, problem-solving, and reflective practices that enhance their leadership capabilities. By interacting with these realistic scenarios, leaders can better grasp the nuances of managing teams, fostering a positive culture, and navigating difficult situations.
SchoolSims can be utilized both synchronously, for real-time group learning, or asynchronously, providing flexibility for individual learning and development. This versatility ensures that leaders can engage with the program in a way that best fits their schedules and learning preferences, all while building confidence and competence in their leadership abilities.
Each simulation is created in collaboration with K-12 schools, colleges/universities, or educational support organizations. We ensure that the topics in the SchoolSims Simulation Library are relevant to the challenges faced by the schools of your enrolled students. Every year, we add 5-7 new simulations and update existing ones to keep them current. By integrating simulations into your existing curriculum—whether facilitated in groups or used asynchronously—participants gain hands-on experience and start developing the critical skills needed to make the best decisions in real-life situations.
SchoolSims are designed to align with PSEL (Professional Standards for Educational Leaders) standards. By immersing participants in real-life school-based scenarios, these simulations offer a valuable opportunity to practice evaluating situations and applying the appropriate standards in a risk-free environment.
SchoolSims will help you select the appropriate titles for each course or topic. You can then utilize the simulations synchronously, asynchronously, or in a blended fashion.
See our best practices here.
SchoolSims will provide training on our simulation library, how and when to use the simulations, and a one-hour session on how to facilitate simulations with Dr. David De Jong, Dean of the College of Education at Dakota State University.
SchoolSims pricing is based on the number of participants in the cohort that will utilize the simulations. Request pricing here.
In this snippet from our Disruptive Teacher simulation, you’ll respond to Kim Compana, a special education teacher, as she shares concerns about Diana Walsh’s behavior and its impact on students. With limited progress showing in state test results, how will you approach this situation before a crucial sixth-grade team meeting?
The SchoolSims Portal is your gateway to our extensive Library of Simulations, webinars, and valuable resources designed to enhance learning experiences. With our user-friendly platform, you can easily assign simulations to staff and students, filter by the desired role, and stay informed with the latest updates from SchoolSims. Dive in and explore the tools that empower your educational community!
LeaderSims offers a safe, interactive environment where current and aspiring leaders can practice making critical decisions and develop essential leadership skills. By engaging in realistic scenarios, participants enhance their ability to navigate complex challenges, improve decision-making, and build confidence for real-world leadership roles.
Leader SimulationsWith our LeaderSims subscription, you gain access to over 30 simulations, including scenarios like Difficult Conversations: Race, Cultural Competency, Student Support (Transgender), and many more.
Educator Insights Dashboard
The SchoolSims Educator Insights Dashboard tracks career progression, well-being, and job confidence, offering real-time insights into school leader development and performance. This tool aligns with induction standards, enabling schools to tailor support and continuously enhance their programs.
SchoolSims Portal
Assign simulations, run reports, track career progress, and access exclusive webinars and blogs through the SchoolSims Portal.
Follow-Up Support
To ensure lasting impact, participants will have access to ongoing support, including access to client experience and opportunities to replay simulations to reinforce learning.
In 2021, Volusia County School District faced a significant challenge: preparing aspiring and new school leaders for the complexities of educational administration. With a diverse pool of aspiring leaders, including teachers, deans, assistant principals, and principals, the district required a comprehensive and dynamic solution to strengthen and elevate its leadership development programs. Brandy Hogue, the Coordinator of Leadership Development and a former principal, found herself spending considerable time creating discussion topics and Googling leadership simulations and inbox activities.