Simulations for School Leaders
Provide Experiential Learning Opportunities for School Leaders Using LeaderSims

As K-12 demographics evolve, school leaders must shape a vision for success, foster leadership, enhance instruction, and manage people, data, and processes effectively. Research highlights the critical role of strong leadership in student achievement, with principals’ instructional leadership being a key driver of improved outcomes. However, effective leadership cannot be developed through coursework alone—it requires hands-on experiences that bridge theory and practice.

LeaderSims provide a safe, structured environment for school leaders to navigate complex scenarios and develop critical thinking skills. These decision-driven simulations can be used individually, in groups, or in hybrid settings to build confidence and problem-solving abilities.

Beyond individual development, LeaderSims enhance team communication, collaboration, and alignment within schools and districts. Running simulations with leadership teams allows school leaders to observe decision-making dynamics, foster discussions, and apply learning to real-world challenges. Simulations also serve as a foundation for strategic planning, ensuring professional development leads to meaningful improvements in leadership and school operations.

By integrating LeaderSims, schools and districts can cultivate a stronger, more prepared leadership team ready to meet the demands of K-12 education.

 

 

 

Who Benefits from Simulations?
Aspiring School Leaders

Gain practical experience in decision-making, conflict resolution, and leadership strategies before stepping into administrative roles.

New and Emerging School Leaders

Build confidence in navigating complex challenges such as school culture, staff management, and crisis response in a risk-free environment.

Experienced School Leaders

Enhance strategic thinking, refine leadership skills, and stay prepared for evolving educational challenges through continuous professional development.

Why Simulations for School Leaders?

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.

Why Simulations for Current and Aspiring Leaders?

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.

How is the SchoolSims Library Developed?

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.

How Does the SchoolSims Library Align with NELP and PSEL Professional Standards?

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.

PSEL Standards AlignmentNELP Standards Alignment

How Do I Use SchoolSims?

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.

How Do I Get Trained?

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.

How Much Does It Cost?

SchoolSims pricing is based on the number of participants in the cohort that will utilize the simulations. Request pricing here.

Play our Leader Simulation

Learn More About Our NEW Educator Insights Dashboard

Gain actionable insights into educator performance, career development, well-being, and job confidence with the SchoolSims Educator Insights Dashboard. This powerful tool provides data-driven analysis of career progression, helping school leaders and educators track progress, identify strengths, and pinpoint areas for growth. By leveraging real-time feedback and performance trends, administrators can make informed decisions to enhance professional development, improve instructional strategies, and support long-term educator success.

The SchoolSims Portal and Library of Simulations

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!

See What Our Users Are Saying
From Aspiring to Achieving Leaders with SchoolSims in Volusia County School District

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.