JOIN THE 2026-2027 COHORT
Great schools require great teachers — and great teachers need community, support, and a seat at the table. As we wrap up our inaugural cohort, our hearts are full. We’re taking everything we’ve learned and using it to grow this work in a way that better serves Houston’s teachers.
We’re excited to build on what we’ve learned and launch our Teacher Leadership Cohort 2.0 for SY26–27.
WHAT IS THE TEACHER LEADERSHIP COHORT?
Houston’s future is shaped in its classrooms.
We are investing in the people leading them.
This year, we saw what’s possible when teachers are truly supported.
The Houston Loves Teachers Leadership Cohort is a small, high-impact group of educators investing in themselves, the future of the profession, and the future of Houston. Participants engage in personal and professional development alongside peers from across the region, building the skills and relationships needed not just to sustain themselves in the profession, but to thrive and lead from where they are. At its core is a simple but powerful belief: leadership isn’t a title, it’s a disposition.
This year (SY25–26), we piloted our first cohort with 20 educators from across the Houston region. The impact exceeded everything we imagined and affirmed what we’ve always believed:
Teachers are foundational to Houston’s future. When we create real opportunities for connection, support, and leadership, they rise — and so does everything around them.
WE ARE SCALING THIS OPPORTUNITY TO
36 TEACHER LEADERS
From 20 in our pilot year to 36 in the new year, we’re excited to launch Houston Loves Teachers’ Leadership Cohort with an expanded vision, deeper programming, and exciting new ways to thrive.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Public school teachers and instructional coaches serving in SY 2026–27 who are:
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Committed to growth and impact
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Reflective and open to feedback
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Invested in students and community
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Honest and solutions-oriented
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Candid, curious, and collaborative
Priority consideration will be given to the following school districts:
Houston, Aldine, Alief, Channelview, Cy-Fair, Klein, Sheldon, Pasadena, Galena Park, Spring, and Spring Branch ISDs; Harris County Department of Education; KIPP Texas, YES Prep, IDEA, Harmony, SST, and other regional charters.
WHAT YOU WILL GAIN
A year-long experience designed to empower you to lead beyond your classroom. The program is designed to provide:
✓ A stronger teacher and leader identity — clarity on your values, influence, and sphere of impact.
✓ High-leverage coaching & action learning — practical skills you can use tomorrow.
✓ A cross-school professional network — colleagues across districts, campuses, and subjects.
✓ Space to reflect, grow, and dream bigger — with a community that has your back.
The Teacher Leadership Cohort is a Houston Loves Teachers program, thoughtfully designed and delivered in partnership with Human Architects.
THE COMMITMENT
The cohort engages in one monthly Saturday morning sessions and one Monday evening virtual session per month throughout Summer and Fall 2026. Programming lightens in Spring 2027.
In addition to these core sessions, participants will have optional opportunities to engage in coaching, office hours, and broader Houston Loves Teachers events. Many participants also choose to stay connected informally—building a strong, ongoing community of support.
Upon final selection of the 2025-2026 cohort, we will work to coordinate an exciting and engaging kickoff retreat for participants.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
APPLICATIONS WILL NOW BE REVIEWED ON A ROLLING BASIS.
After May 16, applications will be considered on a rolling, space-available basis. Upon submission, you may be invited to an interview and receive a request for a recommendation.
Decisions will be made on an on-going basis until the cohort is full.
FOR THOSE WHO APPLIED PRIOR TO MAY 16:
May 18–29 — Interviews + Recommendations
Selected applicants will move forward to a virtual interview and receive a request for at least one recommendation.
June 12 — Decisions
All priority applicants will receive a decision by June 12. We’ll continue reviewing additional applications until the cohort is filled with the right mix of educators.
Next Steps
Accepted participants will move into 1:1 onboarding and receive details for our Cohort 2.0 kickoff retreat.
OUR INVESTMENT IN YOU
This is a fully funded opportunity, representing an investment of $5,000+ per selected educator. It is designed as a meaningful, sustained investment in your personal and professional growth—providing leadership development, coaching, and community to strengthen your ability to grow, lead, and thrive in the profession.
Opportunities like this are made possible through the generosity of our partners, including Houston Loves Teachers’ lead sponsor: Chevron.