Program Overview
Since the 2021-22 school year, the Advanced Education Policy Leadership Program (AEPLP) has facilitated collaboration among state education policy program alums to further enhance Senior Fellows’ knowledge and skills. The AEPLP experience helps Senior Fellows move beyond initial learning about policy at the tactical and operational levels in their state programs to develop competencies needed to navigate the policy and political landscapes as strategic education leaders.
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Program Experience & Structure
An eight-month learning experience combining national policy engagement, virtual discussions, and collaboration across participating states.
Washington, D.C. Symposium
Two-day, in-person experience
Kick off the program with national policy discussions, strategic leadership learning, and connections with senior fellows.
Virtual Plenary Sessions
Eight Thursday morning sessions
Engage in facilitated discussions on timely education policy issues with leaders across Consortium states.
State Collaboration
Additional Learning Opportunities
Participate in state-specific meetings and potential policy projects, as determined by state coordinators.
“Advanced EPLP helped me move from understanding education policy to thinking more strategically about how to influence it. The conversations, connections, and perspectives I gained continue to shape how I lead.” - Advanced EPLP Fellow 2023-24
2026-27 Program Schedule
The 2026–27 Advanced EPLP experience includes a two-day symposium in Washington, D.C., followed by eight virtual plenary sessions exploring timely education policy issues and strategic leadership challenges.
Melrose Georgetown Hotel, Washington, D.C. · In-person
Thursday, September 17
1:00–8:30 p.m. ET
Friday, September 18
7:15 a.m.–3:30 p.m. ET
Zoom · Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ET
October 15, 2026
What Is the Purpose of Public Education? — New York
November 12, 2026
Policy Advocacy Post-Midterms — Kansas-Missouri
December 10, 2026
What Is the Appropriate Role of the Federal Government in Education? — Pennsylvania
Zoom · Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ET
January 14, 2027
Strategic Leadership in a Changing and Competitive Environment — Pennsylvania
February 11, 2027
Promoting Civil Discourse in the Midst of Chaos — Ohio
Zoom · Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ET
March 11, 2027
Leveraging Turbulent Times for Policy Goals — Michigan
April 8, 2027
Negotiation for Education Leaders — Minnesota
April 29, 2027
Staying on Course with Your North Star — New York
Senior Fellows are expected to attend both days of the D.C. Symposium and all eight virtual sessions, with no more than two session-day absences permitted for successful completion. Virtual participants are expected to have cameras on, and state-specific activities may also be required.
Admissions Process
Applications Open June 2027
While applications are closed for the 2026-27 AEPLP cohort, the 2027-28 recruitment window will open in June 2027.
Advanced EPLP candidates will have completed a state education policy program or institute and will have experience in education policy issues, strategic leadership, and/or senior leadership roles. Invitations to participate will be at the discretion of the AEPLP state coordinators.
Program Fees
$1,975
PROGRAM FEE PER FELLOW
Senior Fellows and/or their employing institutions are responsible for personal expenses related to the DC symposium, including transportation, local travel, and housing. The DC Symposium will provide some, but not all, Senior Fellow meals.
Employers also provide release time for program activities.
AEPLP State Coordinators
- Tyson Elbert (Founder & Executive Director, AdvocacyBuild, LLC) – tyson@advocacybuild.com
- Dr. Bryan Beverly (Director, MSU Office of K-12 Outreach) – beverlyb@msu.edu
- Tyler Thur (Associate Director of Data & Evaluation, MSU Office of K-12 Outreach) – thurtyle@msu.edu
- Dan Loritz (Senior Fellow & President, Center for Policy Design) – dloritz@centerforpolicy.org
- Dr. John Ward (Senior Fellow, Center for Policy Design) - jward@centerforpolicy.org
- Sabrina Williams (Founder, Executive Director, & CEO, Excell Academy for Higher Learning) – swilliams@centerforpolicy.org
- Lisa Davis (Education Policy & Governance Consultant) – lisa.p.davis@gmail.com
- Dr. Robert Monson (Retired Senior Lecturer, Education Leadership Program, Teachers College, Columbia University) – rjm747@mac.com
- Michelle Connavino (PRE4CLE Deputy Director & Chief of Staff, Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio) – michelle.connavino@escneo.org
- Ronald Cowell (Founder & Senior Fellow, The Education Policy and Leadership Center) – cowell@eplc.org
- Amy Morton (Executive Director, The Education Policy and Leadership Center) –
morton@eplc.org
Michigan AEPLP Senior Fellows & Alumni
- Blake Mazurek - Michigan Education Association
- Mallory DePrekel - Communities In Schools of Michigan
- Aaron Eling - Michigan Education Association
- Gina Loveless - Michigan Department of Education
- Dr. Lisa Rivard - Macomb Intermediate School District
- Jenise Williams - Teach for America Detroit
- Amanda Stoel - Michigan Department of Education
