LEADER IN ME®

what is leader in me?

Leader in Me was created by educators, for educators.

Leader in Me was originally developed by a principal and her cohort of teachers who wanted to teach their students necessary life skills alongside their academic instruction. These include such skills as leadership, responsibility, accountability, problem-solving, adaptability, effective communication, and more.

Leader in Me is a whole-school transformation model and process developed in partnership with educators that empowers students with the leadership and life skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. It is based on principles and practices of personal, interpersonal, and organizational effectiveness, and upon the powerful premise that every child possesses unique strengths and has the ability to be a leader.

Leader in Me helps students learn how to become self-reliant, take initiative, plan ahead, set and track goals, do their homework, prioritize their time, manage their emotions, be considerate of others, express their viewpoint persuasively, resolve conflicts, find creative solutions, value differences, and live a balanced life. The process helps students develop the skills and self-confidence they need to lead their lives and succeed in school and beyond.

Leader in Me started with one school in North Carolina and has since grown to thousands of schools in over eighty countries throughout the world. 

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5 Key Paradigms to the Leader In Me® Program

  • Everyone can be a leader

  • Everyone has genius

  • Change starts with me

  • Educators empower students to lead their own learning

  • Develop the whole person

Student Development

Students find their voice in the classroom and through leadership roles by learning and applying life-ready leadership skills.

Children at Leader in Me Schools thrive in a nurturing environment when they feel safe, confident, and supported by teachers and other staff members. By recognizing each child as a leader with unique gifts and talents to share, all aspects of their education begin to flourish. This social and emotional learning process equips students with essential 21-century skills to build meaningful relationships and take ownership of their education.

Staff Development

Administrators and staff participate in training workshops for personal improvement and professional learning opportunities.

Teachers can often lose sight of why they became an educator when working diligently to meet district, state, and federal standards of academic performance. Leader in Me helps educators rediscover their true passion for teaching by encouraging a whole-child focus. Leader in Me reminds educators of their purpose and direction as they reconnect with their vocation.