UF
College of Education

Florida K–12 Leadership Collaborative

Building Pathways for Collaboration and Growth

Florida’s educational landscape is diverse, dynamic, and rapidly evolving. The Florida K–12 Leadership Collaborative brings together leaders from public, charter, and private education sectors to foster meaningful dialogue, strengthen professional relationships, and generate actionable solutions that advance student success statewide.

Convened by the University of Florida, this initiative is designed to build bridges across sectors and create space for thoughtful, forward-looking leadership.

Leadership in a Changing Landscape

Public, charter, and private educational institutions often operate in parallel — and at times in competition — despite serving the shared goal of delivering high-quality education for Florida’s students.

As policies and practices shift, cross-sector understanding becomes increasingly important. Educational leaders must navigate complex challenges that require collaboration rather than isolation. This initiative provides a structured, professional environment to:

  • Encourage healthy dialogue across educational settings

  • Build trust and shared understanding among decision-makers

  • Develop practical insights to inform policy and practice

By bringing leaders together, the Collaborative aims to strengthen Florida’s educational ecosystem as a whole.

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Contact

Dr. Tuuli Robinson
Educational Leadership & Policy
College of Education, University of Florida
tuulirobinson@ufl.edu
352-273-4189

About the Collaborative

The Florida K–12 Leadership Collaborative is a yearlong professional initiative focused on addressing complex challenges facing Florida’s education system.

Participants will engage in structured dialogue, collaborative problem-solving, and policy-informed discussions designed to generate actionable recommendations and strengthen cross-sector relationships.

This work aligns with the University of Florida’s commitment to preparing visionary leaders equipped to navigate and shape the future of education in Florida.

How it Works

The initiative unfolds in two phases.

Phase I: Initial Taskforce (Spring–Summer 2026)

The Initial Taskforce will convene a select group of educational leaders to provide foundational insight and help shape the design of the yearlong Collaborative.

Format

  • In-person convening: March 4–5, 2026

    • Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

  • Virtual sessions: Spring/Summer 2026

Participant Composition

  • Public K–12 leaders (2)

  • Charter school leaders (2)

  • Private school leaders (2)

  • Legislator (1)

  • Florida Department of Education representative (1)

  • University of Florida representatives

Additional Information

  • Participants selected through a competitive process based on demonstrated expertise and leadership.

  • Opportunity to contribute as part of a project development team.

  • Travel and lodging covered when booking arrangements are made through UF.

The Taskforce will help define priorities, structure, and thematic focus for the yearlong convening.

Phase II: Yearlong Convening (2026–2027)

Following the Taskforce phase, the full Collaborative will launch as a yearlong professional convening.

Format

Participant Composition

  • 20 K–12 leaders representing public, charter, and private sectors

Participant Benefits

  • Competitive selection process based on leadership and expertise

  • Opportunity to earn participation credit toward Level 1 recertification (pending district approval)

  • Stipend available upon successful completion of all sessions

The yearlong model is designed to move beyond one-time dialogue toward sustained collaboration and practical impact.

Participation & Selection

Participants will be selected through a competitive process that prioritizes:

  • Demonstrated leadership experience

  • Commitment to cross-sector collaboration

  • Interest in addressing complex, statewide educational challenges

The Collaborative seeks leaders prepared to engage thoughtfully, contribute meaningfully, and help shape solutions that extend beyond individual institutions.

Application and registration details will be shared as the initiative develops.

Timeline Overview

Spring/Summer 2026

  • Virtual Taskforce Sessions
  • March 4–5, 2026
  • In-Person Taskforce Convening (UF, Gainesville)

September 2026

  • Yearlong Collaborative – Opening Convening

Mid-Year

  • Virtual Check-In

April 2027

  • Yearlong Collaborative – Closing Convening