Transformational Leaders’ Network

Increasing student achievement through supporting leadership growth

TLN registration is now open for the 2025-2026 school year!

The Maine Department of Education (Maine DOE) invites school principals to register for a year-long professional learning experience. The Transformational Leaders’ Network (TLN) offers principals an opportunity to deepen their leadership skills and network with fellow principals across Maine. This dynamic learner-centered program has a rich history of success and is open to ALL Maine principals.

We dream together about what education can be and walk out the door refreshed and ready to take on the next day.”

- TLN Principal, 2023-24

TLN Highlights

• Continuous job embedded professional development for a shifting role
• Collaborative learning community with practice/support for conflict management
• Emotional intelligence learning & reflection, shifting leadership mindsets
• Enhance School Climate & Culture with strategies to build trust, communicate openly, & support & engage staff more effectively
• Implement Systems & Structural Change using concrete tools & supports to implement sustainable procedural changes
• School Leadership Teams: distributive leadership – help others feel valued & empowered; build capacity & nurture future leaders
• Intentional equity-focused analysis & techniques

"It really changed how I support teachers, how I build a more positive school culture."
- TLN Principal, 2024-25

“I see it (TLN) as kind of a ‘boots on the ground’ experience that you don’t get until you’re in it… it’s about recognizing the leader as a whole person, understanding that emotional well-being is a key component of strong leadership.”  – TLN Principal, 2024-25

2025-2026 Schedule: 

Full days in person 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on:

• September 19, 2025
• October 24, 2025
• December 5, 2025
• January 30, 2026
• March 27, 2026
• May 8, 2026

Remote and/or regional meetings - Weeks of:

• November 17, 2025
• February 23, 2026
• April 13, 2026
• June 15, 2026

Participants' Feedback

“I took of lot of information back and that’s how I ran my meetings…really helped structure and have purpose and a “why” to why we’re meeting about certain things.”
- Principal, TLN 2024-25

 “TLN discussions helped me refine my approach and work with staff to build team alignment.”
- Principal, TLN 2024-25

"It was helpful to share current issues I’m facing, and we also had time to reflect and plan. The opportunity to connect was incredibly valuable. The most impactful aspect was having dedicated time to focus solely on improving my leadership skills without school interruptions. As leaders, we rarely get such opportunities."
- Principal, TLN 2023-24

“I’m entering my 19th year as a principal.  The challenges of leadership hit a climax last year.  I’m hoping that participating in the TLN will help me see the joy again…I’m excited to collaborate with other leaders…”      
- Principal, TLN 2023-24

“My school is no longer on the Tier 3 list. Over the past 4 years, my work with the TLN has been instrumental in developing clear improvement plans for the school.  TLN provided me with time to plan, a network of colleagues to exchange ideas with, and valuable resources to draw from.”     
- Principal, TLN 2023-24

“My experience in the TLN has encouraged me to lean a little bit harder into that vulnerable side of leadership.  We are a very small, rural district…Time in the TLN gave me perspective on where to focus my energy, how to communicate effectively to build transparent and trusting relationships, and to always approach this role with the mindset of meeting people where they are.”      
- Principal, TLN 2023-24

“Today’s activities were incredibly effective for me:  Conversations brought shape to my nebulous, partially developed thoughts. Role-play pushed me to the very edge of my comfort zone and helped me develop my ability to navigate hard (and important) conversations. I continue to be grateful for the safe culture and sense of camaraderie and community that allows me to be vulnerable and take risks.”

“Today was phenomenal, as always! I have become more aware (and have lots of work to do) around systems thinking. The coaching stems were so amazing, and I will put those to use immediately…I have 3 things to try/implement—a conversation, a protocol, and some classroom visits—SUPER HELPFUL”

“TLN activities and conversations give me permission to stretch my thinking and to be more creative in problem-solving.”

“Sometimes it’s good to just realize we are not alone.  When I talk through challenges and problem solve it helps me to be a better leader.”

“What I appreciate the most about TLN is that it’s a ‘time-out’ from the pressures of leading a school. It’s a chance to catch my breath and reflect on my approach to the work.”

“The support TLN provided shaped my leadership for the better. In addition, I have made professional relationships with these individuals. I have a sounding board that is an email or phone call away. Creating a professional network is vital to any leadership position, and I am grateful that the TLN helped to facilitate ours.”