Leadership Learning Organization Serving Pre-K Through Higher Education
About VFEL
The Virginia Foundation for Educational Leadership (VFEL) was founded in 1995 to link all education levels – preschool, elementary, middle, high school, and higher education – through a seamless system of leadership learning. The nonprofit organization addresses current research and best practices in leadership, examines and assimilates strategies that further school improvement, and seeks to improve articulation among school leaders from preschool through higher education. The Foundation collaborates with partners at state and national levels to support its educational, scientific, and charitable endeavors. Consistent and active engagement by Foundation officers, Board of Trustees, and VFEL faculty members ensures high quality professional development activities and advocacy efforts based on current theory and practice.
Our Services
The services of the Virginia Foundation for Educational Leadership (VFEL) support and reinforce a comprehensive seamless system of leadership learning for school leaders involved at the pre-Kindergarten to post-graduate levels. Professional development activities are provided that strengthen knowledge and abilities with school improvement efforts and empower school leaders to move their schools successfully through the change process. The age of accountability demands that principals and school leaders be more than managers; instead, they must be leaders of instruction, of change, and of continuous improvement. With that in mind, VFEL serves as an advocate as part of its commitment to build strong, effective principals and school leaders who drive education improvement using innovative and productive practices.
Publications
The Virginia Model for School Improvement: Profiles and Common Themes
Written by Dr. Roger E. Jones and Dr. Gregory A. Wheeler
National Institute for School Leadership (NISL) Executive Development Program and Virginia's Principal of Distinction (Level II) Administration and Supervision Endorsement
Presented toVirginia Board of Education by Virginia Foundation for Educational Leadership (VFEL)
Virginia Principal Mentoring Pilot: Summary Report
Compiled by VFEL, in collaboration with VASSP, VAESP, VDOE
Testimonials
“What I loved immediately about the program (Virginia Principals Mentoring Pilot) was that it’s really focused on growing you specifically as a leader and using your strengths. A lot of time as administrators, you get professional development that’s more about the breadth of your job, like special education or discipline, for example. This program really focuses on growing you as a leader, including both hard and soft skills. There are times when we go to a PD session, and we have the sense when we walk away that it’s time wasted. For me, this has been incredibly intentional and strategic. And I feel like every second, whether it’s the 10-minute check-in, the in-person meetings, or the things that we’ve done in person with the whole group, has been incredibly beneficial.”
Jennelle Burden
Principal, Churchland High School
Portsmouth, Virginia
"Quoted in “Meaningful Mentoring”, Principal Leadership (January 2025), NASSP
What I value most about NISL training is that it directly relates to student achievement, best practices and research. I come away from each session both energized and exhausted as the trainers push you to think more reflectively and intentionally about the work you engage in every day as an instructional leader. NISL training is providing me with the tools, strategies, and support to be a highly effective leader."
Amy McCurdy (Cohort II)
Principal, Prince Edward Elementary School
Prince Edward Division
"The collaboration between VFEL and NISL both inspires – and compels – practitioners to help lead the urgent reforms needed in how we educate young people in the Commonwealth and across our nation. As we seek to remain competitive on a global stage and in the world marketplace of the 21st century, our dedication to fostering deep, critical thinking and meaningful collaboration among our students remains imperative. My work with the Foundation has challenged me to aim higher, reflect more thoroughly, and think more creatively than ever before."
Brian Matney, Ph.D. (Cohort I)
Principal, Landstown High School and
Governor's STEM Academy
Virginia Beach Division
The Virginia Foundation for Educational Leadership, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, accepts donations to further its efforts in providing high quality, relevant, and research-based educational learning opportunities for school leaders.
Click here to learn more about how to make a donation to VFEL