Teachers’ Leadership Institute

To be eligible for participation in AKFC’s Teachers’ Leadership Institute, applicants must meet the following criteria: 

• Be a certified educator currently teaching in a 6–12 setting in Canada. Open to teachers across all subject areas. 

• Be based in Canada and available to attend the full in-person program at York University in Toronto, from July 27 to 31, 2026 (arrivals: July 26, full-day programming: July 27 to 31, departures: August 1). 

• Demonstrate a strong interest in integrating global citizenship, sustainability, and global development themes into classroom practice. 

• Exhibit a willingness to share learnings with peers and take on a leadership role in promoting global education within their school or district. 

• Be open to reflective practice and collaborative learning with educators from diverse contexts. 

• Be proficient in English, as the Institute will be conducted primarily in English. 

• Must commit to ongoing engagement with AKFC’s Educator programming across the 2026-2027 school year, including trialing co-created lesson plans and providing feedback on lesson plan efficacy.

About

Our Youth Leadership Academy is a fully funded in person convening that aims to equip young leaders with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to actively engage with global issues, promote sustainable development, and foster global citizenship. The academy will provide a collaborative learning environment where participants explore global challenges, leadership skills, and strategies for effective engagement.

The cost of travel from anywhere in Canada, accommodation, and meals of the in-person convening in Toronto is fully covered by the program.

Eligibility Criteria – Youth Leadership Academy 

To be considered for AKFC’s Youth Leadership Academy, nominees must meet the following criteria: 

• Be between 16 and 18 years old at the time of the program (as of July 27-31, 2026). 

• Be a resident of Canada and able to travel to Toronto for the full duration of the Academy from July 27 to 31, 2026 (arrivals: July 26, full-day programming: July 27 to 31, departures: August 1). 

• Demonstrate a strong interest in global citizenship, sustainable development, and addressing global issues at the community or international level. 

• Have prior leadership experience (formal or informal) OR show strong potential and motivation to grow as a leader in their community or field. 

• Be willing to actively participate in all five days of programming and contribute to group learning and collaboration. 

• Be comfortable communicating in English, as all programming will be conducted primarily in English. 

• Be returning to high school in September 2026. 

• Be willing to implement an action project during the 2026-2027 school year.  

Application Submission 

• Teachers applying to the Teachers’ Leadership Institute (TLI) have the option to nominate a student for the Youth Leadership Academy (YLA). The student nomination form is included in the TLI application, and the student is also required to complete and submit their own application form.

Do I need prior experience with global citizenship education?  

• Prior experience is not required, but an interest in global issues and a willingness to learn and lead within your school community are essential.  

Do I have to be a social studies teacher to apply?  

• We welcome teachers who teach all subject areas to apply!  

Is there a cost to attend?  

• No, the program is fully funded. AKFC covers the cost of travel, accommodation, and meals for participants attending the in-person convening in Toronto.  

Can I attend only part of the program?  

• Full participation in all sessions is mandatory to ensure cohort cohesion and maximize learning.  

Is the program bilingual or only in English?  

• The program will be conducted in English. Participants should be comfortable reading, writing, and speaking in English.  

What is the commitment before and after the Institute?  

Participants are expected to:  

• Engage with AKFC’s Educator programming during the 2026–2027 school year.  

• Support students in implementing an action project related to global citizenship and sustainability with a microgrant.  

What kind of support will I receive after the Institute?  

• Participants will receive access to a national network of educators, continued professional development opportunities, classroom resources, and more!  

Am I expected to supervise students who are attending the Youth Leadership Academy?  

• Teachers may be asked to accompany students during travel to and from Toronto for the concurrent Youth Leadership Academy event. Once students arrive at York University, supervision will be facilitated by AKFC staff and trained volunteers. 

Can I nominate more than one student for the Youth Leadership Academy?  

• Yes, you may nominate more than one student. 

Is there an interview component to the application process?  

• Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a 60-second video interview in lieu of a formal sit-down interview.  

How will my application be assessed?  

• Please see the assessment rubric here.  

Are there any religious components to the program?  

• No, there are no religious components to the program.