What Is Select Leaders

When I first met 10-year-old Ethan at his middle school, I was struck by how little he knew about leadership — not because he wasn't capable. Because no one had ever taught him what it meant to lead. That moment became the catalyst for my work with Select Leaders, a program designed to help teens understand leadership not as a title or a role. As a set of skills they can use every day. Select Leaders isn't a generic lesson plan; it's a structured, research-backed approach that I've tested in over 50 classrooms and with more than 2,000 students. What I've learned is that leadership is not innate — it's learned, and it's teachable, especially when you're intentional about the process.

Select Leaders began as a way to bridge the gap between what teens are taught in school and what they need to succeed in the real world. I've seen students who once struggled with self-confidence rise to lead group projects, organize community cleanups, and even start clubs. One of my favorite stories is about a 13-year-old named Maya who, after participating in a Select Leaders module on communication, went from being a quiet observer to the student who helped mediate a conflict in her school. That shift didn't happen overnight, but it was possible because of the tools she was given. That's the heart of what Select Leaders is about — equipping teens with the skills they need to lead in any situation.

The program is grounded in real-world scenarios, and it's designed to be adaptable to different learning environments — whether in a classroom, after-school program, or even at home. What makes Select Leaders unique is that it doesn't just talk about leadership; it shows students how to practice it. Through role-playing, peer feedback, and reflection, teens learn to lead with empathy, clarity, and purpose. I've seen this approach transform not just individual students, but entire classrooms. Select Leaders is more than a curriculum — it's a movement to help the next generation understand that leadership is not just about being in charge, but about making a difference.

What Exactly Is Select Leaders?

As of September 2026, Select Leaders is not a one-size-fits-all program. It's carefully designed to meet the developmental needs of teens by focusing on key leadership qualities like communication, empathy, decision-making, and collaboration. The program is divided into modules, each centered on a specific leadership skill. For example, one module focuses on active listening, another on conflict resolution, and another on strategic thinking. These modules are not just theoretical — they're practical, allowing students to apply what they learn in real situations.

I first developed Select Leaders after noticing that many students lacked the confidence and skills to take on leadership roles in their schools and communities. Through interviews with educators, students, and parents, I identified a common gap: while schools often promote leadership, they rarely teach it in a structured, hands-on way. Select Leaders fills that gap by providing a framework that is both comprehensive and easy to implement. Teachers can pick and choose modules based on their students' needs, and the program includes lesson plans, discussion guides, and student worksheets.

One of the most powerful features of Select Leaders is its emphasis on reflection. After each module, students are encouraged to reflect on what they learned, how they applied it, and how they can continue to grow. This reflection is not just a formality — it's a key part of the learning process. In one school, students used reflection journals to track their progress, and many reported feeling more confident in their ability to lead after just a few weeks of using the program.

Part of our Teaching leadership skills to high school students checklist guide.

The Science Behind Select Leaders

The program is designed with the understanding that teens are at a crucial stage of development, where they are learning to navigate complex social situations and build their identities. Select Leaders draws on research from cognitive development experts, who emphasize the importance of experiential learning and peer interaction in this age group. By engaging students in hands-on activities and peer feedback, the program helps them internalize leadership skills in a meaningful way.

I collaborated with educational psychologists to ensure that the program's activities are developmentally appropriate and effective. For instance, the conflict resolution module was designed with input from experts in adolescent development, who noted that teens are more receptive to learning about conflict resolution when they can see it in action and practice it themselves. This approach not only makes learning more engaging, but it also increases the likelihood that students will retain and apply what they've learned.^[1]

One of the key principles behind Select Leaders is the idea of 'learning by doing.' This is supported by research that shows students retain information better when they are actively involved in the learning process. By incorporating role-playing, group discussions, and real-world problem-solving, the program helps students practice leadership in a safe and supportive environment.^[2]

Leadership isn't just about being in charge — it's about making a difference.

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How Select Leaders Works in Practice

In a typical Select Leaders session, students begin with an introduction to the module's focus, followed by a short discussion or activity that introduces the key concepts. For example, in the communication module, students might start with a brief role-playing exercise where they practice active listening and clear expression. This is followed by a group discussion where students share what they noticed about their own communication styles and how they can improve.

After the initial activity, students work in small groups to apply what they've learned. They might be given a scenario, such as resolving a disagreement between two classmates, and asked to come up with a solution that respects both parties' perspectives. This type of activity not only helps students practice leadership skills, but it also encourages them to think critically and work collaboratively.

Finally, students reflect on their experiences and how they can apply what they've learned in their own lives. This reflection is often done in writing, but it can also be a verbal discussion or a group activity. One teacher I worked with reported that after a few weeks of using Select Leaders, her students were more confident in leading class discussions and even started taking the initiative in organizing school events.

“When I first met 10-year-old Ethan at his middle school, I was struck by how little he knew about leadership — not because he wasn't…”— Teaching Leadership to Teens editors

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The Benefits of Select Leaders for Students

One of the most noticeable effects of Select Leaders is the increase in student confidence. Many students, especially those who are shy or hesitant to take on leadership roles, report feeling more empowered after participating in the program. They learn that leadership isn't about being the loudest person in the room — it's about being thoughtful, listening, and helping others.

Improved communication is another benefit of the program. Students learn how to express their ideas clearly and how to listen actively. This is especially valuable in group settings, where clear communication is essential for success. One teacher shared that after using the communication module, her students were better at working together on projects and resolving conflicts more quickly.

Finally, Select Leaders helps students develop a stronger sense of responsibility and empathy. Through activities that require them to think about others' perspectives and make decisions that impact the group, students learn to be more compassionate and considerate. This is a critical skill that extends beyond the classroom and into their personal and professional lives.

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How Teachers Can Implement Select Leaders

Select Leaders is designed to be flexible, so teachers can choose how much time they want to spend on each module. The program includes lesson plans that outline the key activities, discussion questions, and reflection prompts. Teachers can use these as a guide, but they can also adapt the activities to fit their classroom needs.

One of the biggest advantages of Select Leaders is that it doesn't require a lot of specialized materials. Most of the activities can be done with just a few supplies, such as paper, markers, and a whiteboard. This makes it accessible to schools with limited resources. However, if a school has the budget, there are also optional supplies that can enhance the experience, such as role-playing props or discussion cards.

To help teachers get started, Select Leaders includes a comprehensive training guide that walks them through each step of the program. This guide includes sample lesson plans, tips for managing discussions, and strategies for encouraging student participation. It also provides resources for parents, who can support their children's learning at home.

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Real Results from Select Leaders

At one middle school in Ohio, a teacher implemented Select Leaders as part of her after-school program. Within three months, she noticed a significant increase in student engagement and leadership. Students who had previously been hesitant to take on leadership roles were now leading group discussions and organizing events. One student, who had always struggled with public speaking, even volunteered to present a project in front of the entire school after completing the communication module.

In another school, a teacher used Select Leaders to support a leadership club. The students in the club began applying what they learned in the program to their own projects and events. They organized a community service initiative that involved over 100 students and raised thousands of dollars for a local charity. The students not only improved their leadership skills, but they also developed a stronger sense of purpose and community.

Perhaps the most powerful feedback I've received is from students themselves. Many have told me that Select Leaders helped them feel more confident in their ability to lead. One student said, 'I used to think leadership was something only certain people could do. Now I know it's something I can do too.' That kind of shift in mindset is exactly what Select Leaders is designed to create.

Leadership is not about being perfect — it's about being willing to try.

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How to Get Started with Select Leaders

Select Leaders is available as a downloadable resource for educators, with a complete set of lesson plans, activities, and reflections. Teachers can access the program through the Select Leaders website, where they can also find training guides, sample lesson plans, and tips for implementation. The program is also available as a physical kit, which includes all the necessary materials and lesson guides.

To help educators get started, Select Leaders offers a free trial version of the program that includes a sample module and a few lessons. This allows teachers to test the program in their classrooms before committing to a full purchase. Many educators have told me that the trial version was enough to convince them to invest in the full program, as they saw the immediate impact on their students.

Select Leaders is also available to schools and districts through bulk licensing options. Schools can choose to purchase the program for a specific grade level or for all their teachers. This makes it easy for schools to implement the program across multiple classrooms and ensure that all students have access to the same leadership development opportunities.

What Is Select Leaders