Turn Leadership Coursework Into Real-World Decision-Making Practice
Provide Experiential Learning Opportunities for Educational Leadership Students Using LeaderSims

LeaderSims helps aspiring school leaders apply theory to complex, realistic situations before entering an administrative role. Participants make consequential decisions, reflect on the outcomes, and receive personalized AI coaching—while faculty gain standards-aligned evidence of applied judgment and growth. By engaging in realistic, decision-driven experiences, future school leaders develop the confidence and critical thinking skills necessary to step into leadership roles fully prepared for the challenges ahead.

 

 

 

Who Benefits from Simulations?
Graduate Students in Educational Leadership Programs

Apply leadership theories to real-world school scenarios, building confidence before stepping into leadership roles.

Aspiring School Administrators

Develop decision-making, problem-solving, and crisis management skills in a risk-free environment.

Interns and Practicum Students

Gain hands-on experience navigating the challenges of school leadership before working in an administrative capacity.

Why Simulations for Educational Leadership Students?

Below, you can read more about how aspiring school leaders across the country are using simulations as part of their educational leadership programs to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

How We Develop the SchoolSims Library

Each simulation is created in collaboration with K-12 schools, colleges/universities, or educational support organizations. We ensure that the topics in the SchoolSims Simulation Library are relevant to the challenges faced by the schools of your enrolled students. Every year, we add 5-7 new simulations and update existing ones to keep them current. By integrating simulations into your existing curriculum—whether facilitated in groups or used asynchronously—participants gain hands-on experience and start developing the critical skills needed to make the best decisions in real-life situations.

How the SchoolSims Library Supports NELP and PSEL Standards

SchoolSims are designed to align with PSEL (Professional Standards for Educational Leaders) and NELP (National Educational Leadership Preparation) standards. By immersing participants in real-life school-based scenarios, these simulations offer a valuable opportunity to practice evaluating situations and applying the appropriate standards in a risk-free environment. The alignment with PSEL ensures that current school leaders are developing the necessary competencies to foster student success, while the NELP alignment supports aspiring leaders in meeting the rigorous expectations of their preparation programs. Through simulation-based learning, participants gain practical experience in decision-making, instructional leadership, and ethical school governance, reinforcing their readiness for real-world challenges.

PSEL Standards AlignmentNELP Standards Alignment

How to Use SchoolSims Effectively

SchoolSims will help you select the appropriate titles for each course or topic. You can then utilize the simulations synchronously, asynchronously, or in a blended fashion. 

See our best practices here.

How to Get Trained on SchoolSims

SchoolSims will provide training on our simulation library, how and when to use the simulations, and a one-hour session on how to facilitate simulations with Dr. David De Jong, Dean of the College of Education at Dakota State University.

Understanding SchoolSims Pricing

SchoolSims pricing is based on the number of participants in the cohort that will utilize the simulations. Request pricing here.

Try a Leader Simulation

The SchoolSims Portal and Library of Simulations
The SchoolSims Portal is your gateway to our extensive Library of Simulations, webinars, and valuable resources designed to enhance learning experiences. With our user-friendly platform, you can easily assign simulations to staff and students, filter by the desired role, and stay informed with the latest updates from SchoolSims. Dive in and explore the tools that empower your educational community!

Learn More About Our NEW AI-Driven Accreditation Dashboard

The SchoolSims AI-Driven Accreditation Dashboard empowers higher education institutions with automated, AI-powered analysis of simulation decision points and free-text responses. The dashboard streamlines data analysis and simplifies accreditation reporting by assigning codes and scoring responses based on relevance to course content and standards.

With this cutting-edge tool, institutions can:

  • Ensure alignment with accreditation standards through automated scoring
  • Gain deeper insights into student learning outcomes with AI-driven analysis
  • Simplify reporting and compliance with real-time data and structured insights
  • Improve program effectiveness by identifying trends in educator responses

The Accreditation Dashboard enhances efficiency, accuracy, and transparency by leveraging AI, helping institutions meet the highest benchmarks in educator preparation.

See What Our Users Are Saying
SUNY Cortland Equips Future Leaders with Simulations for Real-World Success

SUNY Cortland enhanced its Building Leadership course by integrating SchoolSims simulations, allowing students to practice real-world decision-making in a safe, engaging environment. Led by Gary Astles, the program helps future school leaders build confidence and develop critical skills through realistic scenarios, from managing difficult conversations to addressing cultural competency. Despite time constraints in the five-week summer course, the simulations have significantly improved student engagement and leadership development.