Riga Launches “Business Leader – School Leader” Mentoring Program to Elevate Educational Leadership
A new initiative designed to bolster the leadership capabilities of Riga’s school directors is underway, pairing them with experienced entrepreneurs and business professionals. The “Business Leader – School Leader” mentoring program, a collaboration between the Independent Education Association (NIB) and the Riga Municipality, aims to foster improved leadership skills, change management, and professional development among school administrators.
Strengthening School Leadership Through Cross-Sector Collaboration
The program, set to run from January 30, 2026, to the end of April 2026, represents a strategic investment in the future of Riga’s educational institutions. It builds upon the success of two previous iterations implemented across Latvia, which have already provided support to 24 school directors through business mentorship. Participants consistently reported positive experiences, highlighting the value of this unique form of collaboration.
“Through this program, which is based on a structured approach to strengthening leadership skills, the exchange of experience and the synergy of collaboration between professionals from various fields, we can strengthen the institution of Latvian school principals,” stated a senior official associated with the NIB. “Knowledge transfer is a valuable mechanism that can also be successfully applied in the education sector.”
Riga Takes Center Stage with Expanded Partnerships
This year marks the first time the program will be exclusively focused on Riga, expanding its reach and impact within the municipality. The initiative has garnered support from key local organizations, including Turība Business School, the Riga Entrepreneurs Association, and the Riga Business Chamber. Furthermore, the State Service of Education Quality has positively evaluated the program’s potential benefits.
Directors of educational institutions within the Riga municipality are now invited to apply for the program. The selection process will carefully match each director with a mentor based on their specific professional challenges and development needs. The mentoring experience will encompass skill-building workshops, collaborative discussions, shared learning sessions, and inspirational seminars.
Addressing a Critical Need for Principal Support
The program’s development was directly informed by feedback from school principals themselves. A survey conducted by the Independent Education Association revealed a strong desire for support from experienced managers across various sectors – schools, companies, and municipalities. This highlights a recognized need for external perspectives and guidance in navigating the complexities of educational leadership.
The program’s emphasis on a structured approach to leadership development, coupled with the exchange of expertise between different professional fields, is expected to create a powerful synergy that will benefit both the participating directors and the broader educational landscape of Riga.
For additional information about the “Business Leader – School Leader” program, please visit www.izglitibasbiedriba.lv.
This information was prepared by Iveta Bulāne, project coordinator of the External Communication Department of Riga Municipality, and can be reached at [email protected].
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