2024 ACSA Women in School Leadership Forum

Start your conference day on a refreshing note with our Morning Wellness Walk! Explore the striking beauty and leisurely charm of Omni La Costa’s expansive property. Within this tranquil walk you will discover lush gardens and beautiful manicured grounds under the Southern California sunshine.

This walk is approximately 1 mile - comfortable shoes are encouraged!

We will meet in the hotel lobby at 6am. 

There’s dozens of leadership styles to try on, but choosing one off-the-rack can feel inauthentic, like putting on armor or wearing someone else’s clothes. How can you create a leadership identity that’s completely authentic? The answer lies in the one-of-a-kind design of your brain at its very best. Join PhD neuroscientist and former school superintendent, Irene Salter, to identify the best in yourself and use it to bring out the best in others.

After this unusually interactive keynote, you'll be able to:

• Take the first five steps towards designing a truly authentic leadership style.
• Identify what makes your brain and leadership completely unique.
• Empower others by naming their strengths, values, passion, vision, and purpose.

This session will address several key areas around our work of aligning the TK-16 system with the economic growth of Yuba County and greater Sacramento region. MJUSD has designed the Greater Sacramento Education and Economic Collaboration, in partnership with leaders in key industry sectors, elected officials, and labor partners, to address the needs in this region through a focused integration of educational reforms and economic strategies. This session will have implementation Strategies and Measuring Success through KPIs.

Key Audience Takeaways:

1. Shift the way we think and reimagine our education ecosystem to address the existing challenges in education, such as outdated curricula, lack of resources, and the digital divide.
2. Traditional vs. Modern Education: Compare current educational practices with those required for the 21st century.
3. Aligning the TK-16 system to meet the needs of the evolving economy by raising the understanding and bridging the disconnect around job instability, low wages, and the need for a more educated and trained workforce that starts in the neighborhood schools.

Half of all interviewers make up their minds within the first five minutes whether a candidate is a ‘good match’ for a position. With only one chance to make a first impression, women on the move have to take destiny into their own hands. Understanding the people and priorities of a prospective employer allows you to align your talents to that employer’s needs. This session uncovers ways to boost interview performance and land that next job! Participants will walk away with tips and tricks to interview like a woman who’s going places.

Leading change can be difficult when you go it alone but change is what is needed to keep improving high levels of learning for all students. This session will discuss how to build a culture of shared leadership to facilitate meaningful change on your campus or in your district.

Key Audience Takeaways:

1. Identify barriers to leading change
2. Understand the kind of change that leads to positive results
3. Learn the skills necessary to establishing trust
4. Examine how to build capacity for change through shared leadership

This workshop aims to deepen understanding and application of mentorship as a transformative tool in educational leadership. It will combine theory with practical, introspective learning to empower participants to enhance their leadership skills, build meaningful mentorship relationships, and promote personal well-being and professional growth. Attendees are encouraged to attend with a friend, colleague, mentor/mentee, but those coming alone will also benefit greatly. The workshop will cover building teams with positive people who support and energize you, highlighting that mentorship is not one-sided and involves two-way communication and mutual growth.

In this presentation, the following will also be discussed and emphasized:
Long-term Benefits of effective mentorship, including improved school culture, enhanced leadership capacity, and better student outcomes.

Community Involvement: Stresses the importance of involving all stakeholders (staff, parents, students) in the process, promoting a truly inclusive and collaborative approach to educational leadership

Key Audience Takeaways:    

1. Enhanced Leadership Skills. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to leverage mentorship and use research based strategies to develop their leadership abilities, effectively guide others, and create positive impacts within their educational institutions.
2. Attendees will learn practical strategies for establishing and maintaining strong mentorship connections. This includes setting clear goals, fostering open communication, and providing personalized support tailored to individual needs.
3. Promotion of Personal Well-Being and Professional Growth. The workshop will emphasize the integration of emotional intelligence and self-care into mentorship practices. Participants will discover how to balance personal well-being with professional responsibilities, ensuring sustained growth and resilience in their leadership journeys.

Achieving success in educational leadership demands more than just professional skills; it requires inner balance and effective self-love. This course, designed specifically for educational leadership, focuses on developing self-regulation strategies that enhance both personal well-being and professional effectiveness. Participants will explore practical techniques to prioritize tasks, manage emotions, reduce stress, set strategic goals, and maintain health and well-being. This session aims to empower female educational leaders to achieve a balanced and fulfilling career.

Key Audience Takeaways:    

1. Enhanced Self-Regulation Skills Participants will gain practical tools and techniques to effectively manage time, emotions, and stress. By mastering these self-love strategies, they will enhance their ability to manage stress, maintain emotional balance, and navigate the demands of their leadership roles with greater ease. Understand the physical, emotional, and behavioral signs of stress. Learn techniques to identify early signs of stress in oneself and others. Develop strategies to manage and reduce stress effectively. Recognizing the Signs of Stress within yourself: Physical Signs: Discuss common physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Emotional Signs: Identify emotional indicators like irritability, anxiety, depression, mood swings, and feelings of being overwhelmed. Behavioral Signs: Highlight behavioral changes such as withdrawal from social interactions, changes in work performance, increased use of alcohol or drugs, and procrastination. Creatively identify strategies to enhance life, create energy, and build deeper relationships. 
2. Developing a Personal Self-Love and Stress Reduction Plan. Identifying Triggers: Help participants identify their personal stress triggers and develop strategies to manage or avoid them. Action Plan: Guide participants in creating a personalized stress management plan that includes relaxation techniques, time management strategies, and support systems.
3. Improved Well-being and Resilience The course will emphasize the importance of health, well-being, and resilience in leadership. Participants will discover methods to incorporate physical activity, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep into their busy schedules, fostering a positive mindset and strong support systems to sustain their effectiveness and job satisfaction. 

Techniques for Identifying Stress Early: Mindfulness and Body Scans: Teach mindfulness techniques and body scans to help participants become more aware of their physical and emotional states. Regular Check-ins: Encourage routine self-check-ins throughout the day to assess stress levels and identify any early signs of stress.

Join us for an empowering workshop designed for women leaders. Discover the unique opportunities and obligations that women in leadership roles hold, and how to leverage these to create meaningful impact. Delve into the current conditions surrounding the loneliness epidemic, gaining insights into its causes and effects on both personal and professional levels. Learn relational strategies employed by successful female leaders, enabling you to build strong, supportive networks. Walk away with actionable tools to transform loneliness into a sense of belonging, enhancing your leadership journey.

Key Audience Takeaways:

1. Understand the unique opportunity (and obligation) of women in leadership
2. Current conditions about the loneliness epidemic
3. Relational strategies of successful female leaders

Multiple jeopardy is the theory that the various intersections of one's identity, such as gender, class, race, language, nationality, Colorism, sexual orientation, et al, can have a multiplicative effect on one’s experiences. As a woman leader, we have to recognize the assets and gifts our diverse students, families and colleagues contribute to create a healthy school community. But we have to first have to have a deep understanding of self to become a stronger intersectional leader.

Key Audience Takeaways:

1. Experience a deeper understanding of each of your multiple identities and how it informs all aspects of your leadership;
2. Learn strategies to overcome the “sense of being neither” exclusively one identity nor another;
3. Create a stronger “sense of being” when you live in the borders and find yourself in multiple worlds.

It is essential for new and aspiring district leaders to begin their leadership journey with a solid foundation and a focus on equity. The transition from site leadership to district leadership can be challenging, involving complex dynamics such as politics, staff relationships, data awareness, and community outreach. Building and developing support networks is crucial to avoid isolation and ensure success. This presentation will guide new and aspiring district leaders through their first 100 days in district-level leadership, providing valuable insights and strategies for a successful transition.

Key Audience Takeaways:

1. New and aspiring district leaders must begin their leadership journey with a solid foundation and a focus on equity. The transition from site leadership to district leadership can be challenging, involving complex dynamics such as politics, staff relationships, data awareness, and community outreach. Building and developing support networks is crucial to avoid isolation and ensure success. This presentation will guide new and aspiring district leaders through their first 100 days in district-level leadership, providing valuable insights and strategies for a successful transition.
2. We will explore steps to elevate oneself and others, with an emphasis on inspiring, mentoring, and creating opportunities for individuals to achieve higher levels of personal and professional growth. Building skills and confidence to excel will be a key focus, along with developing and articulating our leadership brand, telling our story, and celebrating the success of our students.
3. Fostering empowering relationships through sisterhood will be highlighted, equipping individuals with the knowledge and practices to make impactful personal and professional choices. This comprehensive approach aims to support new and aspiring district leaders in making a meaningful and lasting impact in their roles.

Are you a woman in education looking to build your leadership confidence? Learn practical strategies to cultivate confidence and overcome imposter syndrome. Through expert insights, group discussions, and hands-on activities, you'll:

• Understand the roots of imposter syndrome and normalize your experiences
• Develop self-awareness and reflection skills to reframe self-criticism
• Practice confidence-building exercises to step out of your comfort zone

Whether you're an aspiring or seasoned administrator, this workshop will equip you with the tools to thrive in your leadership role. Don't miss this chance to invest in your personal and professional growth!

Did you know that the female brain is naturally wired for leadership? Research and lived experiences have shown that leaders who prioritize community and collaboration, possess the ability to focus and prioritize effectively, and utilize intuition are more likely to foster trust, cultivate positive work cultures, and achieve ambitious goals. Interestingly, these qualities align closely with the attributes of exceptional leadership. Moreover, scientific studies have confirmed that the female brain is inherently adept at reading others and enhancing organizational intelligence.

Join us for an enlightening session based on the work of neuroscientist Shonte Jovan Taylor as we delve into the fascinating realm of the female brain and its connection to effective leadership. This session will explore the physical and physiological characteristics of the female brain that uniquely equip women for successful leadership roles. Through engaging discussions and interactive exercises, participants will have the opportunity to:

• Discover the research: Gain insights into the scientific findings that illuminate the innate leadership capabilities of the female brain.
• Share lived experiences: Exchange personal stories and insights on how gender-specific attributes have influenced leadership styles and approaches.
• Learn from one another: Tap into the collective wisdom of the diverse female brains in the session, drawing inspiration and guidance from each other's experiences and perspectives.

Don't miss this opportunity to unlock the potential of the female brain for leadership excellence. Join us for a stimulating exploration of the intersection between neuroscience and leadership, and discover how to leverage your innate strengths to lead with confidence and authenticity.

 Key Audience Takeaways:    

1. Gain a deeper understanding of the physical and physiological aspects of the female brain that are conducive to effective leadership.
2. Recognize how leadership strategies such as community building, collaboration, discernment, intuition, focus, and seeking help contribute to success in leadership roles.
3. Receive personalized feedback on how to apply these strategies to their current leadership roles, enhancing their effectiveness and impact.

This session will focus on helping educational leaders effectively hone in on branding their self, site & organization utilizing the power of values driven leadership, social media and social influence. Participants will define their brand, define their personal board, calibrate, and discover new and fun ways to grow your brand and PLN to help take your leadership journey to the next level. They will also learn some easy and useful tips/tricks to use social media to tell their story and amplify their brand as well as the brand of their site/organization.

Now more than ever, in a time of attacks on public education, declining enrollment and culture wars, we must own the narrative and become the media. This session serves to empower classified employees, teachers, administrators, superintendents, board members, colleges/universities, families and community partners to embrace branding for the power of connection it has. The session will demystify branding, public relations and promotions. It will empower participants with the ability to amplify their stories for the benefit of themselves, their sites and their organizations.

Key Audience Takeaways:

1. Define brand and personal board
2. Discover new and fun ways to grow your brand and PLN to help take your leadership journey to the next level
3. Learn some easy and useful tips/tricks to use social media to amplify your story

Most of us have considered making a career shift, whether lateral or promotional, from one school to another, one district to another, and/or one job to another. Given the multiplying challenges of educational leadership, you may be seriously considering a variety of options and opportunities. Whether you anticipate an imminent career shift or not, come hear from a variety of women who have made recent career shifts and others who have decided against it. You will have the opportunity to pause and reflect on your career, and your thoughts and feelings related to making a career shift. You will leave with concrete tools to use when making decisions about a potential shift, as well as tips and tricks for always being ready for that next opportunity.

Key Audience Takeaways:

1. Results from self-reflection tools and benefits from sharing concerns and apprehensions regarding possible career shifts; 
2. Decision-making tools to use when considering a shift; 
3. Specific tips and tricks to help you be ready for that next opportunity, including deep awareness, networking practice, resume-creating and interview tips, and more!

In today's data-driven educational landscape, there is a growing demand for skilled leaders who can harness the power of data to drive positive change. However, women continue to be underrepresented in leadership roles within the field of educational data. This session is designed to empower female leaders to pursue careers in educational data leadership by addressing key accelerators and barriers, exploring educational data leadership pathways, and providing practical tips for overcoming challenges and preparing for success.

Session Objectives:

Explore the accelerators and barriers women face in pursuing careers in educational data leadership.
Provide insights into educational data leadership pathways and opportunities for women.
Offer practical tips and strategies for preparing to pursue a career in educational data leadership.
Highlight the importance of allyship and networking in advancing women's leadership in data-related roles.
Address imposter syndrome and offer strategies for overcoming self-doubt and building confidence.
Present relevant data and statistics on the current presence of women in educational data leadership occupations.

Learn how to recognize signs of compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma as a crucial step in promoting empathy, well-being, and resilience in yourself and teams you lead. Becoming more familiar with these concepts and how they impact the world of education will allow for prevention and early intervention to mitigate symptoms that leaders and teams may be experiencing. Normalizing conversations in schools increases safety and awareness of self- care strategies to support wellness.

In today's interconnected world, success is not just about what you know but also about who you know. This session explores the power of leveraging your network to unlock your full potential, pursue your passions, and cultivate lifelong friendships. We will delve into practical strategies for building and nurturing meaningful connections, harnessing collective talents, and fostering a supportive community that promotes growth, resilience, and well-being.

Key Audience Takeaways:    

1. Learn practical strategies for building and maintaining a diverse and supportive network and Identify key individuals in your network who can serve as mentors, sponsors, and advocates.
2. Explore the benefits of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual support within a community of like-minded women leaders.
3. Develop an action plan to leverage your network effectively for pursuing your passions, advancing your career, and enhancing your overall well-being.

Where in the world is a female superintendent, her leadership team, and all the high school principals in the district (the majority of whom are female) meeting regularly, supporting one another, maintaining the same vision and improving the rates of 9th graders on track? That’s the Garden Grove way! Garden Grove USD is one of California’s 9 CORE Districts working in a cross-district network to improve the rates of 9th grade on track for postsecondary success. Together, schools in the multi-district network are focused on the strategic use of data and on building reliable routines that get the right data to the right people to inspire the right action. Learn from female leaders in Garden Grove USD about how this collaboration is transforming their leadership and improving the rates of 9th graders on track for success in high school and beyond.

Key Audience Takeaways:    

1. Understand specific teaming structures leading to improvement
2. Dive into data that is helping the network improve 9th grade success
3. Take away tools that are engaging students and teachers

This workshop will be incorporating a vision board session into a Women in Leadership Conference can create a dynamic and impactful experience. It provides participants with a powerful tool for personal and professional development and encourages a holistic approach to leadership, blending vision, creativity, and strategic planning.

Inspirational speakers will tell their stories while each attendee creates a vision board. All supplies will be provided for one vision board per person. Music, candles, and other creativity-enhancing features will be set up in the workshop to help create a soothing and vision-focused environment.

Creating a vision board at a Women in Leadership Conference offers numerous benefits that align with the goals of empowering and inspiring women leaders

Clarifying Goals and Aspirations
Focus and Clarity:
Vision boards help participants clearly define their personal and professional goals. This process can provide a focused path for their leadership journey.

Visual Representation:
Having a visual representation of their goals can make abstract ideas more concrete and actionable.
Enhancing Motivation and Inspiration

Daily Motivation:
Seeing their vision board regularly can serve as a daily reminder of their aspirations, keeping them motivated and aligned with their long-term objectives.

Emotional Connection:
Creating a vision board is an emotional and creative process. It helps participants connect deeply with their dreams, making them more committed to achieving them.
Empowerment and Personal Growth

Empowerment:
The process of envisioning their future and taking steps to visualize it can be empowering, boosting confidence and self-belief among women leaders.

Personal Reflection:
It provides an opportunity for introspection, allowing participants to reflect on their values, strengths, and areas for growth.
Building Community and Networking

Shared Experiences:
Creating vision boards in a group setting fosters a sense of community. Participants can share their goals and support each other, building stronger networks and relationships.

Inspiration from Peers:
Seeing the diverse goals and dreams of other women leaders can be inspiring and can provide new ideas and perspectives.
Practical Benefits

Goal Setting and Planning:
Vision boards can be a starting point for more detailed goal setting and strategic planning. They help in breaking down long-term goals into actionable steps.

Accountability:
Sharing vision boards with others can create a sense of accountability, encouraging participants to follow through on their plans.
Stress Relief and Creativity

Creative Outlet:
The act of creating a vision board is a relaxing and creative process, which can reduce stress and enhance overall well-being.

Mindfulness:
It encourages mindfulness, allowing participants to focus on the present moment and their true desires.
Professional Development

Leadership Skills:
Vision boards can help women leaders visualize and plan for their professional development, identifying key areas for skill enhancement and career growth.

Strategic Thinking:
The process promotes strategic thinking, helping leaders to align their personal goals with their professional responsibilities and organizational objectives.
Encouraging Positive Change

Positive Mindset:
Vision boards reinforce a positive mindset, which is crucial for overcoming challenges and achieving success in leadership roles.

We'll have salsa dancing lessons at this themed reception.

WHAT TO WEAR:
The theme color is vibrant blue. Think of a clear summer sky or the deep blue of a tropical ocean.