We know you’ve got big plans this summer — rest, relax, travel. But what about helping your future self?

Getting ready for 2026-27 can start this June at ACSA’s Summer Leadership Institute, a weeklong professional development experience where principals will build skills that will make their job easier and more sustainable next year.

Here are eight reasons why you will want to invest in your leadership and your students this summer.

1. Reignite your “why.” The rigors of site leadership can leave principals feeling exhausted by the end of the school year. Participants say the Summer Leadership Institute reconnects them to their purpose and re-energizes them for the start of school.

2. Build your network. Being a principal can feel lonely at times. This institute gives participants an instant network of fellow site leaders who they can count on for advice when the job gets tough. Previous attendees say they have built ongoing friendships with principals from their cohort that have lasted for years.

3. Create space to focus on you. The Summer Leadership Institute provides a distraction-free week where principals have time for the deep introspection that is necessary to become an impactful leader. Away from the daily demands of work and home life, principals can develop their game plan for the coming year.

4. Strengthen your practice at any stage. This institute is for principals at all stages — aspiring, new and experienced. Whether you just got your first principal job and want to gain clarity and confidence about the role before the new school year, or are a veteran site leader who needs to refine their practice, this experience is for you.

5. Recharge your joy. The unofficial motto of the Institute may as well be “work hard, play hard.” Following days of in-depth learning and introspection, participants get to unwind in the evenings with gatherings and excursions that keep the mood fun. Previous activities have included glow parties, barbecues and off-site experiences like harbor cruises.

6. Be inspired. Top keynote presenters from the field of education will inspire and inform attendees with the latest information for school site leaders.

The theme for this year’s institute is “Authentic Leadership.” Discussions and activities will help site leaders stay aligned to their values and their unique voices. Each day of the institute will also have a focus:

Monday: Equity & Belonging. Tuesday: Human-Center. Wednesday: Innovation. Thursday: Instructional Leadership. Friday: Authenticity — capstone projects.

7. Learn from trusted leaders who’ve been there. ACSA’s Team Leaders are veteran administrators who know what’s happening in the field and how to encourage new, experienced or aspiring leaders to do the introspective work needed to be a successful site leader. Participants are sorted into teams based on experience level to deepen their learning.

8. Apply what you learn — immediately. Participants will engage in case studies, simulations, and planning time that connects directly to their school context. You won’t just talk about these issues — you’ll work through them and leave with concrete next steps to tackle real-life issues facing the principalship.