CEL Institute gives top billing to classified leaders

November 4, 2019
Try to think of making a movie without set designers, casting directors, accountants, craft service workers, PAs, and special effects artists — there’d be no movie. Likewise, classified school leaders are absolutely integral to making blockbuster schools for the real stars — the students. During ACSA’s Classified Educational Leaders Institute held this year in North Hollywood, school leaders in business services, personnel, maintenance and operations, nutrition, transportation, IT, facilities, and student services will get a chance to meet and share information on important issues facing their positions. Attendees, including confidential employees and administrative assistants, will not want to miss presenters from various fields of expertise sharing strategies for providing students with a first-class education. In terms of speakers and sessions, this conference’s offerings are robust. Thursday’s opening session will feature a panel on “Legacy Leaders Creating Legacy Moments: What’s Your Story?” During this panel moderated by LaShon Rayford, executive assistant-human resources at Culver City USD, a group of seasoned classified leaders will share how they used their moments to create their own stories. They will lead an exploration of how to choose your legacy in this interactive panel/workshop discussion. The first general session will feature Jeremy Bates, who hooks audiences with his unique way of seeing the world. Bates learned the importance of hope while overcoming a dysfunctional family fueled by addiction, infidelity and abandonment. A self-described addict of potential, Bates has earned the nickname “The Hope Dealer.” In 2013, he sold his house and traveled around the world for two years with his wife, Shannon, homeschooling their boys as they followed Bates’ speaking schedule. This former high school coach has made a life of redefining possibility for himself, his family, and the hundreds of thousands of people who have experienced his programs.  On Friday, attendees will be treated to the closing general session speaker Kay Frances, MBA. Frances will offer a healthy dose of laughter — she’s a former standup comedian, after all — while exploring the serious topic of stress. In our frenzied world, people need to be reminded of the importance of managing their stress, keeping a sense of humor and maintaining a positive attitude for peak performance and success in all areas of their lives. As her book “The Funny Thing About Stress” makes clear, the so-called “little things” in life can become cumulative if we don’t stop them in their tracks. We need to manage our stress before it manages us. Classified Educational Leaders Institute promises opportunities to:
  • Learn, grow and be happier. Professional development improves your life, both in and out of the office. With new skills and insights in your mental toolkit, you will find yourself with new confidence to face challenges.
  • Gain valuable and marketable skills. You can learn about topics at PD events that you would not otherwise have access to, or even the time to research. 
  • Invest in relationships. If you invest in your peers and make sure that they can rely on you in turn, then your network will become a well of opportunities, stronger conversations, and new ideas.
This year’s institute will be at The Garland Hotel in North Hollywood, which will transport guests back to the retro cool of old Hollywood with bold geometric patterns, Mid-century Modern furnishings and signature orange accents. Located close to the iconic Hollywood sign and Warner Bros. Studios, the hotel is also nearby the house from “The Brady Bunch.” (The hotel general manager has offered to take conference guests on a short walk to scope out the iconic property that was recently featured on HGTV’s “A Very Brady Renovation.”)

Classified Educational Leaders Institute What: The only statewide professional development event specifically designed for classified educational leaders. When: Feb. 26-28, 2020 Where: The Garland Hotel in North Hollywood Cost: $329 ACSA members/non-members ineligible for membership; one-day and team rates also available. Register: http://bit.ly/2ZSELI9
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Classified Educational Leaders Institute will feature general sessions from “The Hope Dealer” Jeremy Bates, left, and former standup comedian turned motivational speaker Kay Frances, right.
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