ACSA, in partnership with Sacramento County Office of Education, is now accepting applications for the Fall 2022 cohort of Leadership Institute, which prepares teacher leaders to earn a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential, the first step toward becoming a school administrator.

Program Consultant Michael Roe said Leadership Institute seeks a different caliber of leader. From its inception, the Leadership Institute has sought input from current school leaders throughout the state about the kind of leaders that are needed to solve the big challenges in education. What they’ve said they need is education “disruptors” — candidates who not only know the day-to-day administrative tasks of running a school but those who have the ability to inspire and lead through rapid change.

Now in its sixth cohort, Leadership Institute has helped more than 285 candidates grow in these leadership abilities through face-to-face instruction, online learning and guided fieldwork. Candidates are typically teachers in the Los Angeles, San Bernardino and surrounding Riverside areas who aspire to earn their Administrative Services Credential.

Over the course of this 10-month program that begins in August 2022, candidates look at essential tasks that successful leaders employ with a focus on strategies that achieve results. Courses go in-depth on critical leadership behaviors and systems and how they must interact to create intentional change.

Courses will be conducted in a “hyflex” environment, with a mix of synchronous, asynchronous and in-person sessions. In-person meetings will involve travel to Southern California.

Leadership Institute’s instructors are current and retired superintendents who have intimate knowledge of the role. Students learn more than just how to pass the CalAPA, they gain insight into solving the biggest challenges in education from leaders who are facing them right now.

The Fall 2022 cohort will be taught by:

While traditional programs take around 16 months, Leadership Institute is a 10-month program suited to working professionals. Sessions take place every other Saturday, totaling 154 hours of hyflex instruction and 77 hours of online chats over the course of the year.

The Leadership Institute goes to great lengths to customize the learning experience for candidates. Before being accepted to the program, each applicant undergoes an interview where staff gets to know the candidate and their career goals. This is an essential component where the candidates’ goals are aligned with faculty support who has experience in those specific areas, such as special education, activities, athletics, facilitation and equity.