School leaders aren’t afraid to speak up and get loud when it comes to doing what’s right for students.

Leadership Summit is ACSA’s annual conference for administrators in all job categories that provides professional development sessions, inspiring speakers and crucial support to continue doing the work of improving academic experiences for all students.

“The theme for the 2025 Leadership Summit was chosen to inspire members to step up, speak out, and advocate for students, families, and communities — even in challenging times,” said Dr. Kimberly Hendricks-Brown, chair of the Leadership Summit Planning Committee. “It reflects our call to disrupt inequities, challenge complacency, and confront outdated practices with courage and conviction.”

The theme also emphasizes storytelling — “a powerful tool for connection and influence,” Hendricks-Brown said — which can elevate our journeys while empowering others. “‘Building bridges’ brings this vision together, calling on leaders to amplify their voices, share authentic experiences, and create meaningful connections that drive collective action and equity-centered change,” she said.

Here are seven more reasons you want to attend this year’s Leadership Summit.

The full schedule of sessions has just been announced and attendees are sure to find critical information and best practices that will improve their leadership.

“The conference sessions are mostly led by your peers — leaders who will tell their real stories and share their strategies, lessons, and inspiration to help you lead in your district or school,” Hendricks-Brown said. “Each year, the workshop sessions are thoughtfully aligned with the theme, ensuring that participants gain insights and strategies that are meaningful to their leadership journey and career growth.”

School leaders will find sessions on topics including artificial intelligence, curriculum, wellness, leadership, equity, staffing, community engagement and more.

Head over to the Leadership Summit website and click on the “Agenda” link at the top to scope out the full schedule of sessions.

2. Find your family Networking is one of the major reasons Hendricks-Brown recommends Leadership Summit to administrators.

“I have met some of my closest friends — people I now call family — at the Leadership Summit,” she said. “Having attended for more than 15 years, I can say the learning has been phenomenal and the networking truly invaluable.”

Whether you stop by the First-time Attendees Breakfast on Thursday, meet job-alikes at a networking reception, or exchange e-mails with a presenter, you are sure to pick up new contacts who can provide insights and support through your biggest leadership challenges.

3. Focus on your leadership Leadership Summit is a rare opportunity to devote 2.5 days to networking and learning that will strengthen your capacity to lead.

But what if you can’t spend that much time away from your worksite? No problem. This year, attendees can choose to attend the Classified Leaders and Site Administrators Pre-Conference from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday for $100, which will feature two focused learning strands. Attendees can also add this onto their full Summit registration for $50.

“We had many ideas for the day but decided it would be a great way to target and support some of our biggest member groups, site admins and classified managers,” Hendricks-Brown said. “There will be workshop sessions specifically for these two audiences in the late morning and then in the afternoon, both groups will be able to attend a keynote and a panel focused on artificial intelligence.”

District office staff are encouraged to serve as subs for their principals so that more site administrators can benefit from this day of learning and networking.

4. Reconnect to your ‘why’ ACSA will honor students who have triumphed over adversity during the Every Student Succeeding recognition event, which will be a luncheon on Thursday. All attendees are encouraged to attend.

“This celebration reminds me why I became an educator. I want every student to believe in themselves and strive to be their personal best, no matter the obstacles they face,” Hendricks-Brown said. “The ACSA team does an incredible job capturing and sharing each student’s story, and it never fails to be a true tearjerker. Each honoree tells their story loudly — with courage and authenticity — helping us understand not just why they were selected, but also why their journeys matter so deeply.”

5. Get inspired This year’s keynote presenters are big names in the education world whose stories will inspire educational leaders. STEM NOLA founder Dr. Calvin Mackie will show how he’s increasing access to STEM learning for students of color in New Orleans. Best-selling author of “Cultivating Genius” Dr. Gholdy Muhammad will describe her work developing a culturally and historically responsive education model that allows all students to reach their potential. In the closing keynote, school leaders will learn how to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline from Dr. Victor Rios, professor, author and advocate for at-promise students.

“The keynote speakers are some of the best in the nation,” Hendricks-Brown said. “They are engaging, and one will learn how to lead boldly and unapologetically, especially in times when silence can reinforce inequity.”

Attendees can also re-energize during the Women’s Luncheon on Thursday or the Equity Breakfast with Dr. Cherina Betters on Friday. Enjoy a curated meal with a side of inspiration at these special ticketed events that can be added to your registration for $100 each.

6. Party like it’s 1999, or 1989, or 2009 Summit wouldn’t be Summit without some festivities. The decades-themed Welcome Reception on Wednesday will have attendees stepping back in time to represent their favorite era. It’s going to be “groovy” — or “da bomb” or “lit,” depending on the parlance of your generation.

At Friday’s Award’s Dinner and President’s Gala, ACSA will honor 25 exceptional school leaders and one partnership program, culminating in a dinner and dance you won’t want to miss. Purchase your tickets to this celebratory event during registration — last day to purchase is Oct. 17.

7. Strengthen your resolve Leadership Summit is the one time each year that the entire ACSA family — principals, district office leaders, classified leaders and more — comes together to support one another in the difficult but rewarding role of school leadership.

“The equity journey is not easy, but witnessing others push through and creating the changes that help all students succeed is truly inspiring,” Hendricks-Brown said. “Sharing stories is one of the most powerful ways to build understanding and offer a glimpse into another person’s life journey.”

For Hendricks-Brown, those stories give her strength to keep “being loud.”

“For me, leading loudly is the only way I know how to lead,” she said. “When the work feels hard, I draw strength from remembering the struggles of my ancestors, which gives me the courage to keep pushing forward. Every student is worth the time, effort, and energy it takes to ensure they receive what they need when they need it to ensure their success.”