For years, ACSA Academies have been the “fast-track” to leadership growth and career advancement for California school administrators.

But don’t just take ACSA’s word for it. Ask any of the more than 750 people who participated in this year’s online Academies, which featured 27 cohorts in 10 leadership specializations.

As happens each year, Academy Director Mary Gomes travels the state to attend Academy sessions and listen to participants, facilitators and directors on how to make this professional development program even better.

This year in her virtual travels, participants shared the many things they were thankful for in the 2020-21 Academies. Here are just some of the “bright spots” they shared:

Those interested in next year’s Academy program will also be able to take advantage of the exclusively online format. Complete 2021-22 Academy program information (including Academy descriptions, cohort schedules, Academies At-A-Glance, Scholarship Application, etc.) and registration will be available online at acsa.org/academies in late May.

ACSA members can also watch for the 2021-22 Academy Catalog in their mailboxes in early June.

Please join us for this premier professional learning experience! Seats are limited, so register early to get your preferred cohort. Take note: Some Academies begin in mid-August. Early registration is recommended so you don’t miss the first weekend. Here are some other reflections from Academy participants:

“What stands out for me the most is an approach from ACSA surrounding respect and understanding of all stakeholders and their perspectives and the roles they have within education. Attention was given to the important role of the school board, bargaining units, teachers, classified staff, parents and students. The superintendent’s role is truly to build, gather, and support teams of people to create the best conditions for our students to learn. Finally, spending a year with aspiring superintendents vested in learning in order to best support students was an experience second to none!”

“The academy provided the opportunity for me to re-examine why I am in education — specifically in my role as an administrator. I am a better leader now because I know that I must begin to think about the next step, professionally — where I can do the most good.”

“I think the thing that resonates with me most is being the leader that others would want to follow. That leader would use all the information that was shared throughout the whole Academy to be the best leader they could be, which hopefully translates into the leader that others could follow. I think I am a better leader because I have additional tools that I could pull out of my toolbox because of the connections and such that this academy has provided for me. I have learned that there will never be a perfect time for the next step; it won’t come to me, I have to go to it. That is very valuable to me as an aspiring administrator.”

“I’m appreciative of everyone’s dedication to English Learners. I feel I’ve gotten a lot from this Academy. I feel inspired to continue this work!”

“I am leaving invigorated and energized to make learning more equitable for all students. It has been a pleasure to collaborate and learn from each of you.”