ABOUT

Too often, we miss out on securing talented educators for critical central office roles due to a lack of understanding about the opportunities for central office leaders to positively impact student outcomes, or because of concerns about readiness among those who are considering applying for these roles.

This academy is designed to provide guidance and encouragement for all educators considering or pursuing their first role at the central office.

The academy curriculum will be delivered via eight monthly Zoom sessions. Each interactive session will focus on supporting participants with a successful transition to a central office leadership position through ongoing personal and collective reflection, discussion of insights offered by practicing central office leaders, and engagement in activities that will better prepare each participant for a job search and a strong first year of central office leadership.

Participants will be provided optional, self-paced activities to engage in on their own between sessions.

COMMITMENT

• Registration fee
• Participation in Zoom sessions.
• Participation in year-end academy evaluation.

FACILITATORS

Please contact Julie and/or Ginger with questions about the academy.

Julie Ray
Director of Schools, Tacoma Public Schools

Ginger Callison
Assistant Superintendent, Snoqualmie Valley School District

2023–24 SESSION MODULES

Session topics include, but are not limited to:

• Determining whether the central office is a good fit for you.
• Knowing when you are ready to apply, and which central office roles may best align with your strengths and interests. You might be surprised!
• Strengthening your own leadership and overall readiness as you prepare for a job search and a strong, successful first year.
• Dismantling misconceptions about central office leadership, and how central office roles are both similar and different to other roles within a school district—challenges and opportunities.
• Deepening understanding of various central office roles and the importance of interconnectedness between roles, as well as their unique influences on achieving equitable outcomes for students.
• The job search: Important things to consider before you begin looking and applying for positions.
• Tips for successfully transitioning to the central office from within your own district, and for joining a central office team as a new district employee.
• Your first position: What to expect, keeping up with the workload, and how to ensure you are a positive, contributing member of your team.
• Common pitfalls during the first year, and how to avoid them.
• What your superintendent, school board, and others will expect from you

REGISTRATION

Registration fee of $549 per person includes eight two-hour Zoom sessions and 14 Washington State Approved Clock Hours (based on actual participation). 

REGISTER
  
Within 24 hours of registering, you will receive a Zoom confirmation for each academy session, eight in total. Follow the link in each confirmation to save the meetings to your calendar. 
Only one device/person will be admitted per email so please do not share your Zoom link. 
 
A $75 administrative fee applies to all cancellations. No refund for cancellations received after September 1.

QUESTIONS

Please contact Lisa Gehman at lgehman@wasa-oly.org with registration questions.