2025 ACSA Classified Educational Leaders Institute: Full Schedule

Your mental health is based on healthy relationships, both at work and at home. Good relationships are based on respect, positive intent, and good communication. What does your workforce look like? Do they all value the same things, have the same motivation and rewards? Different generations in the workforce have different attitudes, opinions and expectations. Learn what each generation values, how to enhance communication and what it takes to motivate your workforce and influence district culture.

This session looks at these relationships in the workforce. With 56% of the workforce now being comprised of younger/older millennials (those under age 40), it’s important to understand what their motivations are, how they communicate and how they build relationships.

Speakers

Kathy Espinoza

Owner, Kathy Espinoza Speaks

Kathy Espinoza has been public speaking since 1983. She is a board-certified professional ergonomist with an MBA and a master’s degree in work science/physiology.She has been providing keynote sessions at national, state, and local conferences since 1997. She also has post-graduate... Read More →

ACSA CEL Cultivating Relationships in Workforce pdf

Thursday February 27, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am PST
Bunker Hill / Museum

General Session

10:30am PST

AI & Schools: Maximizing Efficiency and Engagement for Classified Leaders

Thursday February 27, 2025 10:30am - 11:45am PST

Watercourt

Discover how AI can empower classified leaders to revolutionize their work in schools, enhancing efficiency, engagement, and communication strategies. Led by a Director of Communications operating as a department of one, this session explores how to leverage AI to streamline time management, expedite content creation, and support collaborative communication with school leaders.

Attendees will gain insights into practical AI tools that can transform daily tasks, helping them stay organized, meet deadlines, and increase their impact across the school community. This session also highlights how AI can break down barriers to effective communication, inspire change, and foster a more connected, responsive educational environment.

Key Takeaways:

-Time Management with AI: Discover tools and techniques to organize priorities, automate scheduling, and handle tasks with ease.
-Efficient Content Creation: Learn how to use AI to quickly draft emails, reports, and memos, enhancing productivity without sacrificing quality.
-Enhanced Collaboration and Engagement: Explore strategies for using AI to build stronger connections with school leaders, staff, and families, fostering a culture of transparency and engagement.

Join us for hands-on insights and proven strategies to use AI for breaking down barriers, inspiring change, and working smarter—ideal for leaders facing today’s educational challenges with limited resources.

Speakers

Diego Perez

Director of Communications, San Mateo-Foster City ESD

Diego Perez, Director of Communications for San Mateo-Foster City School District, transformed the district's communication landscape, fostering parent and community connections. Notable achievements include revamping websites, launching the OneSMFC Podcast, and implementing an inclusive... Read More →

AI & Schools Maximizing Efficiency and Engagement for Classified Leaders pdf

Thursday February 27, 2025 10:30am - 11:45am PST
Watercourt

Concurrent Session

10:30am PST

Beyond Work/Life Balance: From Stress Management to Self-Care

Thursday February 27, 2025 10:30am - 11:45am PST

Hershey/Crocker

How do people stay motivated in their careers? How do working adults juggle life, work, relationships and kids? Does being a ‘Balanced’ person matter? We each set the tone for our coworkers and our family, as we interact and move through life. For working adults, striking a balance between work and home is always a challenge, and knowing when you are ‘out of balance’ is half the battle. This session will help you become a ‘Balanced’ person who can nurture both, career and family.

Speakers

Kathy Espinoza

Owner, Kathy Espinoza Speaks

ACSA CEL Beyond Work Life Balance Stress Management to Self Care and Beyond pdf

Thursday February 27, 2025 10:30am - 11:45am PST
Hershey/Crocker

Concurrent Session

10:30am PST

Latino Leadership: Understanding Our Tendencies

Thursday February 27, 2025 10:30am - 11:45am PST

Bradburry / Rose

This workshop, "Latino Leadership: Understanding Our Tendencies," is a dynamic and insightful exploration of the key characteristics that shape Latino leadership in the field of education. Tailored for educators, administrators, and anyone interested in fostering inclusive and culturally competent leadership practices, this session delves into the unique traits that influence leadership styles within the Latino community. Develop your understanding to support your Latino colleagues, yourself, or to better inform your leadership in the changing America where the Latino population is set to rise over 100 million by 2040.

Speakers

Dr. Juan Manuel Santos

CALSA President-Elect & Assistant Supt., H.R., CALSA & Ventura County Office of Education

Dr. Juan Manuel Santos proudly holds the position of President Elect for the prestigious California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA), an organization that supports administrators throughout the State of California. Prior to his election as President... Read More →

ACSA Classified 2025.pptx (1) pdf

Thursday February 27, 2025 10:30am - 11:45am PST
Bradburry / Rose

Concurrent Session

12:00pm PST

Networking Lunch

Thursday February 27, 2025 12:00pm - 1:15pm PST

Bunker Hill / Museum

Thursday February 27, 2025 12:00pm - 1:15pm PST
Bunker Hill / Museum

General Session

1:30pm PST

Navigating Privacy & AI in Education: A Hands-On Approach

Thursday February 27, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm PST

Bradburry / Rose

Join us to discuss cutting-edge strategies, tools, and solutions that empower classified leaders to make informed decisions about integrating AI in education.

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to shape the future of education, ensuring privacy and data security has never been more important. In this interactive, gamified session, we'll discuss the challenges and opportunities AI presents within the education landscape. We’ll guide you in developing administrative processes for your district, empowering you to confidently and ethically integrate AI tools into your classrooms.

Speakers

Antonio Romayor Jr.

Chief Operations Officer, Imperial COE

Laurel Nava

Deputy Executive Director, CITE

Laurel Nava serves as the Deputy Executive Director at CITE (California IT in Education), which is the member home for public K-12 technology professionals. Prior to this role, she worked as a Program Associate at WestEd's California Comprehensive Center, where she provided professional... Read More →

Thursday February 27, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm PST
Bradburry / Rose

Concurrent Session

1:30pm PST

The Five Ws of CA PRA Requests

Thursday February 27, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm PST

Hershey/Crocker

This experienced education law attorney will help you navigate the intricacies of the CA Public Records Act. What is the CPRA? Who can make a request? Which records are and are not required to be disclosed? When do you need to comply? Where do you look for records? And how should you fulfill requests? Also, get useful tips to train and remind staff on best practices to help ensure that embarrassing or uncomfortable information is not included in public records that may need to be disclosed.

Speakers

Cynthia Smith

Attorney At Law, '-

Cynthia M. “Cindy” Smith skillfully advises California K-12 and community college districts on a range of business and facilities matters, as well as governance issues such as Brown Act questions and parliamentary procedure queries. Cindy also helps them comply with the Public... Read More →

Mary Breffle

Attorney, '-

With an emphasis on labor and employment issues, Mary Breffle provides skillful guidance to California school districts and other education-related public agencies. She advises clients in a variety of matters, including employee discipline, employee leave and attendance, certificated... Read More →

2.27.25 ACSA CPRA Presentation (The Five Ws) F3 Law pdf

Thursday February 27, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm PST
Hershey/Crocker

Concurrent Session

1:30pm PST

Unlocking Your Potential: The Benefits of Mentorship

Thursday February 27, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm PST

Watercourt

This workshop provides details of how a strong mentoring relationship can significantly impact an individual's career trajectory, confidence, and overall well-being. A mentor can provide guidance, support, develop new skills and knowledge, and advice to help mentees reach their goals. The relationship can also provide an opportunity for the mentee to develop their own mentoring skills. Some mentoring relationships are formal, while others are informal. During this session, you will be provided with our personal experiences, as a mentor and mentee, and sharing the benefits of both a formal and informal mentoring relationship.

Speakers

Darlene Avalos

Senior Director, Human Resources, San Rafael City Schools

Darlene serves as the Senior Director, Human Resources with the San Rafael City Schools District in Marin County. She oversees all administration, coordination and evaluation of all Human Resource functions within the school district. She currently serves as Board President for CODESP... Read More →

Dr. Juan Manuel Santos

CALSA President-Elect & Assistant Supt., H.R., CALSA & Ventura County Office of Education

Unlocking Your Potential pptx

Thursday February 27, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm PST
Watercourt

Concurrent Session

2:45pm PST

Networking Break

Thursday February 27, 2025 2:45pm - 3:15pm PST

Bunker Hill Foyer

Thursday February 27, 2025 2:45pm - 3:15pm PST
Bunker Hill Foyer

Meal Function

3:15pm PST

Latest from the Capitol – Legislative Hot Topics

Thursday February 27, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm PST

Hershey/Crocker

This session will provide you the latest from Sacramento and the Legislature on hot topics, including the impacts of recent federal government orders on California’s schools. Also, with the just-released details for the Governor’s 2025-26 budget proposal now available, you will learn where the education advocates are focusing for one-time and long-term funding investments. Bring your questions and engage in the policy process.

Speakers

Dorothy Johnson

Legislative Advocate, ACSA, CalSTRS

TBD

Barrett Snider

Partner, Capitol Advisors Group

Barrett Snider is a founding partner of the firm and has spent twenty-five years working in California politics. Barrett manages the daily government relations operations of the firm. His diverse experience in both advocacy and political campaigns provides clients with valuable industry... Read More →

Classified Educational Leaders Institute Feb 2025 pdf

Thursday February 27, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm PST
Hershey/Crocker

Concurrent Session

3:15pm PST

Time to Thrive: Rethinking Time Management One Leaders at Time

Thursday February 27, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm PST

Bradburry / Rose

Come learn how to transform your approach to time management! Managing time effectively is essential for classified leaders to sustain organizational efficiency while addressing the diverse and ever-changing demands of their roles. Effective time management not only enhances individual productivity but also strengthens the systems and teams that leaders support. Leave this session equipped with practical tools to streamline your work, align efforts with your district’s priorities, and drive meaningful results across your organization.

Speakers

Priscilla Rodriguez

Project Director, Educational Leadership & Systems Design, WestEd

Priscilla serves as the Project Director Educational Leadership for WestEd’s Educational Leadership and System Design team. Priscilla provides professional development, and coaching to systems leaders, principals, and instructional coaches in the area of instructional leadership... Read More →

Ayele Dodoo, Ed.D

Director, Educational Leadership & Systems Design, WestEd

Ayele Dodoo is the Director of Educational Leadership and System Design at WestEd. In her nearly 30 years as an educator, Dodoo has taught and led at the school, district, state and university level. These experiences have solidified her expertise in high quality teaching and learning... Read More →

Dr. Teresa López Alonzo

Associate Director, School Networks, WestEd

Teresa develops the capacity of school, district, and state department leadership teams in utilizing continuous improvement practices to learn to improve desired outcomes. She leads the development, refinement and delivery of professional development training materials related to... Read More →

Rethinking Time Management ACSA CEL Institute 2025 pdf

Thursday February 27, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm PST
Bradburry / Rose

Concurrent Session

3:15pm PST

When the Heat is On: Communicating Through Conflict

Thursday February 27, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm PST

Watercourt

Keep your cool when the heat is on! So much of our job success depends on the strength of our communication. This session will increase our skill set navigating the tricky conversations that are guaranteed to come our way. Together, we will explore practical strategies to ensure you remain calm when things get heated, and help others catch that calm from you as you work towards resolution. We will apply communication strategies to de-escalate and diffuse potentially explosive situations, as well as discuss ways to avoid escalation in the first place. Additionally, we share a number of practical and immediately applicable strategies to build and repair connection in these increasingly divisive times. Learn strategies and tools today that you can use tomorrow!

Speakers

Erika Bare

Superintendent & Author, South Umpqua School District/Connecting Through Conversation

Erika has been a proud educator for over twenty years, serving in a variety of roles. She currently serves as the Superintendent of the South Umpqua School District. Erika grew up in Portland, OR, graduating from the University of Oregon with a Master’s in Education in 2001. She... Read More →

Tiffany Burns

Professor, Principal, Author, Southern Oregon University, Connecting Through Conversation

Tiffany Burns loves working with kids. In her two decades in education, she taught elementary, middle, high school, and university students. She has been an administrator since 2012 and an elementary school principal for the past nine years. This year, Tiffany is on a professional... Read More →

ACSA When the Heat is On CTC Slides pdf

CTC Handout Conversation Prep and Sentence Stems When the Heat is On docx

Thursday February 27, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm PST
Watercourt

Concurrent Session

4:30pm PST

Dinner on Own

Thursday February 27, 2025 4:30pm - 10:00pm PST

Meal Function

7:00am PST

Networking Buffet Breakfast

Friday February 28, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am PST

Bunker Hill / Museum

Friday February 28, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am PST
Bunker Hill / Museum

Meal Function

8:00am PST

A Classified Leaders's Guide to Leaves of Absence and Disability Accommodation Requirements

Friday February 28, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST

Hershey/Crocker

Classified site and department supervisors/managers can serve as the first layer of defense when ensuring employers comply with legal requirements with respect to employee leaves of absence and disability accommodations. The goal of this training session is for classified leaders to learn to:

- implement contract language with regard to verification/notification requirements;
- identify when an employee is requesting FMLA/CFRA-qualifying leave so they can be referred to HR;
- identify when an employee is requesting an accommodation because of a disability; and
learn their role in ensuring an employee is accommodated and how they may help with the interactive process, knowing everything needs to be run through HR.

Speakers

Brooke Jimenez

Partner, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo (AALRR)

Brooke Jimenez represents California public school and community college districts and county offices of education in the areas of education law, employee discipline, harassment and discrimination complaints, and contract administration. She also handles general litigation matters... Read More →

Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo

Senior Associate, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo

Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo is a full-service law firm with over 250 attorneys in nine offices throughout California. We represent both private and public sector clients, with emphasis in the areas of employment, labor, construction, education, real estate, water, general... Read More →

ACSA Classified Employee Leaves and Reasonable Accommodations(52665719.1) pdf

Friday February 28, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST
Hershey/Crocker

Concurrent Session

8:00am PST

A Path to Wellness: Empowering Leaders to Recognize Signs of Compassion Fatigue and Vicarious Trauma

Friday February 28, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST

Watercourt

Learn how to increase wellness by recognizing signs of compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma as a crucial step in promoting empathy, well-being, and resilience in yourself and teams you lead. Becoming more familiar with these concepts and how they impact the world of education will allow for prevention and early intervention to mitigate symptoms that leaders and teams may be experiencing. Normalizing conversations increases safety and awareness of self- care strategies to support wellness.

Speakers

Cara Molina

Executive Director, Ontario-Montclair School District

Cara Molina began her journey in the education field in 2003 as a Classified staff member working in Food Services and then as an Instructional Aide. As a Classified staff member, wife, and mother of five children, she was empowered by her mentors, who were all educational leaders... Read More →

Jennifer Ponce

Clinical Supervisor, LCSW, PPS, Ontario-Montclair School District

Jennifer Ponce is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Clinical Supervisor in the Ontario- Montclair school District (OMSD), Health & Wellness Services (HWS) Department. Jennifer has worked in the mental health field since 2009.Jennifer currently supports the Prevention and... Read More →

Path to Wellness 2025 ACSA Classified Summit pdf

Friday February 28, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST
Watercourt

Concurrent Session

8:00am PST

Building Pipelines: Home Grown Employees

Friday February 28, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST

Bradburry / Rose

Many organizations and school districts find themselves in competition with each other and the private sector when it comes to attracting and retaining employees. While factors like increased compensation, rewards, work-life balance, and benefits are certainly appealing, many positions still remain unfilled. At San José Unified, we’ve developed a pipeline strategy that has proven effective, with 30% of our new hires coming from employee referrals and 20% stemming from community engagement. When our employees and the broader community are educated about available roles and provided with clear pathways to achieve their career aspirations, they become truly invested in the organization. This kind of investment leads to long-term commitment and a high return of investment.

Speakers

Michelle Elliott

Hiring Manager-HR, San Jose USD

I am a high-performing Human Resources leader with extensive experience in recruitment and talent management. Strengths include developing data-driven strategies, creative problem-solving, building trust and connections in diverse communities, creating, and managing scaled systems... Read More →

Shannon Mcgee

Director – Educational Equity and Leadership, San José Unified School District

ACSA PDF pdf

Friday February 28, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST
Bradburry / Rose

Concurrent Session

9:30am PST

Family and Community Empowerment for Student Success

Friday February 28, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am PST

Hershey/Crocker

Decades of research, and collective personal experience through the pandemic, have emphatically demonstrated that students fare better academically and emotionally when families are brought in as partners and leaders with the school. For our part, schools benefit from higher attendance, better test scores, and more peaceful campuses. This session will arm participants with actionable ideas for creating sustainable, actionable alliances with the families they serve.

Speakers

Alejandro Cisneros

Coordinator, Family and Community Engagement, Alvord Unified School District

ACSA Classified Leaders pdf

Friday February 28, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am PST
Hershey/Crocker

Concurrent Session

9:30am PST

Leading Teams, Leading Change

Friday February 28, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am PST

Watercourt

Are you responsible for leading a team? Join us for a highly interactive session where you'll learn to harness the power of effective team building to proactively lead change. Learn the essence of what makes a team resilient and leave with actionable strategies for assembling effective teams and strengthen existing ones to lead impactful change in your system.

Speakers

Dr. Teresa López Alonzo

Associate Director, School Networks, WestEd

Ayele Dodoo, Ed.D

Director, Educational Leadership & Systems Design, WestEd

Priscilla Rodriguez

Project Director, Educational Leadership & Systems Design, WestEd

2025 ACSA Classified Educational Leaders Institute 02 28 25 pdf

Leading Teams 2 Stages of Group Development pdf

Feb 2025 ACSA Conference Placemat pdf

Friday February 28, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am PST
Watercourt

Concurrent Session

9:30am PST

Special Education 101 for Classified Staff

Friday February 28, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am PST

Bradburry / Rose

An overview of special education topics for classified staff that looks at hot button issues such as child find, implementing IEPs, discipline for students with disabilities, positive behavior interventions, and confidentiality of student records/information.

Speakers

Dee Anna Hassanpour

Partner, Governance & Leadership Student Services & Special Education, F3 Law

Bringing passion and a multifaceted knowledge base to her practice, Dee Anna Hassanpour represents clients throughout California in all aspects of special education law. She guides school districts in litigation and due process hearings, pleadings, mediations and settlements before... Read More →

2025.02.19 SPED 101 (ACSA Classified Leaders Institute) pdf

Friday February 28, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am PST
Bradburry / Rose

Concurrent Session

11:00am PST

Closing General Session with Diane Allen

Friday February 28, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PST

Bunker Hill / Museum

Speakers

Diane Allen

Flow State Speaker, Violinist, Author, Diane Allen

International Speaker and Violinist Diane Allen is a TEDx/TED Speaker, and Thought Leader who speaks on increasing the meaning, joy, and fulfillment in one's work and life by accessing the flow state. As the author of Flow: Unlock Your Genius, Love What You Do, Diane shares her insights... Read More →

Friday February 28, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PST
Bunker Hill / Museum

General Session

12:00pm PST

Grab & Go

Friday February 28, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm PST

Bunker Hill Foyer

Friday February 28, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm PST
Bunker Hill Foyer

Meal Function