Expand your horizons with Leadership WSSDA
Over the past 16 years, more than 200 school directors have spent a year exploring their leadership capacity with a small group of colleagues from around the state through the Leadership WSSDA program.
About Leadership WSSDA
Leadership WSSDA is designed to let experienced school directors deeply explore educational and personal leadership. The program also provides highly engaging, place-based learning that connects participants with state and local leaders. Leadership WSSDA graduates have gone on to become state leaders themselves, serving on WSSDA committees, the WSSDA board as officers, and even in the state legislature.
Coming in 2022
Beginning in January, this biennial program will take place over five two-day learning experiences throughout 2022. Each session will focus on a specific topic and typically include dedicated time with the state superintendent of public instruction, legislators, education experts, and other state leaders. Sessions will be held in different locations around the state to facilitate access to guest speakers and allow participants to explore innovative programs and unique solutions.
Applications open soon
This program is designed for school directors with at least two years of school board experience. Newer board members are encouraged to participate in Board Boot Camp and OnBoard professional development opportunities.
Graduates of Leadership WSSDA regularly cite the relationships they develop within the close-knit cohort as one of the most appreciated aspects of the program. The application window for 2022 opens in December.
What Leadership WSSDA graduates say about the program
I learned so much from stories and experiences shared by my fellow class members. It was also an affirmation of my growth, realizing that I had experiences and knowledge to share as well.
The most valuable aspect of Leadership WSSDA was the relationships built during our time together. They have had a lasting impact me.
The greatest benefit for me was the connections I made with education leaders from all over the state. When I have a question or need information, I have an experienced and knowledgeable resource base from which to draw.
The guest speakers were a most special treat, as they had a tremendous wealth of knowledge and wisdom from decades of experience to share.
Leadership WSSDA has value for everyone, whether you’ve been a director for two years or twenty. One of the most encouraging things for me was to learn that other districts face problems similar to the ones we have in our district and to share solutions together.
This article was originally featured in the Fall 2021 issue of Direct. Visit wssda.org/direct to see all the latest issues.