Since its inception nearly 20 years ago, the Leadership WSSDA program has shaped over 200 school directors into stronger leaders. Designed for school directors with at least two years of experience, Leadership WSSDA helps participants deepen their personal and professional capacity for leadership.
Participants will enjoy highly engaging, place-based learning that connects them with state and local leaders. Graduates of the program have become leaders at the state level themselves, serving on WSSDA committees, the WSSDA Board of Directors, and even in the Legislature. Ten graduates have gone on to become WSSDA presidents.
Take Your Leadership to the Next Level
The Leadership WSSDA program provides the time and framework to examine today’s most important education issues with other experienced school board members. There is very little lecture time. Participants will be up and moving, engaging with each other in one-on-one discussions, group activities, and actively learning. The curriculum may also include reading articles and books between classes to enrich discussion around current education and leadership topics.
For Experienced Board Members
Leadership WSSDA is for school directors with at least two years of school board experience. Those with fewer than two years on their board are not eligible to apply for this program. Instead, newer school board members are encouraged to participate in WSSDA’s Board Boot Camp and OnBoard professional learning opportunities. Also, serving on a WSSDA committee is a great way to build experience.
2025 Schedule and Topics
Participants will enjoy visits by expert speakers and field trips to facilitate in-depth learning. School directors admitted to the program will need to commit to all five sessions, though exceptions could occur in rare circumstances.
The program starts with two sessions that lay a foundation for thinking and learning about leadership together, and then we travel to new locations around the state for our third and fourth sessions. Our final session is at Annual Conference.
Note that for the program to run, we will need a full cohort of 20 participants.
Leadership Defined
February 6-7
At the WSSDA office and Capitol Campus in Olympia
Leadership for Influence
March 20-21
At the Lacey Hampton Inn & Suites and OSPI in Olympia
Leadership for All
May 29-30
Location TBD
Leadership for Change
September 26-27
Location TBD
Leadership for Life & Graduation from the Program
November 19-20
At the Hyatt Regency in Seattle in conjunction with 2025 WSSDA Annual Conference
Tuition
The tuition of $1,200 covers the cost to run the program plus meals and snacks to keep participants energized. Tuition does not include the cost of travel and lodging.
Most school districts fully or partially cover the costs for school directors to participate in Leadership WSSDA as part of their investment in the board’s professional development. Scholarships may be available for those whose school district does not fund their participation.
Refunds
If a registrant suddenly becomes unable to participate, half of tuition (50%) is refundable following the first session and prior to the second session. After the second session, no refunds will be given.