Classified Supervisory Leadership Academy

October 16-18, 2025

Location: AALRR Conference Center (3rd Floor)View Map

Are your district's classified supervisors ready to face the complex employee challenges that arise daily?

Traditionally, supervisors have had to navigate the delicate shift from peer to manager on their own, often relying on the example set by previous supervisors or reacting to situations without preparation or training. Without proper training and mentorship, this approach can leave supervisors ill-prepared for leadership challenges.

The Classified Supervisor Leadership Academy provides supervisors and managers with practical, foundational leadership tools to adapt and thrive in their unique and dynamic work environment and to create a cohesive team. By imparting essential and proven practices that foster positive, high-performing relationships within teams, promote win-win/strategic communication, and deliver core knowledge regarding personnel matters, this Academy ensures that classified supervisors can lead their teams effectively, reduce grievances and complaints, and master the people-centric skills vital to the success of both the supervisor and the organization. The Classified Leadership Academy is a game-changer, transforming frontline supervisors into confident, highly skilled, people-first leaders.

The Classified Supervisory Leadership Academy offers a focused, 2.5-day, in-person professional training program designed for current and aspiring classified supervisors, leads, and managers to build essential leadership, communication, and operational skills that address actual, on-the-ground challenges and opportunities faced by classified leaders each day. This immersive, interactive format allows participants to step away from daily distractions and fully engage in practical learning, collaboration, and peer connection. Face-to-face interaction fosters real-time discussion, stronger professional networks, and a more unified classified leadership community across departments and districts.

Whether you are new to supervision or looking to refine your leadership style, this Academy offers comprehensive training in the core areas supervisors need to succeed.

Core Learning Topics

I. Foundations of Leadership

Gain clarity on what it means to be a leader in today’s education environment and explore the foundational mindset and values of successful leadership.

Managers are Leaders: Introduction to Leadership
Essential Soft Skills for Leadership
Mastering Win-Win Communication

II. Leading Individuals and Teams

Master the essential skills needed to support and elevate team performance.

Essential Operational Skills for Managers and Supervisors
Supporting and Increasing Individual Performance
Building a Cohesive Team Culture

III. Managing Difficult Conversations, Conflict, and Compliance

Navigate complex employee relations and ensure you remain compliant with labor laws and expectations.

Difficult conversations, conflict management, and de-escalation protocols
Raising the Bar on Accountability: The FRISK® Model
Managing Labor Issues and Grievances
Identifying Leave of Absence and Disability Issues

IV. Applied Leadership in Action

Put your leadership skills to the test through case studies and collaborative reflection.

Leadership Case Studies and Group Reflection
Applying leadership principles with real-world scenarios
Adapting your leadership style to diverse people and situations
Final team debrief and celebration

Who Should Attend:

Classified Supervisors, Leads, Coordinators, and any classified employee preparing for or transitioning into a leadership role.

Registration Includes:

Training materials
Breakfast and lunch
Certificate of completion
Classified Corner - As part of your Academy registration, you will be automatically enrolled in our monthly Classified Corner (every 1^st Friday of the month).

Academy Faculty

Marci Williams

Marci Williams, Senior Associate

Stephen McCray

Stephen McCray, Ed.D.

Academy Programming and Curriculum

Thursday, October 16, 2025
8:00 a.m.-8:30 a.m.	Registration, Light Breakfast & Materials Pick-Up
8:00 a.m.-9:15 a.m.	Welcome & Icebreaker Activity (Team introductions & expectations)
9:15 a.m.-10:30 a.m.	Session 1: Managers are Leaders · Leadership defined · Transitioning to leadership
10:30 a.m.-10:40 a.m.	Break
10:40 a.m.-12:00 p.m.	Continued Session 1 and Introduce Session 2: Essential Leadership Skills ·Decision-making & Delegation
12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.	Lunch (Provided)
1:00 p.m.-2:15 p.m.	Continued Session 2: Essential Leadership Skills ·Decision-making & Delegation
2:15 p.m.-2:25 p.m.	Break
2:25 p.m.-4:45 p.m.	Session 3: The Art & Science of Communication ·Clear, concise, consistent communication
4:45 p.m.-5:00 p.m.	Reflection & Wrap-Up
5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.	Networking Reception
Friday, October 17, 2025
8:00 a.m.-8:30 a.m.	Light Breakfast & Check-In
8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m.	Session 4: Soft Skills for Leadership · Empathy, Adaptability, Problem-Solving
10:00 a.m.-10:10 a.m.	Break
10:10 a.m.-11:45 a.m.	Session 5: Supporting Individual Performance · Coaching and Mentoring
11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.	NETWORKING LUNCH (Provided)
12:45 p.m.-2:00 p.m.	Session 6: Employee Accountability - FRISK® Model
2:00 p.m.-2:10 p.m.	Break
2:10 p.m.-3:30 p.m.	Continue Session 6: Employee Accountability - FRISK® Model
3:30 p.m.-4:45 p.m.	Session 7: Team Culture Building · Trust, Collaboration, Inclusivity
4:45 p.m.-5:00 p.m.	Reflection & Wrap-Up
6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.	DINNER
Saturday, October 18, 2025
8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m.	BREAKFAST
9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.	Session 9: Identifying Leave of Absences & Disability Issues Objective: Identify and support employees with leaves or reasonable accommodation · Learn basic leave and disability laws and how to identify and appropriately respond · Comply with leave laws while effectively managing excessive absenteeism · Understand effective strategies to support regular and reliable attendance
10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.	Session 10: Leadership Case Studies and Celebration Objective: Apply leadership principles to manage different team dynamics effectively · Overview of the Leadership model using case studies · Importance of adapting leadership style to different situations and individuals · Team reflection, evaluation, and celebration
11:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.	DRAWINGS AND PRIZES HOTEL CHECKOUT

Academy Registration:

Registration Includes:

Training materials
Breakfast and lunch daily
Certificate of completion

$1,800 | Includes Certificate of Completion & Education Law Conference admission (November 13, 2025 Sacramento or November 17, 2025 Cerritos, breakfast, dinner and comprehensive notebook)

Hotel Information

We have obtained a block of rooms at the Cerritos Sheraton. Please make sure to mention "AALRR" to receive the room discount rate of $185 per night.