Leadership Fellows Program

The priority application deadline for Leadership Fellows is July 15th.

The job of an independent school leader is complicated, demanding, and rewarding. Often working directly with various constituent groups, school leaders require a myriad of skills in order to lead, to collaborate effectively, and to have impact. With an ever-more complicated world landscape, it’s essential to not only be an effective leader but also make the work joyful and sustainable by better knowing oneself and the needs of the position.

This Fellowship for experienced educators from throughout California supports the unique demands of independent school leaders—the only program of its kind in the state! Facilitated by two Heads of School (one former and one new to the role), the Leadership Fellows Program offers time for personal reflection on one’s leadership journey, practical knowledge and skill development specifically targeted to independent school leadership, as well as supportive professional connections.

The program opens with a two-day retreat in Santa Barbara designed to allow the cohort to connect and reflect as well as engage in sessions designed to hone leadership capacities. Other sessions include topics on mission and culture, diverse and inclusive school communities, school finance, and governance. Case studies, problem-based discussions, and relevant readings will challenge participants to reflect on their roles and encourage the development of their skills for their work in their current schools.

Goals:

• To provide experienced preK-12 leaders with the knowledge, skills, and resources important for senior level leadership
• To address topics such as leadership EQ, communication, team building, systems thinking, strategic planning, and organizational health and behavior
• To develop and strengthen relationships and networks of support among school leaders

CATDC is delighted to bring Leadership Fellows back in person this year, and the program includes an overnight intensive Santa Barbara retreat in October, followed by three day-long sessions, alternating between sites in Northern and Southern California. In addition, participants will have the opportunity for a virtual individual mentoring session with one of the facilitators mid-way through the program.

AUDIENCE

Individuals who aspire to be senior leaders and/or heads of school. Preferably individuals with five years experience in a senior leadership capacity in academic roles (academic deans, division directors or deans of curriculum/teaching and learning, DEI) or non-academic ones (admissions, development, communications, or business office).

DATES

• RETREAT: October 27 - 28, 2022 at Upham Hotel in Santa Barbara, CA
• SESSION 1: December 9, 2022 | 10:00am - 3:00pm | Hotel Amarano in Burbank, CA
• SESSION 2: January 13, 2023 | 10:00am - 3:00pm | Children's Day School in San Francisco, CA
• COACHING SESSION: March 1 or March 2, 2023 | Virtual
• SESSION 4: March 3, 2023 | 10:00am - 3:00pm | Hotel Amarano in Burbank, CA

APPLICATION PROCESS

Enrollment in this program is limited and by application only.  Requirements for consideration of admission to this program include: 

• Priority applications are due July 15 with our first round of participants announced early August.  All applications are due by September 15 with our full cohort announced on October 1. Please find our application form here.
• Pay a $500 program deposit here on eventbrite

COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS

CATDC and our host schools l will be working together to do all we can to ensure your health and safety over the course of our retreat and four sessions, monitoring closely nationwide, state, and local updates and recommendations. We ask that you do not attend if you are infected with Covid, have Covid symptoms, or have had close contact with someone who is infected in the last 10 days.

All participants in this program need to be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines and show a copy of their COVID-19 vaccination card (with booster or boosters) before attending. You are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines when you have received all doses in the primary series and all boosters recommended for you, when eligible.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Life happens. We understand that there will be times when you cannot attend a workshop that you have registered and paid for. Below we have outlined our cancellation and refund policy, which we have in place to ensure the most accurate numbers when we secure well in advance locations, catering, and facilitators. Thank you for understanding.

For this in-person workshops refunds are available up to 14 days before the scheduled starting date. We are unable to provide refunds for cancellations made 13 days or less prior to the workshop.

Please contact us by email as soon as you know you cannot attend a workshop.

You will receive a full refund if CATDC chooses to cancel this event.