Leadership in Practice: A K-12 Leadership Learning Series - Center for Professional Development and Education Reform

Leadership in Practice: A K-12 Leadership Learning Series.

The Center for Professional Development and Education Reform at the Warner School of Education is pleased to offer a series of short, monthly, virtual professional learning sessions designed for building and district leaders. Sessions are open to current and aspiring leaders.

No cost, but registration is required.

Leader as Coach: Accountability and Improved Outcomes

This interactive workshop will explore the benefits of a school leader utilizing a coach approach with staff. Coaching skills help administrators move from a position of directing to developing others to become able to independently function and be motivated towards positive results. We will explore what it means to be “coach like” to facilitate the likelihood of staff accepting responsibility and taking actions for improved outcomes. Concrete strategies and shifts in approaches will be provided.

Presenter: Maureen Stone, Ed.D.

Audience Building and District Level Administrators, Instructional Coaches, and Leadership Coaches

Date & Time: Tuesday, October 27, 2026 from 8:00 am – 9:00 am

Designing WITH not FOR: Leading Human-Centered Design

We’ll explore the practical side of human-centered design: How do you create the structures, routines, and conditions that make co-design sustainable, not just a one-time event? What leadership mindsets and skills are required to move from intention to implementation? And how does all of this connect to the ongoing work and momentum of NY Inspires?

Presenter: Kathy Graupman

Audience Administrators and Teachers

Date & Time: Thursday, November 19, 2026 from 8:00 am – 9:00 am

Building and Supporting a Culture of Data Use

How do we develop a culture of inquiry? What teams do we have in place to review and analyze data and monitor student progress? This session will explore the important role of leaders in using data to inform instructional practice. Topics will range from how to build a data culture, data and assessment literacy, ethical decision making and cultural competence in the data process, and assessing teacher capacity in planning for professional learning.

Presenter: Deborah Baker, Ph.D.

Audience Building and District Administrators and Instructional Coaches

Date & Time: Tuesday, December 15, 2026 from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

High Performing Teams: Getting the Most out of Your Team and Sharing in the Work of Leadership

This session will help leaders develop representative, cross-functional leadership teams that distribute decision-making, elevate diverse voices, and advance equity, student well-being, and school improvement. Using data-driven planning, clear team structures, and shared accountability, schools will empower educators, families, students, and mental health professionals to lead strategic priorities. This session will strengthen leadership capacity, improve collaboration, and create sustainable systems that drive continuous
improvement.

Presenter: Brandy Reeves

Audience Principals, Assistant Principals, and Teacher Leaders

Date & Time: Tuesday, January 26, 2027 from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

From Vision to Action: Building Systems That Last – Mission, Vission, and Continuous Improvement

Move beyond creating a strategic plan to building the systems that bring it to life. This session explores how to align leadership structures, implement meaningful routines, and sustain district priorities over time. Participants will examine common barriers to implementation, avoid initiative overload, and identify practical strategies that keep strategic work focused, aligned, and impactful.

Presenter: Christopher Barnard

Audience District and Building Level Administrators

Date & Time: Wednesday, February 24, 2027 from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Creating and Implementing a Building-wide Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum for Middle School Students

Presenter: Betsy Paddock, Ed.D.

Audience Middle School/Jr. High Building Level Leaders, Directors of Mental Health, and Building Level Administrators

Date & Time: Thursday, March 11, 2027 from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Engaging All Partners in Change

This session focuses on a program is designed to engage and use varied partners (administrators, teacher leaders, teachers, staff, caregivers, community liaisons, etc.) to determine a need, design a change initiative, and implement the change with fidelity. It is important to note that this will focus on resources to use to prevent the change process from moving in a negative direction (i.e., using bargaining unit contracts/leaders, research, and understanding the people/focus of the group members/school.

Presenter: Michelle Cramer

Audience Building and District Level Administrators and Teacher Leaders

Date & Time: Wednesday, April 21, 2027 from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Strength-Based Leadership Through the Lens of Positive Psychology: Practical, Evidence-based Tools to Enhance Your Leadership Style

Strengths based leadership, grounded in positive psychology, shifts focus from fixing problems to developing what helps educators thrive. Because relationships drive learning, leaders play a crucial role in shaping school culture. This session introduces three practical tools-character strengths, strengths veruse/underuse, and strengths spotting-to boost engagement, confidence, and professional growth.

Presenter: Carolyn Rabidoux and Heidi Kaufman

Audience Building and District Level Administrators and Administrative Coaches

Date & Time: Tuesday, May 18, 2027 from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm