Classified Leadership Academy
Presented by the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators & FranklinCovey
Leadership Growth Starts Here.
The Classified Leadership Academy empowers school staff to elevate their daily work, strengthen leadership habits, and build the skills and confidence needed to grow into formal leadership roles. By applying the 7 Habits in job‑embedded experiences, this program creates clear pathways, practical support, and meaningful opportunities for advancement.
Participation in the academy includes complimentary registration for Summer Institute 2026 and Focus on Results 2027.
This opportunity is available exclusively to CALSA members. Not a member yet? Join today to access the academy and year-round opportunities to grow, connect, and lead with our statewide familia.
Who This Program Serves
Classified (non‑certificated) school and district employees who want to grow in leadership and prepare for promotion or expanded responsibilities — including, but not limited to, office staff, instructional aides/paraeducators, business services, nutritional services, public relations, before and afterschool programs, transportation, custodial and maintenance staff, cafeteria staff, and other classified team members.
Program Experience
Kickoff at Summer Institute 2026 (In-Person)
Begin your journey with a one-day, experiential 7 Habits training at the Summer Institute. This session introduces the Habits, establishes cohort norms, and fosters meaningful connections with colleagues. Supervisors are strongly encouraged to attend to build shared language and support your ongoing growth and development.
Virtual Professional Learning Sessions
Continue your learning through a series of guided virtual sessions designed to deepen your practice, strengthen leadership skills, and support real-time application in your role.
Culmination & Graduation (In-Person)
Conclude the program by celebrating your growth, reflecting on your leadership journey, and honoring your accomplishments alongside your cohort.
Key Information
Key Information
Program Details
Registration Cost
$2,500
Cohort Size
Limited to 30 participants
Program Timeline
June 27, 2026 – May 31, 2027
Session Times
Virtual sessions will be held from 4:00–5:00 PM
Location
Hybrid format: In-person and virtual sessions
Core Focus Areas
Self-Leadership
Develop self-leadership by applying habits of effectiveness to how participants think, act, and prioritize their work each day.
Leadership Impact
Expand leadership impact by building trust, strengthening communication, and fostering collaboration across teams and roles.
Learning Outcomes
Purpose & Alignment
Articulate a personal mission statement and align daily actions with what matters most.
Ownership of Growth
Demonstrate ownership of personal growth by initiating meaningful conversations and identifying clear next steps for development.
Collaborative Leadership
Apply collaborative leadership skills to contribute to or lead improvements that positively impact team effectiveness and workplace culture.
Communication & Trust
Strengthen communication through listening-first practices, clarity, and respect, building trust and effectiveness in everyday interactions.
Important Dates & Deadlines
Registration Opens: April 13, 2026
Registration Closes: May 31, 2026
Program Start Date: June 27, 2026
Program Contacts
For questions or additional information, please connect with our program coordinators:
Jessica Ochoa, M.Ed.
Chief Executive Officer, CALSA
Jennifer Duston, M.Ed.
Leadership Client Partner, FranklinCovey
jennifer.duston@franklincovey.com
Dr. Candace Singh
Leadership Coach and Consultant, FranklinCovey
Program Facilitator
Dr. Candace Singh
Dr. Candy Singh is a nationally recognized educational leader, executive coach, and speaker with more than 35 years of experience in K–12 and higher education. She began her career as a classified employee—serving as an instructional aide and bus driver—and went on to become a teacher, principal, district leader, and superintendent, leading transformative work to improve outcomes for students and staff.
Dr. Singh is known for creating cultures of trust, engagement, and high performance, and now works with leaders across the country to build leadership capacity and develop organizations where people feel valued, inspired, and empowered to do their best work.
Leadership Coach and Consultant
FranklinCovey
Academy Sessions
Leadership development is an inside-out journey. This academy is designed around a powerful progression: from personal effectiveness, to relational effectiveness, to leadership impact.
Participants will first build the habits that strengthen self-leadership, then apply those habits to build strong, trust-centered relationships, and ultimately expand their influence as leaders who elevate others and shape positive, thriving cultures.
Leading Self First: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership
Build the habits of personal effectiveness by clarifying priorities, taking ownership of your choices, and strengthening the way you show up to lead yourself and others.
Kickoff at Summer Institute 2026 (In-Person)
June 27, 2026
The Power of Together: Creating Results Through Synergy
September 10, 2026 (Virtual)
Learn how to leverage diverse perspectives and foster collaboration to create stronger teams and better outcomes.
Sustaining the Leader Within: Renew, Reflect, and Recharge
November 19, 2026 (Virtual)
Explore strategies to maintain balance, resilience, and energy so you can continue to grow and lead effectively.
From Control to Trust: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
January 2027 (In Person)
Examine how your beliefs about people and leadership shape your impact, and learn to lead in ways that build trust and unlock potential.
Modeling the Way: Leading Through Example and Integrity
March 18, 2027 (Virtual)
Strengthen your credibility and influence by aligning your actions with your values and leading by example every day.
Unlocking Potential: Extending Trust and Inspiring Greatness
Discover how to empower others, build trust, and create meaningful connections that elevate performance and engagement.
May 13, 2027 (Virtual)
Celebrating the Journey: Leadership, Growth, and Legacy
Honor your growth, reflect on your leadership journey, and commit to the impact you will continue to make moving forward.
June 2027 (In Person)
This academy is proudly presented by
