
The Leaders to Watch Academy
Get coach, mentor, and peer support as you level up your career
These days, school leaders have an unbelievably complex job. It’s not just balancing instruction and management anymore. Now there are curriculum wars, staff shortages, students with Covid-related trauma...and of course, testing.
You don’t have to shoulder these burdens alone, with no guidance or camaraderie. Join the Academy that is grounded in the research-based Schools to Watch program and backed by a 153-school network in California.
You’ll finish the program with a strong support system, a completed capstone project, certification as a Leader to Watch, CEUs, and the confidence to take your school exactly where you want it to go.
Become part of the pilot program beginning Summer 2023!
Complete the form to receive updates on the Academy!
Facts at a glance
For
LTW will give you the evidence-based structure, tools, and mentoring you need to successfully engage your entire faculty in school improvement. High school leaders who appreciate a whole-child, developmentally-responsive focus are also welcome.
Duration
Join a close-knit group of peers, coaches, mentors, and instructors for a 12-month learning journey that will transform your skillset and perspective as a school leader.
Learning
Hybrid (80% online, 20% in-person)
Mostly asynchronous to accommodate busy schedules
Average of 4 hours per month (instruction, mentoring, school visits, and action plan)
Results
Earn certification from the 40-year nonprofit, California League of Educators
Fees
Schools to Watch: $3,999 per person*
Non-Schools to Watch: $4,999 per person
2 or more from the same school, $500 off per person
Keys
Instruction by school leaders and experts
Small-group coaching and 1:1 mentoring
Action plan development for participant’s school
Personal leadership goal development for participant
MENTORS
You will be matched with a successful Schools to Watch principal as a personal mentor for monthly check-ins.
COACHES
Coaches will lead instructional sessions with guest experts and facilitate small coaching groups that will help you design, implement, measure, and refine your action plan.

Upon successful mastery of the course,
you will be able to:
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Feel confident in your ability to rally your people to a shared vision grounded in equity, the whole child, and student-centered learning.
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Prioritize the well-being of staff, students, and families in order to establish the conditions for learning recovery and a trajectory toward excellence.
Course Topics
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Leading schools successfully during and after the pandemic
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Reflecting on school practices using qualitative and quantitative evidence
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Leadership and systems research
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The Schools to Watch framework, rubric, and network of model schools
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Building a culture of belonging and compassionate continuous improvement
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Centering equity and culturally responsive practices
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SMART-goal based action plans
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Supporting students with disabilities, English learners, foster and unhoused youth, and other vulnerable populations
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Taking care of staff, families, and the community
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Academic excellence and learning recovery
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SEL, social equity, and developmental responsiveness
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Leader self-care/leadership style/personal goals
Complete the form to receive updates on the Academy!
About California League of Educators
California League of Educators (CLE) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that offers practitioner-led professional development for educators, by educators. In the past 41 years, CLE has provided professional learning to over 80,000 educators. CLE oversees a network of 152 California Schools to Watch model middle schools, and has provided services to districts and schools through multiple federal and foundation grants.
Information is subject to change.
*Must hold a current Schools to Watch membership