ACSA Region 6 Annual Conference 2026

This presentation shares the story of my ten-year journey as a school administrator in Title I schools, highlighting the complex and deeply human work of principalship. Through real experiences and lessons learned, I illuminate the essential ingredients of effective school leadership—the art of relationships, the courage of risk-taking, and the science of systems and instruction.

Participants will explore how school culture is shaped, sustained, and transformed; examine the routines and ways of working that either accelerate or hinder progress; and understand the critical role that teams play in a school’s success. The session will offer practical strategies for investing in people, nurturing trust, and building high-performing teams that move a school forward with clarity, purpose, and collective efficacy.

Project Para is an Alameda County Office of Education initiative addressing educator shortages and instructional gaps by investing directly in entry-level paraprofessionals. The program seeks to relieve paraprofessional shortages across the county by investing in local community members, providing pedagogical training, and embedding career advancement support. Through cross-divisional collaboration—uniting the Superintendent’s Office, Whole Child Programs, Intensive District Support, and the Professional Advancement & Training Hub—Project Para demonstrates how investing in paraprofessionals may improve student outcomes, advance equity, and drive systems change by redesigning educator pipelines from the community to the classroom.

This session explores how storytelling strengthens advocacy for public education. Participants will learn how powerful narratives influence policy, build community trust, and highlight the transformative impact of schools, educators, and student experiences. Featuring ACSA resources and focusing on ACSA's "One Voice Platform", participants explore how story‑driven strategies to elevate educator voices and clearly communicate the value of public education to stakeholders—from legislators to families. Attendees will craft compelling stories that inspire action, foster partnerships, and support equitable opportunities for all students.