2024 ACSA Leadership Summit

This session explores the notions of self care, underpinned by Nell Noddings' four components of care: modeling, dialogue, practice, and confirmation. While we explore the four components we will develop our "Continuum of Self Care" and reflect on how we can apply our continuums of self care to our work in schools, with colleagues, and as administrators.

The CSBA Golden Bell Award Caring–Accessible–Resources–Emotional Well Being Program is a comprehensive/data driven support program that serves all district students and seeks to authentically connect students with highly trained staff: person-to-person and heart-to-heart. Each student brings their own story; some with a smile and eagerness to learn - others hungry and carrying heart breaking trauma. Knowing these challenges, it is imperative that we connect to meet their academic growth and social-emotional wellness.

Many California Districts are experiencing declining enrollment and the need to consider closing or reconfiguring schools. These decisions are often accompanied by emotional and logistical complexities that impact students, staff, and the community at large. This session uses the experience of one district’s process, data-metrics used, and challenges to provide resources and real-world experiences to help districts navigate the multifaceted process of school closures effectively.

A school leader that is skilled and emotionally balanced can work smarter and not harder in both their personal and professional life. Monitoring the heart by prioritizing self care followed by practical leadership strategies that assist in fostering safe, inclusive and high functioning schools is key to successful leadership and equitable outcomes for students.