September 27, 2019 – There are few things better than engaging in hands-on learning with excited school district leaders. That’s how I spent a recent Friday in San Jose, California with EIA K12. In a room of committed California school district leaders, we broke down the difference between current trends and traditions in education practices, and shared innovative leadership strategies.

I have spent my career involved in the many aspects of changing public systems to make the large changes necessary to be relevant in rapidly changing environments. Large or small, a school district is a multifaceted system with many different components. Often it is the largest employer in a region. So being a change agent requires being aware of modern trends, technologies and teaching needs while also being able to motivate others to move forward with you. And often this may take place against a backdrop of limited budgets.

These district leaders were in the first session of regular conferences and virtual meetings over the next nine months. This is the fourth cohort conducted by EIAK12, and is another example of how working in networks can mean we all are learning from each other.