2025 ACSA Equity Institute

A positive, inclusive, and connective school community lays a foundation for student success social-emotionally, behaviorally, and academically. In this workshop, we will highlight strategies for using the principles of restorative practices with student voice at the center to achieve this goal. We will focus on utilizing initial professional development to lay the groundwork and then training students on the skills of restorative practices. They can then serve as leaders in classrooms so that all students gain the skills of tier one restorative justice through relationship and community building and circle practice. Some of the skills we focus on are active listening, affective statements, and restorative dialogue. Through activities and circle practice, we work to build community with teachers and staff also learning through student leadership. Our presenting team includes an administrator, a safe and inclusive schools coordinator and two students.

Join us for an empowering session aimed at advancing the career of multicultural educational leaders. Discover strategies for professional growth through storytelling and networking while learning to harness the power of the cultural and immigrant experience of the global majority in today’s educational landscape. Drawing from our AANHPI experiences, we will highlight the importance of diverse perspectives in fostering inclusivity and driving meaningful change. Together, we will issue a call to action to uplift one another, creating a supportive network that champions representation and equity. Come ready to connect and leave inspired and confident in your ability to pursue roles in educational leadership for change.

Presentation

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence; it is self-preservation and that is an act of political warfare.” Audre Lorde
Now, more than ever, self-care is critical, not optional – and it’s linked to my signature approach to R.E.S.T (Restoratively Embracing Self Today). Self-care includes all the things you do to take care of your well-BEing in seven key dimensions, including our spiritual health. Anchoring to the work of other thought-leaders in the rest movement, Tovi guides us through experiential contemplative practices, reflection, and discussion. Participants will begin to assess the shifts we need to make in our lives to re-store ourselves to greater wellness....and how this powerfully links to giving those we lead permission to do the same. Of course, we also explore aspects of self-care and REST through the lens of equity and inclusion - and how rest is a key strategy for high-achieving and innovative, creative leaders. In this highly transformative experience, Tovi gives the opportunity to identify and evaluate your own strategies and create a personal R.E.S.T plan rooted in self-care practices that rely on choices, not a bank account.

Dr. Robin Avelar La Salle will provide valuable perspective and tips on how to prioritize student outcomes amidst challenging political times. How can leaders effectively balance many competing interests while keeping the primary focus on what matters most—our students? Be prepared to be enlightened, challenged (in the best possible way), and inspired.
1. Tips on how to prioritize student outcomes
2. Overview of learning acceleration formula
3. Most common systemic inequity traps

During the session, we will explore self-care through developing self-awareness and strategies for mindfulness. We will expand on how these tools can also be adapted in a team environment to support accessibility and inclusivity in diverse teams. We will also share a tool to assess emotional engagement at work and how teams can support the well-being of all team members through structured routines. The practices in the session are rooted in Liberatory Design Mindsets, including: practicing self-awareness, building relational trust, and working to transform power.

This session will share research based approaches that inform the design of affinity groups that uplift, amplify, and empower underrepresented leaders to thrive in their work environments. Using the work of the UC Berkeley Leadership Programs as well as the 21st Century California School Leadership Academy, we will share concrete ways to facilitate powerful professional learning that supports leader of color retention and effectiveness. Specifically, we will share about a successful district based leaders of color network as well as regionally based affinity groups for African American, AAPI, and Latinx leaders.