Leadership Fellows Program

The job of an independent school leader can be complicated and rewarding—and on some days, it’s pretty darn tough. Often working directly with many constituent groups, school leaders require a myriad of interpersonal and professional skills in order to lead, to collaborate effectively, and to have impact. With an ever-more complicated world landscape, it’s essential to not only be an effective leader but also make the work joyful and sustainable by better knowing oneself and the needs of the position.
This Fellowship for experienced educators from throughout California supports the unique demands of independent school leaders—the only program of its kind in the state! Facilitated by two Heads of School (one former and one current), the Leadership Fellows Program offers time for personal reflection on one’s leadership journey, practical knowledge and skill development specifically targeted to independent school leadership, as well as supportive professional connections.
The program opens with a two-day retreat in Santa Barbara designed to allow the cohort to connect and reflect as well as engage in sessions designed to hone leadership capacities. Other sessions might include case studies, problem-based discussions, career planning and strategy, and activities that will challenge participants to reflect on their roles and encourage the development of their leadership skills.

Goals:

• To provide experienced preK-12 leaders with the knowledge, skills, and resources important for senior level leadership;
• To provide time and space to “see oneself” clearly and reflect on where each person is–uniquely–in their leadership journey;
• To address topics such as leadership EQ, communication, team building, systems thinking, strategic planning, and organizational health;
• To develop and strengthen relationships and networks of support among school leaders.
  CATDC is delighted to structure Leadership Fellows in primarily an in-person model with three in person meetings and two on-line meetings to stay connected between sessions. In addition to  a two night retreat in Santa Barbara, we will include two virtual cohort check-ins, and two in person day-long sessions, one in Northern and one in Southern California. In addition, participants will visit a colleague’s school in their area and have a virtual individual mentoring session with one of the facilitators.
  AUDIENCE
  Individuals who are or aspire to be senior leaders and/or heads of school. Preferably participants will have five years experience in a leadership capacity in academic roles (academic deans, division directors or deans of curriculum/teaching and learning, DEI) or non-academic ones (admissions, development, communications, or finance).
  By registering for this workshop, you will also be added to our mailing list to receive updates about future programs, resources, and events. You can unsubscribe at any time.
  SCHEDULE
  RETREAT: October 24 - 26, 2025 at The Upham Hotel in Santa Barbara
  SESSION 1: December 12, 2025 | 10:00am - 12:00pm | Virtual
  SESSION 2: January 9, 2026 | 10:00am - 12:00pm | Virtual
  COACHING SESSION: Virtual
  SESSION 3: March 13, 2026 | 10:30am - 3:30pm | Northern CA Location TBD
  SESSION 4: May 1, 2026 | 10:30am - 3:30pm | Southern CA Location TBD
  CANCELLATION POLICY
  Life happens. We understand that there will be times when you cannot attend a workshop that you have registered and paid for.
  Registration may be transferred to a different person up to 7 days before a session. However refunds will not be given, and a session missed for any reason will not be refunded.
  Below we have outlined our cancellation and refund policy, which we have in place to ensure the most accurate numbers when we secure well in advance locations, catering, and facilitators. Thank you for understanding.
  For our ongoing programs or one-day intensives, refunds are available (less a $50 processing fee) up to 22 days before the scheduled starting date. We are unable to provide refunds for cancellations made 21 days or less prior to the first day of a workshop. A missed session that is part of an ongoing program is non-refundable and non-transferrable. For our summer institutes refunds are available (less a $50 processing fee) up to 30 days before the scheduled starting date. We are unable to provide refunds for cancellations made 29 days or less prior to the first day of a summer institute.
  Please contact us by email as soon as you know you cannot attend a workshop. This will allow us time to contact our waitlist and hopefully fill your spot.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Upham Hotel, 1404 De La Vina Street, Santa Barbara, United States