Emerging Leaders (Southern California)

Oct 24, 2025 10:00AM—Apr 28, 2026 2:00PM

Location

Polytechnic School

Cost Early Bird Pricing for Members (Available until October 2) $1,885 members; $1,595 group-rate 3+; $2,990 non-members

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Emerging Leaders (Southern California)

SESSION 1: October 24, 2025 | 10:00am - 2:00pm | Polytechnic School

SESSION 2: November 6, 2025 | 3:30pm - 5:30pm | Virtual

SESSION 3: January 29, 2026 | 3:30pm - 5:30pm | Virtual

SESSION 4: March 12, 2026 | 3:30pm - 5:30pm | Virtual

SESSION 5: April 28, 2026 | 10:00am - 2:00pm | Polytechnic School

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ABOUT THIS HYBRID ONGOING PROGRAM

This program will provide new and aspiring leaders with tools and strategies to transition successfully into a leadership role. Throughout this program, participants will also have the opportunity to discuss the dynamics, challenges, and opportunities unique to their roles and schools. Participants will engage in focused conversations around navigating colleague dynamics, becoming a supervisor, prioritizing tasks, and engaging in effective communication strategies.

Participants will:

  • Develop an understanding of the difference between leading an organization and managing people
  • Explore how to foster growth and development in self and others through coaching, mentoring, and feedback
  • Understand culture and change management
  • Practice navigating conflict and courageous conversations
  • Cultivate a sense of how to present to a large audience
  • Cultivate their ability for decision-making using data and processes
  • Direct different types of meetings and establish norms for spaces’ varying needs
  • Identify your school’s accountability metrics and utilize your school handbook

AUDIENCE

This program is designed for aspiring and current educational leaders in mid-level leadership positions in their schools, such as teacher leaders, deans, department chairs, and program directors. The goal is to help participants thrive in their current independent school roles and collaborate with a cohort of school leaders in similar positions.

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS

Jill Bergeron

For over 20 years, Jill Bergeron has worked in independent schools serving in a variety of roles including teacher, educational technology director, middle school director, and currently assistant head of school at Brentwood School. She has presented on an assortment of topics at conferences that include NAIS, ISTE, ATLIS, and AASL. Most recently, she earned her doctorate in leadership and learning from Vanderbilt University, where she focused on how feelings of belongingness affected teacher retention in independent schools.

Justin Riddle, CATDC Facilitator

Justin Riddle is a dedicated educator with a diverse background in coaching, teaching, counseling, and dean roles across both higher education and independent schools. Currently serving as the 10th Grade Dean/Grade Level Coordinator, Advisory Coordinator, and Human Development Teacher at Polytechnic School in Pasadena, Justin plays a pivotal role in guiding student academic and social-emotional development. With past experiences including teaching K-8 physical education, coaching high and college football,, and serving as a college counselor, Justin brings a wealth of expertise in student and faculty support. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University and a Master of Arts in Educational Counseling from Azusa Pacific University. He is currently enrolled in Vanderbilt's Independent School Leadership Program.

HOST AND PARTNER SCHOOL

CATDC partners with member schools to host our in-person programs, providing educators the opportunity to learn with peers in diverse settings. We are thrilled to partner with Polytechnic School on this ongoing program, welcoming the larger independent school community to meet on their campus throughout the school year.

Cancellation Policy

Life happens. We understand that there will be times when you cannot attend a workshop that you have registered and paid for. We strive to be as helpful and flexible as possible when things out of your control happen. Please visit our FAQ page for detailed information about our cancellation policy and answers to frequently asked questions about enrollment and membership.