2025 ACSA Region 7 Spring Conference

The objective of the panel is to hear from our guest experts, representing statewide and school district entities, on the issues and impacts in the areas of budget, legislation, current events, and trends. Attendees will
walk away with the most recent knowledge and perspectives from a state and local lens, so as to be better informed and prepared for what lies ahead.

Sponsored by Vendors

As leaders in education we often find ourselves navigating the storms of staff & student endless needs resulting in frustration of feeling blown around and reactive in our leadership.  Let’s find the stillness in the storm to help quiet the noise & chaos. Experience the transformative power of clarifying and strengthening the roots of who you are (character, values, mindsets, and skill sets) to unleash fulfillment, peace, joy and to bring proactive intentionality to your daily interactions with staff and students.

BIO: Shari is passionate about empowering people to discover and unleash their full potential. Her journey began in the classroom, where she spent over a decade teaching 4th and 5th graders in Illinois. After her first year, she considered leaving the profession, feeling overwhelmed and ineffective—until she attended a Quantum Learning training. That experience transformed her outlook and teaching, equipping her with the tools to become highly effective. Inspired by its impact, she began traveling the country with Quantum Learning while still teaching full-time, sharing strategies that helped her and countless other educators thrive. Today, as the Owner and CEO of Quantum Learning, Shari continues this work, inspiring educators to become more intentional with who they are and what they do—so they can have the greatest impact on their students’ academic and personal growth.

*Tickets required!

The traditional view of career development as a ladder—defined by promotions, title changes, and moves—has never been a model that reflects the reality of the educational arena. Yet, this limited perspective continues to shape expectations, leaving educators and staff feeling disengaged, school leaders struggling to support growth, and districts at risk of losing talent. It’s time to rethink career development, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach to embrace a more dynamic, meaningful, and sustainable model.
The good news? Growth isn’t just about climbing a hierarchy—it’s about deepening expertise, expanding impact, and increasing engagement. This keynote introduces a research-based, easy-to-apply framework that redefines career development through seven powerful dimensions that offer relevant, practical ways for school leaders to foster the growth of their staff—without waiting for those all-too-infrequent promotions or title changes.
Through this interactive experience, school administrators and leaders will broaden their perspective on career development and gain tools to cultivate meaningful growth opportunities within their teams, helping educators and staff stay engaged, energized, and committed.
Key Takeaways
After attending this session, school leaders will be able to:

• Identify the disconnect between traditional career development models and today’s realities in education.
• Assess their own career growth priorities using a multidimensional framework.
• Recognize seven pathways for development beyond promotions or positional changes.
• Consider creative, cost-effective ways to help educators and staff develop in ways that matter most to them.
• Engage effectively with staff who are primarily focused on advancement, guiding them toward additional growth opportunities.

This session will equip school leaders with the mindset and strategies to support career growth in a way that strengthens schools, retains top talent, and fuels the passion that drives student success.

Biography
Julie Winkle Giulioni is a champion for workplace growth and development. She believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their potential. And she supports organizations and leaders who want to make that happen with keynote speeches, consulting and training.
Julie is the co-author of the international bestseller, Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go: Career Conversations Organizations Need and Employees Still Want, translated into seven languages and coming out in its third edition in September. Her most recent book, Promotions Are So Yesterday: Redefine Career Development. Help Employees Thrive, has been recognized with Nautilus and Axiom Business Book Awards.
She is a regular columnist for Training Industry Magazine and SmartBrief and contributes articles on leadership, career development, and workplace trends to numerous publications including Fast Company and The Economist.
Named by Inc. Magazine as a Top 100 Leadership Speaker, Julie’s in-person and virtual keynotes and presentations offer fresh, inspiring, yet actionable strategies for leaders who are interested in their own growth as well as supporting the growth of others.
Her firm, DesignArounds, creates and offers training to organizations worldwide and has earned praise and awards from Human Resource Executive Magazine’s Top Ten Training Products, New York Film Festival, Brandon Hall, and Global HR Excellence Council.
Julie and her husband live in her 100+ year-old house in South Pasadena, California where they raised their children and where she was an elected school board member and president.

Sponsored by Higginbotham Public Sector

Preparing students for life beyond high school requires more than isolated efforts—it demands a unified, strategic approach that empowers every learner to own their future. Learn how Modesto City School’s is aligning systems, forming key partnerships, and supporting the long-term success of our students. Participants will be invited to reflect on how college and career readiness lives in their own districts—and will leave with actionable ideas to pilot, adapt, or scale within their own systems.

Hat Contest, Best Dressed Couple, Student Scholarship Fundraiser, Derby Race Pool
Sponsored by Horace Mann, The Shining Stars Project, and Veregy

Description:
In this session, we will engage in discussion on cultivating a sense of belonging within school environments. Dominique Smith will delve into the 11 dimensions of belonging, including practical strategies and approaches aimed at nurturing inclusive communities where every student feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Drawing from his wealth of experience, he will explore the role of empathy, cultural responsiveness, and community-building efforts in foster a supportive and welcoming atmosphere. Participants will gain actionable techniques to embark on a journey toward building equitable and affirming school cultures, ultimately enhancing student engagement, academic achievement, and overall well-being.

Biography
Dominique Smith, EdD, is a principal, social worker, teacher, and mentor.  Smith earned his Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California and his a doctorate in educational leadership at San Diego State University.  He is passionate about creating school cultures than honor student voice and build student and educator confidence and competence.  Dr. Smith is a national trainer in restorative practices, classroom management, belonging, leadership, and the culture of achievement.  He is the winner of the National School Safety Award from the School Safety Advocacy Council and the co-author of The Restorative Practices Playbook, The Social and Emotional Learning Playbook, Leader Credibility, and How Leadership Works.