Systems Leadership Lab

Presented by the Educational Leadership Learning Accelerator

The Educational Leadership Learning Accelerator at the UC Berkeley School of Education is offering a premier, fee-based professional learning "lab" specifically designed for current and aspiring educational systems leaders.

Our four-day program offers a unique opportunity to engage in deep, systemic inquiry and skill-building alongside world-renowned faculty and peers in senior-most roles. Join us to network with fellow equity-focused practicing leaders as we imagine new possibilities for public education.

The LEAD Signature Pedagogy

Participants will experience the Leaders for Equity and Democracy (LEAD EdD) signature pedagogy, a practice-based instructional model that moves beyond traditional lectures to prioritize:

• Case study analysis: Deep dives into real-world systemic challenges.
• Realistic simulations: Immersive exercises involving complex leadership dilemmas.
• Arts and embodiment integration: Innovative methods to explore leadership presence and resilience.
• Group processing: Structured collaboration and reflection to build cross-sector perspectives.

Curriculum and Topics

The Lab focuses on the levers of change necessary to transform large-scale organizations:

• Systems thinking: Leveraging frameworks for organizational transformation.
• Crisis leadership: Leading systems effectively in and through periods of high-stakes crisis.
• Equity-centered fund development: Strategies for funding and sustaining your equity vision.
• Strategic partnerships: Forming and managing cross-sector and board relationships.
• Evidence of impact: Utilizing data to improve outcomes and lead to systemic social impact.

Program Logistics

• Dates: Monday, June 15–Thursday, June 18, 2026
• Time: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. daily (Coffee/tea beginning at 8:30 a.m.)
• Location: In person at the UC Berkeley School of Education (2121 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, California)
• Target audience: Current and aspiring systems leaders (District/Charter Leaders, Superintendents, ECE Leaders, Senior University Administrators, and Non-profit/Foundation C-Suite).

Cost and Registration

Program Fee: $1,950

Includes 4 days of instruction, all materials, daily lunch, morning coffee/tea service, and a Commemoration of Learning acknowledgment at the close of the program.

An early bird registration fee of $1,800 is available to those who register by March 20, 2026. Registration is available on a first come, first served basis.