Welcome to our 2025 Principals’ Leadership Institute. At this year’s event, we will have the opportunity for our school leaders to learn together in collaborative sessions that build our collective capacity.
This year’s Principals’ Leadership Institute will be a time for:
Collaboration of instructional leaders
Calibration of deep learning
Teambuilding and mentorships
Radical dreaming for academic success and accelerating student outcomes
We hope you have an incredible time at PLI 2025!
Sign up or log in to add sessions to your schedule and sync them to your phone or calendar.
Deputy Superintendent of Instruction, Los Angeles Unified School District
Dr. Karla Estrada is an educational leader who has successfully delivered for students, families, and school communities for over 25 years. She has demonstrated in multiple districts and as a state-wide leader that educational excellence is essential for all students to attain their... Read More →
With the passage of the Board Resolution for Modern Budget Transparency in June of 2024, the District has engaged in creating budget tools for the public that create transparency and accessibility to the District's budget. The budget tools allow for the District to engage the public in a robust conversation regarding our budget and expenditures and how they align to the goals of the Strategic Plan.
This breakout session explores how fostering a positive school culture and putting people first directly supports LAUSD’s Strategic Plan Pillar: Engagement & Collaboration. Through real-world examples and interactive dialogue, this session will offer practical strategies to strengthen collaboration and deepen engagement at every level of the school community.
This presentation will guide you with best practices, tips and resources to promote your school by creating a welcoming environment, leveraging promotional tools, and maximizing community engagement. You'll learn about crafting a clear, consistent message, using local and social media to share your story, and empowering students, parents, and employees as school ambassadors. With practical tips on a welcoming environment on enhancing curb appeal, building a strong online presence, and utilizing your school community, this session will equip you with actionable ideas to elevate your school's visibility.
This breakout session supports school-based administrators in strengthening their ability to monitor classroom instruction and provide high-quality, actionable feedback to teachers. Aligned with the LAUSD Strategic Plan’s pillars of Academic Excellence and Investing in Staff, the session connects to the Teaching and Learning Framework standards for planning, classroom environment, delivery of instruction, and professional growth. It emphasizes the impact of frequent observations and meaningful feedback on improving student achievement. Additionally, the session supports School Leadership and Principal Supervisor Leadership Framework standards 3C1 (conducts formal and informal observations) and 3C2 (provides actionable feedback to staff).
Leaders greatest investment is in the trust they build with others. Understanding the taxes and dividends of trust is comprehensively explained by Stephen Covey in his book The Speed of Trust and this session will provide and overview and impact of his work as leaders with an ultimate goal of building and sustaining trustworthy relationships with all stakeholders. This session has direct impact to a leaders ability to successfully carry out all 5 pillars in the strategic plan and effectiveness in effective/highly effective performance in the SLF elements.
Ana M. Escobedo was born and raised in Los Angeles and a proud product and professional of the Los Angeles Unified School District. She has served LAUSD as a professional for 30 years. Ana started as a Teacher Assistant and worked her way up from there, teaching every grade level... Read More →
Thursday July 24, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am PDT ELAC Building TBDAcross from ELAC
The Procurement Best Practices session will enhance the efficiency, compliance, and cost-effectiveness of school-based purchasing. The session will provide:Overview of ProcurementKey policies and complianceProcurement best practicesPurchase orders, goods receipts, and invoicingUDIPP and Data Use AgreementsCommon pitfalls and how to avoid them.
This session supports LAUSD Strategic Plan goals to steamline procurement systems, policies and procedures to ensure schools are adequately, efficiently and expiditiously equipped to delivery quality learning experiences and supports School Leadership Framework (SLF) objectives to support school leaders and ensure they are effective in their roles.
Positive, professional, and nurturing relationships between students and adults are foundational to fostering joy and wellness in our schools. Participants will engage in interactive, hands-on practice as they consider and discuss the various factors that influence sound decision-making when responding to allegations of employee misconduct with students while ensuring fairness and respect for all involved.
Julie's background and experience makes her somewhat of a unicorn. She has dedicated her career to LAUSD serving both in and out of the classroom, as a high school principal, and various administrative operational roles supporting schools across the District. Julie has lived the... Read More →
Thursday July 24, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am PDT ELAC Building TBDAcross from ELAC
Join us and learn how to support your school community during these times. This workshop will explore We Are One resources, as well as systems that are in place to provide assistance to school sites. Whether your students, families and staff are directly affected by recent changes in federal polocies, or if you are allies to those impacted, come and gain valuable information that is up-to-date, relevant and practical to our parents, families and staff.
SR DIRECTOR OF ENGAGEMENT & PARTNERSHIPS, Division of Communication, Engagement and Collaboration
Antonio is the Engagement Officer for the Los Angeles Unified in the Division of Communications, Engagement and Collaboration. He oversees and serves with the Office of Student, Family and Community Engagement, Student Empowerment, and Office of Development and Civic Engagement. This... Read More →
Thursday July 24, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am PDT ELAC Building TBDAcross from ELAC
This workshop connects with the Joy and Wellness Pilar of the District's Strategic Plan. It will provide a comprehensive overview of the Student Mental Health and Wellness Services (SMHWS) Branch. The session will delve into available student mental health services, including crisis team training, access to district clinics and Wellness Centers, and the new Student Digital Joy and Wellness Plan. Furthermore, attendees will learn about establishing no-cost partnerships at their school sites, the Wellness Policy and how to utilize the Student and Family Resource Line. The workshop will also highlight specific initiatives aimed at increasing mental health support for Black students through the BSAP Mental Health Consultants and other promising practices such as the MyCREW Club model. Finally, upcoming SMHWS events and training opportunities, such as the Youth Mental Health Symposium and suicide awareness training, will be announced.
Increase your personal and schoolwide operational effectiveness by improving your efficiency and proficiency using tech tools! Come see how you can utilize applications included with your SSO to help keep you organized and save you time. Being a school leader involves note-taking, data analysis, task-monitoring, delegating, feedback, and communication. In this interactive session, we will explore various tools to enhance your productivity. Bring your laptop!
Dr. Heather Karuza is the Principal at Nathaniel Narbonne High School in Harbor City, CA. Previously, she served as Principal of Alexander Fleming Middle School in Lomita, CA from 2019 to 2022. She received her PhD from Claremont Graduate University in 2014, where she studied education with an emphasis on Urban School Leadership. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics with a Specialization in Computing (2003) and a Master of... Read More →
Wellness for Administrators is to promote wellness and self-care for education leaders. Participants will actively engage in wellness techniques such as focused breathing, stretching, mindful practices, power of reflection, stress management, emotional well-being, and other healthy practices.
Angie Woo has over 27 years of experience serving diverse communities across a wide range of educational settings within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Her career includes roles as an elementary school teacher, Categorical Programs Advisor, English Language Development... Read More →
Beatriz Smissen has served school communities in diverse educational settings in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) since 1992. In her various roles, she has worked collaboratively with others, fostered partnerships and leveraged resources that support student learning.She... Read More →
Oscar Vargas Sandoval is a transformational leader dedicated to advancing equity in education. With a strong academic foundation in Sociology and Chicano Studies, he brings a critical lens to addressing systemic inequalities in the educational system. His pursuit of dual master’s... Read More →
Thursday July 24, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am PDT ELAC Building TBDAcross from ELAC
This session will address systemic barriers to academic success by confronting bias, equity gaps, and low expectations through culturally responsive strategies. Participants will explore implicit biases, engage in reflective practices to challenge deficit perspectives, and implement inclusive curricula and strategies that affirm students’ identities. The training emphasizes family partnership, offering tools to build trust with marginalized communities and co-create a supportive learning environment. Educators will learn to dismantle opportunity gaps via equity audits, trauma-informed practices, and data-informed Tier 1 instruction, and targeted interventions that prioritize access to rigorous coursework and resources. By fostering validation, cultural affirmation, and stakeholder collaboration, the training aims to establish a sustainable school academic climate where Black and Latinx students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally to optimize their learning outcomes.
With the passage of the Board Resolution for Modern Budget Transparency in June of 2024, the District has engaged in creating budget tools for the public that create transparency and accessibility to the District's budget. The budget tools allow for the District to engage the public in a robust conversation regarding our budget and expenditures and how they align to the goals of the Strategic Plan.
The PAR Program provides two pathways of support for effective classroom practice. Each year, PAR offers over 70 6-hour workshops across two dozen titles that address TLF standards 1-3. PAR also offers one-on-one instructional coaching to help teachers reflect on and improve their planning, classroom environment, and delivery of instruction.
Specialist, Peer Assistance and Review Program, LAUSD
I work for the LAUSD/UTLA Peer Assistance and Review Program. We provide confidential one-on-one instructional coaching for classroom teachers and lots of interactive professional development workshops that can be used toward salary point credit.
I oversee the PAR program and support the efforts of our Consulting Teachers (CTs) who provide confidential one-on-one coaching to the classroom teachers, facilitate the PAR workshops in 24 titles, and offer push-in, customized professional development to school sites, as needed... Read More →
Thursday July 24, 2025 12:30pm - 1:20pm PDT ELAC Building TBDAcross from ELAC
Increase your personal and schoolwide operational effectiveness by improving your efficiency and proficiency using tech tools! Come see how you can utilize applications included with your SSO to help keep you organized and save you time. Being a school leader involves note-taking, data analysis, task-monitoring, delegating, feedback, and communication. In this interactive session, we will explore various tools to enhance your productivity. Bring your laptop!
Dr. Heather Karuza is the Principal at Nathaniel Narbonne High School in Harbor City, CA. Previously, she served as Principal of Alexander Fleming Middle School in Lomita, CA from 2019 to 2022. She received her PhD from Claremont Graduate University in 2014, where she studied education with an emphasis on Urban School Leadership. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics with a Specialization in Computing (2003) and a Master of... Read More →
Wellness for Administrators is to promote wellness and self-care for education leaders. Participants will actively engage in wellness techniques such as focused breathing, stretching, mindful practices, power of reflection, stress management, emotional well-being, and other healthy practices.
Angie Woo has over 27 years of experience serving diverse communities across a wide range of educational settings within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Her career includes roles as an elementary school teacher, Categorical Programs Advisor, English Language Development... Read More →
Beatriz Smissen has served school communities in diverse educational settings in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) since 1992. In her various roles, she has worked collaboratively with others, fostered partnerships and leveraged resources that support student learning.She... Read More →
Oscar Vargas Sandoval is a transformational leader dedicated to advancing equity in education. With a strong academic foundation in Sociology and Chicano Studies, he brings a critical lens to addressing systemic inequalities in the educational system. His pursuit of dual master’s... Read More →
With the passage of the Board Resolution for Modern Budget Transparency in June of 2024, the District has engaged in creating budget tools for the public that create transparency and accessibility to the District's budget. The budget tools allow for the District to engage the public in a robust conversation regarding our budget and expenditures and how they align to the goals of the Strategic Plan.
This breakout session supports school-based administrators in strengthening their ability to monitor classroom instruction and provide high-quality, actionable feedback to teachers. Aligned with the LAUSD Strategic Plan’s pillars of Academic Excellence and Investing in Staff, the session connects to the Teaching and Learning Framework standards for planning, classroom environment, delivery of instruction, and professional growth. It emphasizes the impact of frequent observations and meaningful feedback on improving student achievement. Additionally, the session supports School Leadership and Principal Supervisor Leadership Framework standards 3C1 (conducts formal and informal observations) and 3C2 (provides actionable feedback to staff).
This workshop connects with the Joy and Wellness Pilar of the District's Strategic Plan. It will provide a comprehensive overview of the Student Mental Health and Wellness Services (SMHWS) Branch. The session will delve into available student mental health services, including crisis team training, access to district clinics and Wellness Centers, and the new Student Digital Joy and Wellness Plan. Furthermore, attendees will learn about establishing no-cost partnerships at their school sites, the Wellness Policy and how to utilize the Student and Family Resource Line. The workshop will also highlight specific initiatives aimed at increasing mental health support for Black students through the BSAP Mental Health Consultants and other promising practices such as the MyCREW Club model. Finally, upcoming SMHWS events and training opportunities, such as the Youth Mental Health Symposium and suicide awareness training, will be announced.
Increase your personal and schoolwide operational effectiveness by improving your efficiency and proficiency using tech tools! Come see how you can utilize applications included with your SSO to help keep you organized and save you time. Being a school leader involves note-taking, data analysis, task-monitoring, delegating, feedback, and communication. In this interactive session, we will explore various tools to enhance your productivity. Bring your laptop!
Dr. Heather Karuza is the Principal at Nathaniel Narbonne High School in Harbor City, CA. Previously, she served as Principal of Alexander Fleming Middle School in Lomita, CA from 2019 to 2022. She received her PhD from Claremont Graduate University in 2014, where she studied education with an emphasis on Urban School Leadership. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics with a Specialization in Computing (2003) and a Master of... Read More →
Our Travel and P-Card units offer a wide array of support, but there are a number of basics and tips that can help make the process easier at school sites. As we transition away from Imprest accounts and utilize P-Card differently we hope to share best practices and offer support to those interest in gaining an understanding.
Wellness for Administrators is to promote wellness and self-care for education leaders. Participants will actively engage in wellness techniques such as focused breathing, stretching, mindful practices, power of reflection, stress management, emotional well-being, and other healthy practices.
Angie Woo has over 27 years of experience serving diverse communities across a wide range of educational settings within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Her career includes roles as an elementary school teacher, Categorical Programs Advisor, English Language Development... Read More →
Beatriz Smissen has served school communities in diverse educational settings in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) since 1992. In her various roles, she has worked collaboratively with others, fostered partnerships and leveraged resources that support student learning.She... Read More →
Oscar Vargas Sandoval is a transformational leader dedicated to advancing equity in education. With a strong academic foundation in Sociology and Chicano Studies, he brings a critical lens to addressing systemic inequalities in the educational system. His pursuit of dual master’s... Read More →
Thursday July 24, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm PDT ELAC Building TBDAcross from ELAC
Deputy Superintendent of Instruction, Los Angeles Unified School District
Dr. Karla Estrada is an educational leader who has successfully delivered for students, families, and school communities for over 25 years. She has demonstrated in multiple districts and as a state-wide leader that educational excellence is essential for all students to attain their... Read More →