In this session, you will learn about evidence-based promising practices for preparing and supporting equity-centered school leaders. These practices are based on research funded by The Wallace Foundation through its Equity-Centered Pipeline Initiative. You will become familiar with distinct approaches that districts across the country are taking to change their systems and advance equity-centered leadership. The session will highlight six practices: developing a home-grown principal residency program, partnering with universities to provide high-quality professional learning, engaging community in principal selection, establishing leadership affinity groups, focusing principal supervision on leadership for equity, and sustaining the equity-centered leadership work. You will have the opportunity to learn about all six practices and engage deeply with one of them, so you can consider what the implementation of that practice might look like in your own context.

Everyone talks about the leadership shortage, and growing leaders is a challenge. This conversation moves beyond the problem and explores how schools and districts are intentionally spotting talent early, creating real pathways for growth, and building cultures where developing people is simply how they operate. Our panelists will share what's actually working and what it takes to drive leadership development in practice.