Diverse Pathways in Educational Leadership

Are you curious about what other direction your experience, competencies and passion for education can take you?  Hear from a diverse array of leaders who set out in one direction but embraced a different opportunity to make a positive impact in education.

Moderator

Kathy Bihr EdD ’05,  Vice President & Executive Director, Tiger Woods Foundation

Panelists

Wendy Marshall EdD ’12, Director of Education & Public Programs, ExplorOcean
Jessica McNabb EdD ’16,  
Leadership Development Program Manager, Enterprise Learning & Development, The Walt Disney Company
Sonaleena Patnaik Hargrove ’99 MS ’07 EdD ’11,  Educational Consultant, Educators Cooperative


Hate Crimes, Discrimination, and Freedom of Speech on College Campuses

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects freedom of speech. Speech is protected event when it is hateful. While the U.S. Supreme Court often has struggled to determine what exactly constitutes protected speech, it has however, placed some limitations on speech. For instance, speech is not protected when it incites violence or incites actions that would harm others (Schenck v. United States, 249 U.S. 47, 1919). It is against the backdrop of these protections and limitations of speech that this session will address hate crimes and discrimination on college campuses.

Presenters

Shafiqa Ahmadi, Associate Professor of Clinical Education,USC Rossier School of Education
Darnell Cole, Associate Professor of Education,USC Rossier School of Education


Moving the Needle:  Examining Mechanisms to Support State Accountability on College Readiness and Educational Outcomes

Join this in-depth discussion with a panel of experts to address promising practices and lessons learned with the implementation of accountability plans. The panel will discuss issues on the current policy climate affecting college readiness, student outcomes, and educational opportunities for all students, particularly underrepresented students’ access to post-secondary options. This session also explores policy implications and issues on community partnerships during the new administration.

Moderator

Julie Slayton, Professor of Clinical Education, USC Rossier School of Education

Panelists

Michael Davis EdD ’17, President Pro Tem, Los Angeles Board of Public Works
John Garcia, Superintendent, Downey Unified School District
Scott Hill, Vice President – Western Region, The College Board


Pathways to Higher Education Leadership

Careers in higher education encompass wide range of functional areas. How do find your niche? What are the critical skills needed to succeed and advance? Hear from higher education leaders as they share their career journeys and valuable insights they learned along the way.

Moderator

Kevin Colaner EdD ’06, Associate Vice President for Student Services, Cal Poly Pomona

Panelists

Mary Ho EdD ’16, Assistant Vice Dean for Strategic & Diversity Initiatives, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts & Sciences
Raquel Torres-Retana EdD ’07, Director, Rosemead Site, Pasadena City College
Marcelo Vazquez EdD ’09, Associate Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students, Cal State Dominguez Hills


Pathways to School Site or District Leadership

Whether you’re teaching in the classroom or in a support role, how do you know if school site or district leadership is the right career path for you?  Our panel of school and district administrators will share how they successfully pursued their roles in school administration.

Moderator

Ruben Zepeda EdD ’05, Superintendent, Keppel Union School District

Panelists

Jacqueline Perez EdD ’05, Assistant Superintendent, Glendale Unified School District
Doug Staine EdD ’04, Assistant Superintendent, East Whittier City School District
Regina Zurbano EdD ’11, House Principal, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District


Pathways to Superintendent & CMO Leadership

Becoming a Superintendent or leading a Charter Management Organization requires extensive experience and demonstrated areas of success.  This panel includes veteran and new organizational leaders who will discuss their respective roles, and the career paths that prepared them for these demanding positions.

Moderator

Rudy Castruita EdD ’82, Irving R. and Virginia Archer Melbo Chair in Education Administration, USC Rossier School of Education

Panelists

Mark Johnson Ed ’11, Superintendent, Fountain Valley Unified School District
Catherine Kawaguchi EdD ’14, Superintendent, Sulphur Springs Union School District
Helen Morgan EdD ’10, Superintendent, Hawthorne School District


Pathways to Teaching in Higher Education

Are you interesting in teaching in a university setting? From tenure track teaching opportunities to clinical professorships and adjunct positions, there are several options available. Hear from current faculty members as they share their advice on getting hired, balancing the demands of teaching and tips for success.

Moderator

Dave Cash EdD ’08, Adjunct Faculty, USC Rossier School of Education

Panelists

Robin Bishop PhD ’14, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Mount Saint Mary’s University
Ryan Cornner EdD ’10, Vice Chancellor for Educational Programs and Institutional Effectiveness, Los Angeles Community College District
Rebecca Hong EdD ’09, Associate Professor of Education, Biola University


Successful Networking Strategies for Women: It’s All About Relationships

Research cites the lack of formal and informal networks as a barrier to advancement for women leaders. This session will provide practical strategies to improve in that area. It will be interactive and participants will leave with tangible resources.

Presenters

Carmela Franco, Superintendent Search Consultant, Hazard Young Attea & Associates
Darline RoblesProfessor of Clinical Education, USC Rossier School of Education


Cutting Edge Challenges in K-12 Student Freedom of Expression at School*

Join seasoned  K-12 practicing school administrators and a school attorney in identifying the extent of and practical limitations on student freedom of expression in the age of social media.  Participants will  work through real life scenarios to identify strategies  to avoid  legal and public relations missteps while considering student safety, privacy, and civil rights.

Moderator

Maggie Chidester EdD ’95, Partner, Law Offices of Margaret A. Chidester

Panelists

Ralph Opacic EdD ’94, Executive Director/CEO of the Orange County High School of the Arts
Grace Park EdD ’07, 
Assistant Superintendent Curriculum, Instruction, Innovation, and Support, Chino Valley Unified School District

*Original session title: What K-12 Administrators Need to Know About Freedom of Speech