Overview

The California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE), in partnership with the California Department of Education (CDE), the State Board of Education (SBE), and California State SELPA, is proud to offer the Special Education Leadership Academy. This initiative is designed specifically for special education leaders serving California’s small and rural school districts and county offices of education, providing meaningful opportunities for professional learning, collaboration, and practical tools that support high-quality instruction and services for students with disabilities.
The Academy features virtual sessions throughout the program year, focused on topics that address the unique opportunities and challenges faced by special education leaders in small and rural settings. Participants will explore research-based strategies, engage with experts and peers from across the state, and access resources and promising practices that strengthen leadership capacity and promote equitable outcomes for students with disabilities.

Core Topics

• Fiscal Management
• Student Behavior Support
• Strengthening Family Partnerships
• Special Education Policies and Best Practices
• And additional topics identified by the field

Upcoming Sessions

The Academy runs throughout the 2026–2027 school year in a series of eight 90-minute online sessions, held on select Fridays from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (PT). Each session includes 60 minutes of focused instruction led by subject matter experts, followed by 30 minutes of interactive questions and answers, providing participants with opportunities to engage in discussion and explore practical applications for their local contexts.

2026-2027 Session Dates

• August 14, 2026 | September 18, 2026 | October 16, 2026 | November 13, 2026 | January 15, 2027 | February 26, 2027 | April 16, 2027 | May 14, 2027

If you are interested in future cohorts, please check back for updates contact us directly with any questions.

If you have any questions, please contact Kristen Brooks, CCEE Strategist at [email protected] or Richie Flores, CCEE Program Specialist at [email protected].