2025 Registration is Now Open!

Class Schedule for 2025

• January 24th & 25th
• February 7th & 8th
• March 7th & 8th
• April 4th & 5th
• May 2nd & 3rd
• September 19th & 20th
• October 17th & 18th
• November 14th & 15th

Course Description

Now more than ever, there is a great need for well-trained leadership in special education to support teaching and learning.  The Special Education Leadership Academy is a comprehensive training and professional development program for administrators supporting special education programs to enhance their leadership skills and deepen their knowledge of special education. Total School Solutions has designed this academy for current and future administrators and directors who want to develop their leadership skills and broaden their understanding of special education.  Potential benefits for the participants include expanding their general skillset, learning about legal, fiscal, and programmatic aspects of special education, networking opportunities, enhancing performance at work, and leadership development.

This course includes direct instruction from experts in the field, individual and group exercises, hands-on activities, and out-of-class assignments/practical applications.

Comprehensive Curriculum

This program emphasizes specific and pragmatic skills that administrators need to know to be able to thrive as special education leaders.

Topics for this Academy Include:

• Overview and Introduction to Leadership
• Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports
• Referrals and Adaptations
• Legal and Programmatic Overview
• Educational Benefit and Administrative Designee
• Special Education Student Populations
• Redefining Autism
• Implementation and Improvement Science
• Authentic Parent Engagement
• Discipline for Students with Disabilities
• Court Cases and Discipline

State-Specific Topics:

• State Monitoring and Data Stewardship
• State Complaints and Due Process
• Inter and Intra-District Relationships and Contracting
• Fiscal Concepts
• The Role of Regional and State-Wide Agencies

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Attendance and Participation

Participants are expected to attend and contribute to all sessions and must attend all classes.   If an emergency arises, one session may be made-up by writing an academic paper or completing a comprehensive exam on the missed classes’ subject matter pre-approved by the academy coordinator.

Readings

Various readings will be assigned during the academy.  Students will analyze readings and participate in group discussions or writing assignments to apply concepts to real-world situations.

Other

Various but limited written assignments, group activity participation, and homework assignments.

Presenters

Alison Rose

The coordinator of this program is TSS Consultant Alison Rose who brings over 20 years of education industry experience and who moderates all sessions to ensure the continuity of the curriculum.  She has served as a Director of Student Services and SELPA Administrator as well as being a trained school psychologist and special education teacher.  In addition, she teaches courses at the university level.

Cathie Johnson

Cathie Johnson has worked in the field of education for over 35 years, in both general and special education, in large urban school districts. She has worked at the district level and school site level, both elementary and secondary. Cathie’s roles have included teacher, principal, Intervention-Data Coordinator, Least Restrictive Environment Administrator, Professional Development Director, Special Education Director, Administrator for Closing the Achievement Gap, Social-Emotional Learning Coordinator, Restorative Justice Coach and Parent Liaison. In addition, she has taught courses at the university level.  She also currently serves as a State Performance Plan- Technical Assistance Facilitator.

Dr. Barbara Wolford

Dr. Barbara Wolford is an educator with almost 30 years of experience in the field of Special Education. Dr. Wolford has 21 years of classroom experience as a self-contained Special Day Class teacher and as a Resource Specialist. Dr. Wolford is currently the Director of Student Services and Special Education of Banning Unified School District. As Director, Barbara has worked collaboratively with a diverse stakeholder group to develop a collaborative teaching model at the secondary level, an autism specific program, and a District Mental Health program. In 2016-2017 school year, she earned the honored distinction of being the district’s certificated Administrator of the year. Dr. Wolford’s expertise in the areas of Special Education and school climate have earned the district several grant awards for the State Preschool Program, State Inclusion Program, and a grant “Learning Communities Student Support Program” which focuses on chronic absenteeism. The district has been awarded Model SARB distinction for 2016 and 2019. Additionally, the work her department has led in the area of PBIS has led to five schools being honored with bronze, silver and gold PBIS awards from the State of California PBIS Coalition.

Dr. Caryl Miller

Dr. Caryl Miller is a well-known special education leader with 40 years of experience. As a recently retired assistant superintendent for a large school district in southern California, Dr. Miller was responsible for: special education; health services; centralized student enrollment; pupil personnel; and child welfare and attendance. For 18 years, as Executive Director, Dr. Miller managed the largest multi-district SELPA in the state – with 21 local educational agencies (LEA) in Riverside County, 30,000 special education students, and a $200 million budget.  In Orange County, Dr. Miller served in different capacities over a decade as a county office special education coordinator and a SELPA program specialist. Prior to administrative work, Dr. Miller taught at both middle and high school levels in English, reading, and special education for students with mild to severe disabilities. Dr. Miller has also presented countless regional and statewide workshops on special education topics and issues.

Bridget Akers

Bridget has over 30 years of experience at both the school site and district office level.  She is currently employed as the Accountant for Riverside County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA).  She has worked in food services, accounts payable and receivable, special education accounting, budgeting, and finance.  In her current position, she is the fiscal support for the SELPA and 25 SELPA member-LEAs, overseeing a budget of over $200 million.  She conducts fiscal trainings and workshops and provides CALPADS and SEIS support for the SELPA and member-LEAs, working to ensure both fiscal and program compliance.  As a consultant, Bridget works collaboratively with other education leaders on special education studies, providing fiscal and data analysis.  She also works with local education agencies (LEAs) providing technical assistance in special education data review.  Bridget also presents at workshops and trainings throughout the state in the areas of special education funding, program compliance, and data review.

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The Classified Leadership Academy

2025 Registration is Now Open!

Two Self-Paced Full-Day Workshops!

The Classified Leadership Academy (CLA) is a thorough training and professional development program designed to improve the leadership abilities of classified personnel. CLA is intended for present and aspiring classified managers and directors who wish to develop their leadership capacities. Potential benefits for the participants include expanding their general skillset, learning about legal requirements of management positions, networking opportunities, enhancing performance at work, and leadership development.

This course offers direct teaching from subject-matter specialists, group and individual exercises, practical activities, and a few self-paced workshops.

Classified Leader Certificate Program

Now more than ever, there is a great need in operational departments to lead in challenging times. Well-trained leaders are essential to support students and staff throughout a school district, whether in a role that supervises in a central office capacity or at another site. Strengthen your communication and leadership skills with research-based techniques, tools, and structuring devices to become a more effective leader and to build strong teams.

Many key leadership topics will be covered in the program, including:

• What It Means to be a Leader
• Establishing a Positive Work Culture
• Being a First Time Leader and Moving from Co-Worker to Supervisor
• How To Establish a Vision for your Department or Organization
• Leading Change
• Setting and Managing Projects and Priorities
• Celebrating and Honoring Employees
• The Leader as Communicator
• Using Emotional Intelligence to Effectively Lead
• Deciphering Contracts and Understanding Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Strengthening Organizational Skills
• Building Teams, Building People
• The Basics of Understanding and Managing Budgets
• High Impact Communication
• Effective Meetings and Presentations
• Establishing Collaborative Teams
• Leading as a Multiplier

Comprehensive Curriculum

This program emphasizes specific and pragmatic skills that classified leaders need to know to be able to thrive as a school business leader. The content of this academy is presented in an online lecture and discussion format, relying upon class interactions, small group breakouts, and out-of-class assignments/practical applications that are built on a leadership inventory with skills you want to enhance to be a stronger leader.  Unlike other courses, there will be no quizzes for the Classified Leadership Academy but rather applications of the lessons learned in modules with job applications that can also be used in the design of a portfolio for future leadership roles.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The TSS Classified Leader Certificate Program has been created as a comprehensive program designed to introduce new or strengthen current leadership skills of aspiring or current directors in roles such as payroll, accounting, audit roles, risk management, technology, food and nutrition, purchasing, warehouse, maintenance and operations, facilities, worker’s compensation, benefits, and human resources roles. This program is helpful for those who have not been through leadership credential or Master’s Degree programs, focusing on those leaders and prospective leaders who have come up through school district roles without the direct coursework in leadership.

The course’s group atmosphere will encourage team building, visioning, and general leadership skills to effectively manage, while providing an opportunity for participants to expand their skill sets in a challenging yet encouraging environment.  Specialized assignments and class projects are done individually designed to help establish voice, presence, and authentic leadership skills for current or future roles. Participants who successfully complete the course will be issued an TSS Classified Leader Certificate.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1. Attendance and Participation – Participants are expected to attend and contribute in all sessions and must attend all classes in order to receive the TSS Classified Leader Certificate. If an emergency arises, one session may be made-up by writing and an academic paper on the missed classes’ subject matter with pre-approval by the program’s director.
2. Assessments – Activities will be used to deepen and apply the learning. These activities, called homework assignments, will all need to be completed and submitted before earning the Classified Leader Certificate.

The post Classified Leadership Academy first appeared on TSS.

Director of Fiscal Services Academy

Now more than ever, there is a great need in the business office for well-trained staff to support teaching and learning.  The validity and accuracy of the district’s financial report and projections are dependent upon the skill of school business employees managing complex financial systems and data.  To succeed, these school business professionals must be well-trained and understand the theories, methodology, and nuisances of California school finance and accounting.

Comprehensive Curriculum

This program emphasizes specific and pragmatic skills that school fiscal leaders need to know to thrive as school business professionals. The content of this academy is presented in an in-line lecture format, relying upon class discussion, small group projects, and out-of-class assignments/practical applications. There all also some self-passed courses that will be assigned as part of the program.  All participants must take monthly assessments and pass a comprehensive final exam to qualify for the state of California-approved Director of Fiscal Services certificate.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Director of Fiscal Serviced Certificate Program has been created as a comprehensive program designed to produce new or improve the existing skills of experienced or aspiring directors of fiscal service, CBOs and to enhance the knowledge and skill set of other school business personnel. The class consists of a broad base of education and training that occurs both in the classroom setting and by practical application. The academy operates from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (PST) on Fridays and from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM (PST) on Saturdays. Following this structured timeframe, participants are then provided with self-paced courses, allowing them the flexibility to take these classes at their convenience. The academy allows for participants to expand their skill sets in a challenging yet encouraging environment. Specialized assignments and class projects are done individually and as part of small teams. Participants who successfully complete the course will be issued a TSS Director of Fiscal Services Certificate.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1. Attendance and Participation – Participants are expected to attend and contribute to all sessions and must attend all classes in order to receive the TSS Director of Fiscal Services Certificate.   If an emergency arises, one session may be made-up by writing an academic paper on the missed classes’ subject matter pre-approved by the program’s director.
2. Group Projects – There will be various in-class group projects that students will participate in. During these group projects students may be asked to act in various roles such as facilitator, scribe, group leader, etc.
3. Presentation – Participants are required to present one 20-minute PowerPoint presentation on a topic related to school business.
4. Readings – Various readings will be assigned during the academy.   Students will analyze readings and participate in group discussions or writing assignments to apply concepts to real-world situations.
5. Practicum-Participants will select an appropriate practicum which will be due by the end of the course.  The practicum can be a variety of activities, including a needed District project or a specific interview with an experienced CBO, Director of Fiscal Service, School Accountant, etc.  The practicum topic/project must be agreed to by the coordinator.
6. Assessments and Final Exam – Monthly assessments will be given to assess progress and students are required to pass a final exam before earning the Director of Fiscal Services Certificate.
7. Other – Various but limited written or other assignments.

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Director of Maintenance and Operations Academy

2026 Registration is Now Open!

The classes will be held at Orange Unified School District and via Zoom

Class Schedule for 2026

Friday 8 AM to 4 PM & Saturday 8 AM to Noon

• January 23rd & 24th
• February 6th & 7th
• March 6th & 7th
• April 3rd & 4th
• May 8th & 9th
• September 18th & 19th
• October 16th & 17th
• November 13th & 14th

COURSE DESCRIPTION

A complete curriculum called the Director of Maintenance and Operations Academy has been developed to give seasoned maintenance and operations directors new skills or improve their current ones. This 8-month academy, developed by experienced school district maintenance and operations supervisors, school administrators, and other school leaders, consists of a broad base of education and training in the classroom setting, online with both synchronous and asynchronous instruction, and by practical application. The academy will provide participants the chance to broaden their skill set in a tough yet supportive setting that emphasizes industry best practices. Specialized assignments and class projects are completed both alone and in small groups. Participants who finish the course satisfactorily will be awarded a TSS Director of Maintenance and Operations Certificate.

Topics Covered During Academy

• The Importance of School Maintenance
• Preventative and Deferred Maintenance
• Maintenance Standards, Quality Assurance
• Master Facility Planning
• Opening and Closing of Schools
• Transportation
• Photovoltaic Systems
• Integrated Pest Management
• Hazardous Materials and Toxins
• Construction Finance and Management
• Budget and Finance
• Personnel Administration and Human Resources
• Supervision
• Purchasing
• Community, District Relations, and Customer Service
• Public Speaking and Board Presentations
• Risk Management
• Leadership
• Operations
• Food Service
• Business Writing and Communications
• Technology and Information Systems

BASIC STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

The participants will be able to:

1. Acknowledge how and why maintaining a good school is one of the most crucial factors in ensuring student success.
2. Become knowledgeable and develop the skills necessary to be a successful maintenance and operations director.
3. Identify best practices for school districts in areas such as construction management, financial management, budgeting, and other crucial ones for a successful maintenance and operations director.
4. Demonstrate knowledge and skills needed to be an effective leader and supervisor for a school district.
5. Build a strong relationship with district stakeholders and be mindful of and adept at implementing techniques to foster positive relationships across districts and the community.
6. Enhance each director of maintenance’s skill set in areas where they are lacking, while enhancing their strengths.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1. Attendance and Participation –Participants are expected to attend and contribute to all sessions and must attend all classes in order to receive the certificate. If an emergency arises, one session may be made-up by writing an academic paper pre-approved by the program’s instructor or other agreed make-up assignments.
2. Group Projects – The students will take part in a variety of group projects in class. Students may be required to take on many tasks during these group projects, such as facilitator, scribe, group leader, etc.
3. Presentation – Participants are required to present a 45-minute PowerPoint presentation. One Topic will be chosen by the student and another by the instructor.  Student-chosen presentation topics must also be approved by the instructor.
4. Practicum/Project – Participants will select an appropriate practicum which will be due by the end of the course. The practicum can be a variety of activities, including taking on a needed District project or a specific interview with an experienced M&O director, architect, construction manager, etc.  The practicum topic/project must be agreed to by the instructor.
5. Other Assignments – Other assignments will be given on a variety of topics with the goal of honing the skills of the class participant.
6. Assessments – To gauge learning, evaluations will be conducted on a regular basis. A final test marks the end of the academy and passing it is a requirement for graduation.

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