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Attendance:

480-541-1002

Attendance:

480-541-1002
KALA

 

Kyrene Aspiring Leaders Academy

“I am a Key to Kyrene and more than my job title!”

History

Since 2011, the Kyrene Aspiring Leaders Academy (KALA) has been a cornerstone of the district’s Grow Your Own leadership approach, cultivating Kyrene employees into future leaders at all levels of the organization. KALA is designed to empower staff with professional growth opportunities and a clear pathway for advancement, reinforcing Kyrene’s commitment to developing leadership from within.

Purpose

KALA is a free one year program that provides growth for aspiring leaders. There are two options for aspiring leaders, the KALA General Leadership Cohort and the KALA Certified/Administrative Cohort.

General Leadership Cohort

This cohort is designed for education support professionals, educators, and administrators who want to develop their leadership skills. This cohort is best suited for current non school-based employees who aspire to leadership roles outside of traditional school administration, in areas such as talent management, facilities, technology, and other critical support functions.

2024-25 KALA General Leadership Track Cohort
A group of adults in matching blue shirts standing in front of a mural.

Back row (left to right): Gavin Sorace, Bob Sorace, Bailey Isenberg, Kim Wadsworth, Emily Davis, Leah Scott, Tiffany Hardaway, Mirabel Olivas-Smith; Second row (left to right): Dr. Jo Shurman, Holly Cook, Nicole Ashton, Jen Griffin, Jennifer Belding, Josh Glider; Front row (left to right): Anthony Ledesma, Priscilla Chand, Emily Angier, Desirae Smith, Soyoun Park, Lindsay Hightower

Certified and Administrative Cohort

This cohort is designed for certified school-based and district-based certified educators and administrators who are interested in pursuing leadership roles in schools or at the district level. The focus will be on preparing participants for school leadership and district leadership positions, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary for impactful educational leadership

2024-25 KALA Certified Track Cohort
A group of adults pose together for a photo.

Back row (left to right): Harley Ruda, David Panther, Jason Baumann; Second row (left to right):  Laura Etringer, Amber Kimball, Elva Cosio-Martinez, Nicole Dodson, Stephanie Purcell, Tera Nelson, Kayleigh Durigg, Anna Sion; Front row (left to right): Jen Redshaw, Sarah Neal, Nicole Wintring, Annalia Cota, Diana Stockwell, Becky Minarcik, Jody Mills, Morgan Bettis-Pahl; Not pictured: Josh Jolin