Relational Leadership Bootcamp.

A Short Course.

Course Code: RL-BOOTCAMP

Duration: 4 Hours Target Audience: Building-level leaders

Course Synopsis

Designed as a "boot camp," this session bridges the gap between administrative management and relational dynamics, ensuring learners possess the necessary vocabulary and framework knowledge to begin to apply relational leadership methods to their building immediately.

By the conclusion of this session, leaders will shift their focus from "instructional management" to "relational dynamics," specifically preparing them to reduce teacher turnover and enhance job satisfaction.

Course Design Methods

This course is built on the understanding that adult learners require immediate relevance and active experimentation. The design moves beyond abstract theory to focus on applied practice through the following methodologies:

The "Try It Tomorrow" Philosophy: The curriculum utilizes a "Micro-Task" format, encouraging low-stakes interactions focused on connection rather than business logistics.

Reflective Analysis: Learners engage in a "Transactional Audit" of their own calendars to identify the ratio of logistical vs. relational interactions in their actual work week.

Simulation-Based Learning: Participants utilize generic scenarios ("Retention Crisis") to practice applying complex theories before facing high-stakes real-world situations.

Hour by Hour Breakdown

Hour 1: The Paradigm Shift

Hour 2: Theoretical Frameworks of Leadership

Hour 3: The Anatomy of Trust

Hour 4: Standards Alignment & Readiness

Course Synopsis: Relational Leadership for School Leaders

Course Code: RL- 500

Credit Length: 8 - 15 Weeks Mode: In-Person

Course Overview

In an era of high educator turnover, technical management is no longer sufficient to lead a thriving school. Relational Leadership for School Leaders is a practice-based graduate course designed specifically for building-level administrators who are ready to move beyond abstract theory and drive real change.

This course equips you to become an executive consultant for your own campus. By critically evaluating Relational Leadership Theory and leveraging data, you will design actionable strategies to reduce teacher burnout, enhance job satisfaction, and cultivate a psychological safety net that supports high-quality instruction.

Why This Matters for Texas School Leaders (T-PESS Alignment)

Texas principals operate under the rigorous Texas Principal Evaluation and Support System (T-PESS). This course is explicitly mapped to help you gather evidence and demonstrate proficiency in the highest-leverage T-PESS domains.

• Master T-PESS Standard 4 (Human Capital): Move beyond basic staffing. You will use "School Relationship Audits" to diagnose retention issues and implement mentoring structures that keep great teachers in your building.

  Elevate T-PESS Standard 3 (Executive Leadership): Develop the "Executive Strategy Brief," a skill-building assignment that prepares you to communicate culture shifts to Superintendents and School Boards effectively.

  Refine T-PESS Standard 5 (Ethics & Professional Norms): Through reflective portfolios, you will deepen your awareness of bias, influence, and communication styles, ensuring your leadership identity is both ethical and impactful.

The "Andragogy Advantage": How We Teach Matters

Unlike traditional courses that rely on passive lectures, this curriculum was built using Andragogy (Adult Learning Theory) to respect your time and expertise as a working professional.

1. From "Sit and Get" to "Try It Tomorrow" We understand that school leaders need immediate solutions. Every learning module includes a "Try It Tomorrow" micro-task.

• Example: Instead of writing a paper on trust, you will conduct a "Listening Tour" or a low-stakes "Trust Audit" with your staff immediately to identify barriers to belonging.

2. You Are the Case Study Adult learners thrive when learning is relevant. You will not just study hypothetical schools; you will act as a consultant for your own campus. Your coursework involves analyzing your school’s climate data, solving your retention problems, and drafting your strategic action plans.

3. The Consultancy Protocol Leveraging the collective experience of the cohort, we utilize "Tuning Protocols." Instead of standard peer review, you will present real "Relational Dilemmas" you are facing, allowing your peers to act as consultants to help you solve resistance and implementation challenges in real-time.

Key Deliverables & ROI

By the end of this course, you will walk away with professional assets ready for implementation:

• Executive Strategy Brief: A 2-page proposal for the Superintendent or Board regarding cultural leadership shifts, replacing the traditional academic essay.

  School Relationship Audit: A diagnostic report visualizing your campus's trust and safety data.

  Relational Leadership Action Plan: A comprehensive intervention strategy (e.g., mentoring systems, shared decision-making councils) tailored to your audit findings.

  Data Narrative: A presentation or simulation proving the impact of your interventions on staff sentiment and retention.

Who Should Enroll?

This course is a prerequisite for admission to educational leadership or advanced certification programs. It is ideal for:

• Aspiring and current Principals/Assistant Principals.

• Teacher Leaders seeking administrative certification.

• District Administrators focused on Human Capital and Talent Management.

Ready to lead with influence rather than just authority?