2026 Breakthrough Leadership Institute - USC Rossier Office for Professional Learning

Lead with Clarity, Belonging, and Results to Improve the Experience of Students and Staff

July 12-15, 2026
USC Hotel
Los Angeles, California

Special Offer: If you register by May 15, you will receive a personalized, virtual one-on-one consultation with USC Rossier Dean Pedro Noguera ahead of this year’s Breakthrough Institute event.

What to Expect at BLI 2026

Spend 3 days of uninterrupted time to transform your district in the age of AI

Opportunity to engage with Pedro Noguera on the most pressing problem in your district

Engage with experts in AI, storytelling, systems change, and the science of brain development

Leave with concrete steps to transform your district with clarity, belonging, and results

Intensive case studies and interactive workshops tailored to your district’s specific challenges

Targeted feedback from leading national experts to help you refine your leadership approach

A collegial atmosphere with shared meals and collaborative learning experiences that build lasting community

Immediate, actionable tools for driving systemic change

Introduction by Dr. Pedro Noguera

Distinguished Professor of Education
Emery Stoops and Joyce King Stoops Dean
School of Education; Creator, Breakthrough Leadership Institute

Presented by Dr. Darline P. Robles

USC Rossier Associate Dean for Diversity & Community Engagement;
Retired Superintendent; Creator, Breakthrough Leadership Institute

Featured Speakers

Change Strategies: Leading and Managing Change

Dr. Shon Hiatt

Associate Professor of Management and Organization, USC Marshall School of Business

AI in Education: From Theory to Practical Strategies Ready to Implement at Schools

Christian Jackson

AI Education Strategist & Keynote Speaker

Weaving a Colorful Cloth: Leveraging Developmental Neuroscience to Empower our Students

Dr. Mary Helen Immordino-Yang

Assistant Dean for Leadership; USC Rossier Professor of Clinical Education; Retired Superintendent

The Art of Storytelling: Building Community Through Shared Experience

Celina Santiago

Chief Philanthropy Officer at the California Community College Foundation

Critical Thinking and Generative Artificial Intelligence

Conrad Hughes

Head of School, International School of Los Angeles

Why Attend? Listen to what superintendents, principals, staff from the past three years have to say about their transformative Breakthrough Leadership experience

Play

“Belonging isn’t about “feeling good” it is a requirement for learning, I am inspired to support my team to think outside the box and innovate.”

“I thought I was already inspired to do my best as a teacher in the classroom. This conference has somehow furthered my inspiration.”

“It was amazing to see the evolution of our thinking over the three days with probing from Dean Noguera and Professor Darline Robles,” said Moore. “They challenged our thinking, and we recast our timeline and approach to ensure our students are at the center of this reimagination.”

Each team will have a dedicated facilatator

Dr. David Cash
USC Rossier Assistant Dean of Leadership; Retired Superintendent

Dr. Maria G. Ott
USC Rossier Irving R. and Virginia A. Melbo Chair in Education Administration; Retired Superintendent

Dr. Rudy Crew
Retired Superintendent, Professor of Clinical Education

Dr. Gunn Marie Hansen
Superintendent, Westminster School District

Dr. Greg Franklin
Retired Superintendent, Professor of Clinical Education

Dr. Vivian Ekchian Former Superintendent, Glendale Unified School District

Dr. Wesley Smith
Superintendent, Newport-Mesa Unified School District

BLI is Built around 4 Interelated Pillars

Disrupt

Disrupt how a district or school provides support to a community well versed in its own agency.

Advocate

Advocate clear definitions, actions, and timelines for student growth systems that center on healing and justice.

Reimagine

Reimagine definitions of how students feel connected, seen, and valued in schools.

Innovate

Innovate ways to personalize teaching and learning to local contexts.

Special Offer: If you register by May 15, you will receive a personalized, virtual one-on-one consultation with USC Rossier Dean Pedro Noguera ahead of this year’s Breakthrough Institute event.