Leading with Empathy: A Shadow-a-Student Design Course for School Leaders | Act 45
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Jan 28, 2026 thru Mar 25, 2026
Synchronous & Virtual
30 Act 45 hours
About
This course is synchronous and virtual; aimed at preparing participants with empathy-driven leadership skills through the immersion in the student shadow challenge framework and tools designed by Stanford D School & IDEO. Participants will learn to design their own empathy shadow experiences to gain insights into the challenges students face, as well as challenge their own assumptions and biases. Join the national Shadow A Student movement and gain valuable insights and emerge inspired to design impactful changes to enhance student engagement and achievement.
Big Ideas
The Power of Empathy: Understanding the importance of experiencing school through a student's perspective to make informed leadership decisions.
Challenging Assumptions: Identifying and reflecting on biases to view student needs with "beginner's eyes.”
Observation as a Leadership Tool: Using structured frameworks to capture actionable insights about student learning and engagement.
Design Thinking for Change: Applying empathy, ideation, and prototyping to create quick-win solutions ("hacks”) for school improvement.
Data-Driven Reflection and Action: Turning observations into measurable, student-centered interventions that lead to growth and achievement.
Contact
Megan Roberts Meganr@cciu.org | CCIU Instructional Initiatives Coordinator | 484-237-5009